Manufacturers access to top technology and funding

Wednesday, 31 January 2007

New Manukau Institute of Technology centre to give local manufacturers
access to top technology and funding

The establishment of the new Manukau Centre for Mechatronics means Manukau’s small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) will now have state-of-the-art mechatronic technology right on their doorstep.

The centre has been set up by Manukau Institute of Technology to provide local manufacturers with ready access to the latest advancements in mechatronic technology, which is a combination of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering.

The facility will provide small to medium-sized manufacturing companies with access to MIT’s technical and research expertise, says centre manager Garry Robinson.

“Local manufacturers with limited research and development budgets will be able to draw on our electrical, computer and mechanical engineering experts who can help them develop new products.”

Enterprises will also receive assistance from the centre to access government research and development funding from agencies such as Technology New Zealand, operated by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology.

“The centre has a high profile with Technology New Zealand and other funding agencies. Our staff members are also able to assist with funding applications,” says Garry.

Located in East Tamaki, the Manukau Centre for Mechatronics is ideally situated to engage with a range of potential industry partners. “The centre is located in the heart of one of the main light industrial areas in Manukau, and Highbrook Business Park which is currently being developed.”

Boasting the latest mechanical, electrical, computer and electronic equipment, the centre is fully geared to introduce new mechatronics concepts to local industries, says Garry. “The centrepiece of our equipment is a modular production system with which we can simulate production processes to provide technical and research solutions.”

The centre plans to provide a range of short courses and can design individual technical and vocational training packages for organisations and their employees. It features a training room equipped with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), touchscreens, variable speed drives, computers and specialised software.

MIT engineering students meanwhile will be able to gain hands-on experience at the centre, says Garry. “This will ensure the students have a more mature attitude and a higher level of preparation for the workforce by the time they graduate.”

The Manukau Centre for Mechatronics is located at Unit G, 62 Greenmount Drive, East Tamaki.

ENDS

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