Innovative solutions for primary sector
This article was published in Business South Magazine in December 2023.
Author: Karen Phelps
Link to original article: https://digitalpublications.online/waterfordpress/business-south-december-22/54/
Trinder Engineering specialises in providing products and services that enhance clients’ productivity, safety and efficiency and it has just launched a new range of products to help the forestry industry.
Sold under the WASP brand, the trio of products includes a chain placer, chain tensioner and load-monitoring device.
The chain placer is an industry first, believes Trinder Engineering co-owner Kerry Hill. It mechanically loads the chain on the log truck to eliminate the need for people to throw the chains. He says this is a health and safety risk and often results in people injuring their arms and shoulders over time. The chain placer makes the job easier and so enables more people to do this job safely.
The chain tensioner offers an alternative to other industry options and the load monitor is a new industry innovation. The products work together to constantly tension and monitor the load, sending a signal to the cab that the load is tensioned or alerting the driver if there is an issue.
No wiring is required as it sends a signal via Bluetooth. Kerry says the products have obvious health and safety benefits, protecting other road users. Developed with the assistance of Forest Growers Research and ACC, the products have already generated international interest meaning export potential.
It’s just one example of how Trinder Engineering works successfully with the primary sector to come up with innovative solutions. Started in 1958, Trinder Engineering is renowned for its engineering excellence and strong focus on helping clients to increase productivity.
“We design, manufacture, install and repair a wide range of equipment and products.
We have been developing new machinery for the industrial, forestry, farming, viticulture, horticulture, aquaculture, heavy transport and other sectors New Zealand wide for many years,” says Kerry.
“In everything we do we uphold our vision to be an engineering design, research and manufacturing company delivering innovation, quality and compliance to primary industry across the globe.”
Employing a specialist design team, with a research and innovation arm, training is a big part of Trinder Engineering’s company culture.
After training many apprentices Trinder has developed an innovative approach to assist engineers to further their professional careers. Trinder Engineering has sought funding streams and sourced projects then liaised with educational institutes to find the right student/graduate to match.
“This helps make an easier pathway for people to study to masters level,” explains Kerry.
“In everything we do we uphold our vision to be an engineering design, research and manufacturing company delivering innovation, quality and compliance to primary industry across the globe.”
“It results in the development of a real-world product or solution to an industry problem and the graduate incurs no debt as they are essentially working while they train in the real world, gaining valuable skills. Everyone wins.”
Based in Richmond, Nelson, Trinder Engineering’s services include design and development, research, fabrication, manufacture, repair and maintenance.
Areas of specialisation include mechanical design and process handling equipment.
Trinder Engineering includes subsidiary Waimea Engineering, which has its own brand of heavy transport products and forestry related services.
Kerry says a key focus is smaller volume equipment manufacture, working with clients to develop a design solution or working from a client’s design to manufacture a product.
“All of our products and services at Trinder Engineering are focused on improving our clients processes, functionality and productivity. We see our job as enabling them to better serve their industry and their customers”