A compassionate workplace Engineering focus: migration rules a sign of progress 8 November 2016 Lantek and Bystronic announce an innovation partnership Bystronic, provider of state of the art sheet metal processing systems and services, has agreed an innovation partnership with Lantek, leaders in software solutions and the development and deployment of software systems for the optimised production of sheet metal, tube and profile parts. The two companies have entered into a long-term technology partnership and a strategic global alliance whereby Lantek will provide Bystronic with manufacturing management software systems and consultancy expertise. Bystronic wants to satisfy its customers’ needs with a reliable and robust manufacturing management system which has been widely tested worldwide to support its excellence in machines and its global sales network. Lantek brings its global presence, its software engineering expertise, and its unique and powerful manufacturing management system, providing an ideal match for the manufacturer. Together, Lantek and Bystronic will be able to accelerate the pace of key developments. The aim is for the companies to collaborate to develop an MES system which will be seamlessly integrated with Bystronic‘s machine systems and software, resulting in a solution which will excel in cooperating with the Bystronic’s systems, raising them to the next level of productivity and efficiency. The collaboration between these two industry leaders will help in the realisation of the digital factory for both Lantek and Bystronic customers. The combining of the resources and experience of these two industry pioneers in machine tools and software is a critical step in driving innovation and making the digital factory a reality. Together, says the company, Bystronic and Lantek have a great legacy and will be instrumental in building the most advanced sheet metal production facilities ever constructed. Alberto Martinez, ceo, Lantek says, “I am thrilled that Lantek is now a technology partner for Bystronic, a symbol of innovation for machine tool builders worldwide. The Lantek technology portfolio is wide and deep, and Bystronic’s excellence in machine construction is world renowned. With innovation a part of the DNA of both companies, this partnership will help Bystronic’s customers transform how they manage Bystronic machines and transcend the established boundaries in the sheet metal industry.” Bystronic ceo, Alex Waser, says: “With Lantek, we have gained a strong partner who will help us expand our existing software portfolio with new solutions. This partnership will provide our customers with twofold know-how. Together, Bystronic and Lantek will develop innovations that will guide users into a world of digitally networked manufacturing.” Both Lantek and Bystronic are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, so the alliance marks this milestone for the two companies. For Lantek, the agreement will underpin its strategy which focuses on the digitalisation of sheet metal companies worldwide. Changes to Immigration NZ’s permanent residence rules will help prioritise more highly skilled immigrants, says BusinessNZ. The Government has announced a slight reduction in residence approvals for the next two years, along with a higher points requirement for the skilled migrants category. BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope says it’s important that immigration settings allow the entry of skilled migrants while maintaining an overall level of migration that works for New Zealand. “Increasing the points required by skilled migrants to gain residence from 140 to 160 will help sharpen the annual intake towards higher skilled people. “It is positive that the Government has taken on board some of the concerns of employers regarding the skill base of those achieving permanent residency status. “Employers would also like to see more work done on sharpening the system further to ensure that in-demand skills such as engineering remain a key priority - more work is needed to ensure the criteria weightings of the points under the Skilled Migrant Category deliver long term economic and social benefits to New Zealand. “The announcement is an encouraging sign of progress towards a migration system that benefits the workforce and New Zealand generally.” NZTech chief appointed to world tech board The leader of all things tech in New Zealand, NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller, has been elected to the board of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA). The alliance is the leading recognised international voice of the global ICT industry, whose members from over 80 countries represent more than 90 percent of the world ICT market. Mr Muller says WITSA is dedicated to advocating policies that advance economic growth and development; facilitating international trade and investment in ICT products and services; and provide tech firms around the world with a broad network of connections. “This is a great channel for helping raise the awareness globally that New Zealand is a leading hi-tech nation. There are huge opportunities for New Zealand tech firms to grow internationally and I will be working to ensure policies and relationships are in place to help them throughout the world.” Because the challenges facing the ICT industry are undisputedly global in nature, WITSA members work together to achieve a shared vision on important issues of common interest. WITSA makes it possible for its members — ranging from Mongolia and Argentina to Kenya and the United States — to identify common issues and priorities, exchange valuable information, and present a united position on industry issues. “The New Zealand tech sector is growing at unprecedented rates and now accounts for 9% of GDP and employs 5% of the workforce. But the big opportunity is the growth of exports, worth $6.3 billion in 2015 and on track to cross the $10 billion mark by 2018 at current growth rates. “By getting onto the WITSA Board I hope to be able to develop international relationships to help smooth the way for our exporting tech firms and raise the global awareness of how advanced New Zealand firms are. “NZTech has been able to expose a number of hi-growth New Zealand tech firms to international recognition with one in particular, ARANZ Medical winning the Global ICT Excellence Award, the equivalent of an Oscar for the tech sector,” Mr Muller says. New Zealand’s leading 200 hi-tech companies have reached combined annual revenues of $9.4 billion – up 12% in just one year, according to the annual Technology Investment Network’s TIN 100 report just released. Top performers include companies like Datacom Group, Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, Gallagher Group and Xero. “We have hundreds of world class tech firms and market leaders, and amazing new successful firms emerging every year. We’re really excited about our planning for Techweek 2017. We are pulling together hundreds of tech and innovation conferences, events and activities right across New Zealand for a week in May (6-14) next year. This will be huge,” Mr Muller says. Last chance to be into win...
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