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Hi Folks,
I hope that you have had a great start to the year, and are making the most of the opportunities ahead - we are!
The world recession is a wake up call for us all to review our businesses to ensure we are providing exactly what customers want, and getting the delicate mix of price, quality and delivery right.
The key to our success will continue being the strong relationships we have with all stakeholders in the business - customers, suppliers and staff. Thanks for your continued support!
We are continually striving to improve the services we offer which includes increasing the range of services and becoming more efficient. This means we are able to grow the business and become more cost effective at the same time.
It has been a while since I sent you an update of some the new things we have been involved in, so if you have a few minutes, hopefully you will find this of some interest......
Aratiatia Overhaul
ANZAC Class Frigate Upgrade
Lean Manufacturing increases competitiveness
Pulp and Paper work in Australia on the increase
New Double Column Okuma steadily making swarf
Vacancies at AIE
AIE Apprentice competes in International Multisport event
Click on the links to take you to the stories.
Thanks for taking time to read this update, and for your continued support of Allied Industrial Engineering.
Mark Lovegrove
General Manager
"Vision without Action is merely a dream. Action without Vision just passes the time. Vision with Action can change the world!"
Aratiatia G2 Runner Overhaul
We recently assisted MB Century in the overhaul of one of Mighty River Power's Francis Turbines at Aratiatia.
Aratiatia is a hydro station about 13km downstream from Taupo on the Waikato river. The equipment used at the hydro station suffers adversely from erosion due to harsh particles in the river water.
AIE were chosen to assist in the refurbishment by designing and manufacturing a new bottom ring on our new Okuma Double Column Machining centre, building up and machining the sealing diameters on the 50 tonne runner, and reconditioning the Wicket Gates.
Click here for the full story......
Click here to see videos of machining the bottom ring and the runner.
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ANZAC class frigates ASMD upgrade
AIE was recently engaged by multinational defence contractor BAE Systems Australia to supply specialised componentry for ASMD (Anti Ship Missile Defence) upgrade to Australian ANZAC Class Frigates. 
The ASMD upgrade will ensure the ANZAC Class Frigates have an increased level of self-defence against modern anti-ship missiles. The project aims to deliver an initial in-service operational capability by mid 2011 followed by an extended operational evaluation period of 12 months.
AIE is manufacturing a number of significant specialised components and we are very excited to be part of this large project.
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Lean Manufacturing increases competitiveness
AIE recently held a Lean Cluster evening where other firms from around the Bay of Plenty attended the evening to gain an insight into how AIE has introduced Lean Principles within our organisation and their effectiveness. The Lean Cluster evening detailed how the practical Lean methods are really making a difference for AIE, and our customers.
We can see the results of improved planning, standardisation and improved organisation and tidiness. This benefit is consequently passed onto the customer through an improved and more cost-effective service. One on-going project has seen a reduction in the total hours per component from 360 to under 200, with further gains to be made. Watch this space.........
 
Before and After photos of one of our heavy machining benches
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Pulp and Paper work in Australia on the increase
We are excited about the increasing demand we are getting for Pulp and Paper industry work in Australia. Earlier this year we completed a major upgrade of the Washer Diffuser at Visy Pulp and Paper, Tumut. Work included the design, manufacture and installation of the Top Arm assembly and other components, to increase the washer's stroke and capacity. 
We are also overhauling plant and equipment such as Feeders for other pulp and paper plants in Australia, as well as manufacturing new components for them. It seems that our reputation for being a leading supplier of engineering and manufacturing services to the Pulp and Paper sector in New Zealand is spreading across the Tasman!
Washer Diffuser Top Arm assembly
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Okuma steadily making swarf
Our new Okuma Double Column Machining Centre's utilisation is increasing rapidly as customers hear of its capabilities. We are pleased with the progress our operators have made in understanding the complex capabilities of this machine, and we are now confident that we are able to operate most functions at optimum performance. 
If you have large castings or fabrications that need accurate 5 face machining, then please contact us so we can determine if our machine is suited to your requirements. The machining envelope is 3m x 6m x 2m high.
Click here to find our more of this machine's capabilities.
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Vacancies at AIE
We currently have a few vacancies, so I thought I would send you this email in case you know of someone who could be interested in working for us.
Due to significant growth and strong future workload, we are looking for people to join us in the following exciting positions:
Mechanical Engineer
Fitting/ Balancing Supervisor
Applications Close Friday 21st August 2009.
Simply click on the position names above to find out more information. Have a look at the vacancies on our website by clicking here and pass this email on if you think it is appropriate.
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AIE apprentice Sam Clark goes to Brazil to compete in Multisport event
Sam was recently invited to go on an all expenses paid trip to Brazil to compete in the Brasilia Multisport event in the country's capital. Sam is among the Eastern Bay of Plenty's top young athletes with an impressive track record in multisport events. Sam was given the opportunity to travel to Brazil after meeting the Brasilia Multisport event organiser at the 2009 Coast to Coast event. Sam won in the open men's two-day Coast to Coast event in February 2009.  Sam says "I was stoked when I found out I was going. It was a huge opportunity for me. It was great to make connections and friendships with some of the international multisporters".
The gruelling race consisted of a six-kilometre run, 15km lake paddle, 61km bike, 18km paddle, 21km off-road run and finish with an 11km bike leg - in scorching temperatures of up to 35 degrees Celsius and in altitudes of 1400m above sea level. Sam was placed 15th overall which was very impressive considering the borrowed kayak Sam was using was misplaced during the transition from the first lake paddle leg to the second leg of the course. Sam spent 35 minutes organising another boat which was costly time wise. The limited course markings also were to Sam's disadvantage as he spent 40 minutes off the run course after taking a wrong turn. Sam is very positive about the trip though, he says "We had a heap of fun, the experience of the trip overall was great and I'd jump at the opportunity of going again next year".
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