Auckland · 23 September 2026
Advancing Manufacturing Forum 2026
From assessment to action. A full-day forum connecting New Zealand manufacturers, academics, and the next generation of engineers.
- --
- Days
- --
- Hrs
- --
- Mins
- --
- Secs
- Date
- 23 September 2026
- Venue
- AUT City Campus
Presented by
About the forum
Where manufacturing challenges meet fresh thinking
AMF2026 brings together New Zealand’s manufacturing community, industry leaders, academics and the next generation of engineers for a day focused on solving real-world manufacturing challenges.
This is not a traditional conference. Manufacturers bring the challenges; experts, students and industry peers bring fresh perspectives and practical solutions.
The programme combines interactive workshops and industry–academia sessions spanning process innovation, advanced materials, automation, sustainable production and digital transformation. Participants will leave with practical ideas, new connections and clear pathways into the wider innovation ecosystem.
AMF2026 is particularly designed for small and medium-sized manufacturers who are:
- Challenge-ready: willing to share a specific production bottleneck or innovation challenge in advance, helping shape the workshops.
- Collaboration-ready: open to working with universities, students and other manufacturers to explore new approaches.
For SMEs, it is a unique opportunity to put real operational challenges in front of independent academic experts and emerging engineering talent — gaining fresh thinking, building valuable relationships and uncovering opportunities to take their manufacturing capability to the next level.
Panel discussion, 9:15 am
The Future of Manufacturing in New Zealand
A moderated discussion between government, industry, and academia on what it will take to lift New Zealand’s manufacturing capability over the next decade.
- PanellistIndustrySarah RamsayCEO & Co-owner, United MachinistsSarah Ramsay leads United Machinists based in Dunedin, an advanced manufacturer supplying high-value sectors from aerospace to medical technology.Since 2019, she has driven the company’s transformation through automation, digital production systems, and advanced machining, all grounded in a people-first approach.Sarah is also chair of AMA and the Minister’s Manufacturing Productivity Advisory Group.LinkedIn
- PanellistGovernmentShaun TwaddleManager, Small Business & Manufacturing Policy, MBIEShaun leads MBIE’s small business and manufacturing policy team, shaping the policy levers that affect how NZ manufacturers invest, compete, and grow.LinkedIn
- PanellistAcademiaProf Xun XuDepartment of Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering, University of AucklandProfessor Xu’s research covers computer-aided design, process planning, STEP-NC, cloud manufacturing, digital twins, and Industry 4.0.He established NZ’s first Industry 4.0 laboratory at the University of Auckland: the Laboratory for Industry 4.0 Smart Manufacturing Systems (LISMS).ProfileLISMS
- ModeratorAmos BreyfoglePrincipal, Advanced Manufacturing & Strategy, Pivot InnovationAmos Breyfogle is an engineering leader specialising in advanced manufacturing, 3D printing, and technology-driven product development.With global experience across the US and Germany, he helps companies adopt additive manufacturing and automation.Amos is an AMA Board Member based in Queenstown Lakes, supporting community fabrication initiatives and advocating for New Zealand’s advanced manufacturing future.LinkedIn
- PanellistIndustryTO BE ANNOUNCEDSenior industry representative
Provisional Programme
The day, hour by hour
- 8:30 am9:00 amRegistrationWG201
- 9:00 am9:15 amWelcomeWA224A-B
- 9:15 am10:00 amPanel discussionWA224A-B
- 10:00 am10:30 amMorning teaWG201
- 10:30 am11:30 amParallel sessions
- Session AWA224ADigital Manufacturing and Process ModellingMaterials science, tooling, surface treatment, and production quality for New Zealand manufacturers.
Prof. Sarat Singamneni, AUTRead bio - Session BWA224BGoing Digital, Going Smart, Staying SecureHow can we use AI tools for data analysis, information retrieval and decision-making while keeping all my data secure?
Prof. Xun Xu, UoARead bio
- Session AWA224ADigital Manufacturing and Process ModellingMaterials science, tooling, surface treatment, and production quality for New Zealand manufacturers.
- 11:30 am12:30 pmIndustry Engagement SessionWA224A-B
- 12:30 pm1:30 pmLunchWG201
- 1:30 pm2:30 pmParallel sessions
- Session CWA224AManufacturing Processes and MaterialsResearch into advanced manufacturing processes, materials innovation, and industry applications.
Prof. Zhan Chen, AUTRead bio - Session DWA224BDigital Manufacturing LightIndustry 4.0 tools that SMEs can implement now: sensors, automation, dashboards, and data.
Dr Jan Polzer, UoARead bio
- Session CWA224AManufacturing Processes and MaterialsResearch into advanced manufacturing processes, materials innovation, and industry applications.
- 2:30 pm3:30 pmIndustry Engagement SessionWA224A-B
- 3:30 pm4:00 pmAfternoon teaWG201
- 4:00 pm4:30 pmClosing keynoteClosing NoteWA224A-B“What We’ve Learned About Competing Globally from New Zealand”So what does it take to remain competitive as a New Zealand manufacturer?HamiltonJet is one of NZ’s most globally successful advanced manufacturers, producing waterjet propulsion systems in Christchurch for export markets worldwide, supported by over 200 local NZ suppliers. Rob leads operations and will close the day with hard-won lessons from the frontline of NZ manufacturing.Rob McKenzie-CarrollChief Operating Officer, HamiltonJet
- 4:30 pmCloseWG201
Registration
Secure Your Place
Industry
$149
per company
Covers two attendees from the same company, including catering and the industry engagement session.
- Two attendees per company
- Full-day programme access
- Catering included
- Project brief pitch slot
Contact
Get in touch
- General enquiriesecmsengagement@aut.ac.nzAnything about the forum, the programme, or the venue.
- Registrationcatherine@amanz.nzTickets, invoices, and attendee changes.