NZ to have strong METSTRADE presence

No fewer than 15 New Zealand companies will be exhibiting at METSTRADE this year with a wide range of innovative marine products.

Peter Busfield, CEO of the New Zealand Marine Industry Association (MIA), says that METSTRADE is an important show for the Kiwi industry and it reinforces their commitment to innovation and technical development. “Kiwi companies have long supported the show, and it is encouraging to see that some of our leading marine brands will be showcased to the world,” he says.

The Kiwi companies at this year’s show are incredibly diverse – from world leaders in marine electronics Fusion Entertainment, ENL, designers and manufacturers of the WAASP multi beam sounder, to clothing manufacturer Events Clothing and aerial manufacturer Pacific Aerials.

Amongst some of the new products on display will be from leaders in hidden panel mounting systems, Fastmount, who will exhibit at METSTRADE for the 12th year running. The company will have a new stand entirely constructed of Fastmount panels, to demonstrate the products’ potential and give their customers the most interactive experience possible.

Fastmount will be showcasing the new heavy duty TC-F6H from its Textile Range, which was designed as a heavy duty mounting solution for exterior cushions on superyachts.

Oceanmax, developer and manufacturer of Propspeed, will also showcase its new product, Lightspeed. Lightspeed is a revolutionary product specifically designed for underwater lights. Non-toxic and easy to apply, it is said to be the first aftermarket coating of its kind.

ConnexWire is New Zealand’s leading wiring and electrical solutions provider. They design and manufacture switch panels and plug and play electrical systems for marine and automotive OEMs across Australasia. They are actively looking to expand their distribution network for their retail products and harness business globally.

Two-times DAME category award winners TruDesign are known for innovative, high-quality composite products in the specialist area of Thru Hulls, Ball Valves, Vented Loops Y Valves and associated plumbing fittings. More innovation will be shown this year including their Saddle Clip and Base assembly enabling the efficient routing of wiring and plumbing hoses.

Ultralon Foam Group will be looking to expand sales of their U-Dek anti-slip, closed-cell foam deck treads. U-Dek is an easy to maintain alternative to moulded in anti-slip or paint-on textures for traction in wet areas, is UV protected and non-absorbent.

Paul Goddard, general manager of Ultralon Foam Group, says: “We are looking to expand our dealer network in Europe and can offer CNC cutting heads for foam sheets and full technical support to OEMs and start-up builders”.

U-Dek Laminated deck treads offer a smart-looking solution for the boat owner who wants a long lasting, low maintenance plank-look flooring. Made from durable, closed-cell PE and EVA foam options. U-Dek deck treads are explicitly designed for marine applications.

Another new Kiwi exhibitor at METSTRADE will be Tectrax with their revolutionary hub-mounted electric drive amphibious system. Tectrax is an All Wheel Electric Drive system (AWED) that powers a vessel down the ramp, through sand and grass, and into the water.

“We see Europe as an important market for us as we have an all-electric amphibious system that will now open up a lot of the lakes and areas that are restricted to conventional petrol and diesel power boats,”  says Tectrax’s Fraser Brown.

“We are already working with a number of clients who have expressed interest in using our system in their electric-powered craft, so it’s a great and efficient combination,” added Brown.

Busfield says: “With the New Zealand marine industry extremely positive at the moment, buoyed by the forthcoming Americas Cup in 2021, shows like METSTRADE are extremely important to the growth in exports, particularly for our equipment manufacturers.”