By lisaha01

Copyright engineeringnews

An ‘innovation powerhouse’ in processing automation

MHM Automation is described as a technology-led innovator that’s “revolutionising materials handling, chilling, and freezing for food processors” on a global scale. The company says it represents a dynamic convergence of some of New Zealand’s most respected brands in the industrial capital equipment sector, each recognised for pioneering advancements in their fields.

With roots in Christchurch dating back more than 160 years, MHM Automation, previously known as Mercer Group, initially gained prominence through its excellence in stainless fabrication serving the dairy industry. Driven by a strategy of growth and diversification, the company integrated several innovative New Zealand businesses, each poised for global expansion but constrained by limited capital and resources.

CEO Richard Rookes explains the strategic move: “We identified Kiwi businesses that had developed world-leading technologies. Their potential was enormous, but accessing the necessary capital for international growth was challenging. By bringing these businesses together, we created a company with the scale and diversification required to propel their global success.”

Milmeq, known for “developing groundbreaking chilling and freezing solutions” for meat and dairy exporters, and Hastings-based Haden & Custance (H&C), “acclaimed for its robotic materials handling,” were among the businesses integrated. Additional capabilities came from AiCo’s carton systems, BetaVac’s vacuum packaging technology, and Southern Cross Engineering (SCE). Collectively, these integrations established the company as a versatile, innovative solutions provider dedicated to the food and primary product processing industries.

“In 2021, reflecting our sharpened focus on advanced automation technology, the company rebranded as MHM Automation. This strategic shift enabled a deeper commitment to global markets and positioned MHM as an international innovation leader,” says Rookes.

In 2023, MHM acquired Wyma, a “global leader” in post-harvest vegetable and fruit processing equipment. This landmark acquisition almost doubled the size of the company.

A further leap occurred in 2024, when MHM became part of the US-based Fortifi Food Processing Solutions group, alongside sister companies Bettcher Industries and Frontmatec.

“To truly elevate our business, we needed to go global. Joining Fortifi has significantly boosted our international success,” says Rookes.

Being part of Fortifi means MHM can leverage an expanded global network, bringing its advanced technologies directly to international customers. Currently experiencing significant growth across North America, the UK, and Ireland, MHM is establishing dedicated in-market sales and service teams to better support these regions.

“Our reverse packaging systems – which de-palletise, de-box, and de-bag bulk products to prepare them for further processing – are recognised as world leading, particularly in the cheese and meat processing sectors,” Rookes adds.

Yet, despite its expanding global presence, MHM Automation remains proudly New Zealand-based, continuing local design and manufacturing. Domestically, the company continues its trailblazing approach to robotics, with notable recent projects including world-first robotic apple-tube filling systems at Rockit and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) transforming pallet handling at Taylor Corp.

Globally, food processors face significant labour shortages and increasing safety regulations, accelerating demand for automation solutions.

“Our customers are telling us they are finding it increasingly difficult to find people to fill manual labour roles, and they are under greater pressure to ensure the safety of their people. Automating manual tasks is a natural next step – it can eliminate many safety risks and increase job satisfaction, by allowing employees to be redirected to perform higher-value tasks within a business,” Rookes says.

Looking to the future, environmental sustainability is expected to remain a hot topic within the industry, and MHM is responding with technology to support food processors’ sustainability efforts.

“Carbon footprint reduction is a key priority driving demand for more energy-efficient chilling and freezing systems and solutions to handle reusable packaging such as crates,” Rookes says. “MHM is proactively developing products to address these evolving needs.”

Strategic partnerships further enhance MHM’s capabilities. A recently announced collaboration with Danish freezing technology provider DSI Dantech allows MHM to supply smaller-scale horizontal and vertical plate freezers throughout Oceania, making energy-efficient freezing accessible to small and medium-sized processors.

“Plate freezing technology offers unmatched speed and energy efficiency. While we manufacture the world’s largest plate freezers – widely adopted in Australia’s meat industry – our collaboration with DSI Dantech makes these benefits available to processors previously unable to justify such an investment,” Rookes adds.

With its legacy of innovation and clear vision for the future, MHM Automation remains dedicated to empowering food processors locally and globally.

“As the global food processing industry continues to evolve rapidly, MHM Automation is committed to leading the way with technology-driven solutions. Our goal is to empower food processors everywhere with advanced automation that enhances efficiency, safety, and sustainability, helping them overcome today’s challenges and thrive in tomorrow’s markets.”

Sponsored content: For more information phone 0800 824 493 or visit www.mhmautomation.com.