RENDERTECH - Key Persons
With a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and qualifications in mechanical drafting, AutoCAD, Advance Steel and SolidWorks, Ian combines his up-to-date 3D design skills with hands-on experience. As a CAD technician in Brazil, he performed a vital role checking design documentation for quality and accuracy. More recently he was the project manager on Cooper & Co.'s Barrington and Sofrana project in Auckland's CBD, in which he managed design processes and drawings, fabrication, installation and commissioning.
On starting a new project, he acquires a full understanding of the scope of work and engineering concepts, as well as the schedule and budget parameters. He builds strong relationships with clients, who value the ‘two-way street' of information sharing and learning, on top of the evident care he puts into every aspect of his work.
As part of the Rendertech team since 2013, I have had a diverse range of responsibilities including tendering, projects, process design and commissioning. I enjoy finding engineering solutions for clients, matching business goals to plant design including proprietary and manufactured equipment specification. Projects range from large-scale, new-build rendering plants and wastewater treatment systems to retrofits and servicing of existing plants and the designing and commissioning of bulk storage tanks. It's wide-ranging and interesting work.
With an exemplary track record as an optimiser, solutions finder and troubleshooter, Michael engages in all aspects of chemical and process engineering. He listens to clients to establish key briefing parameters, and works with other team members to design technical process solutions, backed up with excellent technical service support.
Michael draws on a wealth of process and project engineering experience gained in the pulp and paper, chemical, dairy, and water and wastewater treatment industries. Highlights include commissioning work for a state-of-the-art nitrocellulose plant, technical process improvement in power/chemical recovery for Australian Paper, project proposals for a butter fractionation plant, and optimising run times in pulp and paper and dairy evaporators.
Michael seeks to exceed stakeholder expectations in every projects he delivers. With a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering and a master's in engineering science, he has authored technical papers for Appita (Australasian Pulp and Paper Technical Assoc.) and Australian Paper, and won an award for evaporator troubleshooting and optimising work with Fonterra.
With almost 40 years' experience in engineering, and 35 years' design experience across a range of heavy engineering industries, my role is to design new equipment and provide detailed 3D technical drawings for fabrication. I take great pride in refining product designs down to simple and elegant solutions that are fit-for-purpose, safe for operators, energy-efficient and easy to maintain. If I see room for a product improvement, I'll nut out the concept with the process engineer.
I am very focused on the detail and performance of the equipment we design and manufacture. As a qualified toolmaker and mechanical engineer, I picture the products both in terms of the practicalities in manufacturing and their efficiency and operation on the plant floor. A successful product and system is a balance of cost and performance, and I look to optimise the two. After adopting 3D modelling software in 2000, in 2006 I moved exclusively to SolidWorks.
I'm a qualified mechanical design engineer with over 30 years' experience in product development for wastewater, rendering, mining, and general engineering. My role at Rendertech encompasses new plant and equipment design, pressure vessel design, tender drawings, and design management. I work closely with clients to define requirements and with the Rendertech design and technical team to turn project goals into reality. Design for health and safety is a big driver in engineering around the world, and Rendertech embeds best practice throughout our design and manufacture.
I have been the champion for SolidWorks design at Rendertech including 3D plant piping design modelling and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). We continually refine our designs for reliability and constructability, and I am incredibly motivated to achieve successful plant and equipment designs that will perform over their lifetime. Career highlights include working on large and challenging projects in New Zealand, Africa, and South America.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Sales & Technical Director
Steve is one of the pioneers of low-temperature rendering. During his work for the Meat Industry Research Institute of New Zealand (MIRINZ), he became co-inventor of the MIRINZ Low Temperature Rendering System. One of the patent holders, he helped design a system that cut energy use in half and produced a better-quality product in the process.
During the mid-1980s Steve worked with IST Engineering Ltd, and they teamed up with Stord Bartz to develop a new and improved rendering system, the Press Dewatering System (PDS).
In 1988, Rendertech was established to develop a complete range of rendering industry equipment, and to import a selection of complementary products. Steve is 100% focused on continual improvement of plant efficiency, product quality, and positive environmental outcomes in the Australasian processing industry. As director, he is hands-on with project scoping and pricing, and developing practical solutions for clients. An expert in both equipment and processes, he applies his extensive knowledge to get the right solution for the plant, always generous with his expert opinion and advice.
Rendertech's co-founder Steve Dunn was part of the design team who developed the first low-temperature rendering plants in New Zealand. This technology virtually halves the energy used by traditional high-temperature plants, improves the quality of the output, and significantly reduces odour. Today, we are Australasia's only low-temperature rendering specialists.
At Rendertech, Zak bridges the gap between design and operations. He works closely with project authors and mechanical engineers to ensure the design meets the client's technical, commercial and budget requirements. By helping designers understand what operators are looking for, and helping operators understand the logic behind the design, Zak plays a key role in optimising project outcomes. Additionally, he assists with troubleshooting and commissioning processes.
With a First-Class Honours degree in Chemical and Materials Engineering, Zak combines outstanding technical knowledge with strong practical experience, including operational process engineering roles with a leading global mining group in Australia. His experience reaches across design, operations and maintenance, giving him a well-rounded perspective in his field.
Clients and colleagues value Zak's up-front and considered input. They also value his audience-focused communication style and his ability to provide both answers and the thinking behind them, giving them confidence in the quality of his analysis. A true team player, Zak is not afraid to tackle challenges outside his comfort zone, consistently aiming to add value to any project he undertakes.