Who we are
With a shared passion for industrial automation NZ, Ben and Marcel, teamed up to build a dynamic, flexible and highly skilled automation company. Their vision is to see industrial automation reach new heights in New Zealand, and they want to be leading that change for Industrial Automation NZ.
Marcel van Niekerk
B.Eng Mechatronics, CMSE® Director - Sales
Marcel’s diverse background in industrial automation encompasses every aspect of the engineering process, from technical consultation through to final implementation. His automation background covers a wide range of industries including Oil & Gas, Food & Beverage, Manufacturing. With an ability to engage with all levels of stakeholders, Marcel adds value through the change process to realise an automation solution that meets everyone’s needs.
Ben Haughey
PMP, M.Eng Director - Operations
15 years experience of leading automation projects across Manufacturing and Logistics with specialist skills in Automated Guided Vehicles, Automated Mobile Robots, machine vision, and high-speed manufacturing. Ben is highly respected in the Automation Industry and always focuses on delivering a high quality product.
Jordan McFall
RME, CMSE® Business Development Manager
Jordan's journey began in Electrical Engineering and over the years he has moved into Controls & Automation, successfully executing industrial projects throughout New Zealand & internationally. Jordan is responsible for developing & growing the Mobile robotics and he is also the one behind the marketing content on our social platforms.
Mahmood Talouzi
M.Eng Automation Manager
Leading our team of Engineers. Mahmood brings a wealth of experience having worked with the Beckhoff team in Italy. Mahmood is highly skilled in all aspects of Industrial Automation and has a strong history with industrial machine Vision systems.
Minnie Henry
Office & Project Administrator
Minnie comes to Automate-X with a long background in the Automation industry. With 15 years experience in Finance & Customer Service, Minnie enjoys being a part of this exciting industry. She is extremely organised and efficient & keeps things ticking along at Automate-X.
Cameron Farrar
B.Eng Mechatronics Project Delivery Manager
A Mechatronics Engineer, Cameron joins Automate-X with extensive experience integrating and improving control systems in the material handling and manufacturing industries. Cameron's high technical skills allows for successful solutions across a range of industries.
Mark Talaese
B.Eng Electrical Automation Engineer
With a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering and first on the Automate-X payroll, Mark's worked across a range of projects from manufacturing, to oil and gas, executing smart and efficient control systems.
Shanima Silva
PhD (reading), MSc, BEng(Hons), MIEEE, MIET Senior Automation Engineer
An Engineer with several years of Automation & Research experience, Shanima enjoys new product & concept development, bringing expansive knowledge & innovative ideas to Automate-X.
Mit Salunkhe
B.Eng Automation Engineer, CMSE®
With a background in the Steel Industry, Mit comes to AutomateX with enthusiasm and a love for all things Automation. CMSE® qualified, Mit is well adept at managing safety projects from initial assessment through to implementation.
July Choo Nawi
B.Eng Automation Engineer
July's innovation knows no bounds, he's published a research paper on Industry 4.0. He also designed and commissioned a low-cost Robotic Crawler for a renowned international inspection company.
Rhys Howell
B.Eng Automation Engineer
Rhys comes to us with extensive industry experience in the food and beverage. Skilled in SCADA, PLC programming and controls design. Rhys is a strong engineering professional who is able to take on a variety of automation tasks.
Chris Simmons
Automation Engineer, RME
Chris is an experienced Controls Systems Engineer with a history of working in the electrical and hydraulic engineering industry. Skilled in Customer Service, Designing and Programming Automation Solutions, Electrical Troubleshooting, Electrical Wiring.
Lewis Hogan-Estall
B.Eng Automation Engineer
Automation Engineer with professional experience in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. He has worked with a range of PLC's and SCADA products including Siemens, Schneider-Electric and Emerson products. His roles have included a mix of development, commissioning, and technical support.
Tim Boorman
BEng(Hons) Automation Engineer
With an extensive background in the Power & Gas industry, Tim specialises in SCADA management and has worked with a range of PLC's from the Rockwell family. His previous experience working alongside Nova Energy, implementing and designing SCADA systems using the AVEVA System Platform, makes Tim an asset to the team.
Arthur Clarke
Automation Technician
Sarah Haughey
Accounts Administrator
With a wealth of experience and a background in Customer Service & Finance, Sarah is no stranger to multitasking. While managing all of the finance duties for the company, Sarah also handles the payroll for Automate-X.