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
Director - Sales, B.Eng Mechatronics, CMSE®
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
Director - Operations, PMP, M.Eng
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
Business Development Manager, RME, CMSE®
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.
Minnie Henry
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
Auckland Regional Manager, B.Eng
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.
July Choo Nawi
Automation Engineer, B.Eng
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.
Shanima Silva
Senior Automation Engineer, PhD (reading), MSc, BEng(Hons), MIEEE, MIET
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
Automation Engineer, CMSE®, B.Eng
With a background in the Steel Industry, Mit comes to Automate-X 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.
Rhys Howell
Automation Engineer, B.Eng
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, CMSE®
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
Automation Engineer, B.Eng
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
Automation Engineer, BEng (Hons)
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 him a great asset to the team.
Arthur Clarke
Automation Service and Commissioning Engineer, CMSE®
Arthur joins our team with a wealth of experience in Automation Services and Commissioning. He is responsible for designing, implementing and maintaining our automated systems and equipment ensuring they are efficient and reliable. Arthurs exceptional level of accuracy makes him a perfect asset to our team at Automate-X.
Razikah Abdul
Office and Marketing Administrator, B.Com
Razikah comes to us with a background in Office Support, Customer Service and Data Entry, now taking her skills to the next level at Automate-X. With a curious mind and a keen interest in Automation, she is all set to drive innovation and success in our team.
David de Graaf
Automation Engineer
Dave joins us with an impressive background and skilled experience within the automation industry. Providing technical expertise and communicating effectively with our stakeholders David's contribution is crucial for project success and client satisfaction which makes him a great asset to the team at Automate-X.
Mark Pringle
Automation Solutions Engineer
Mark comes to us with years of experience in Technical Sales. With a passion for automation and technology our Solutions Engineer is committed to recommending the best services for your needs. Whether you have questions or require technical insights Mark is your go-to resource for a successful solution.
Aaron Marais
Automation Service and Commissioning Engineer
With a background in Mechatronics Engineering Aaron brings a wealth of experience to the team. His roles have included a mix of mechanical design, installation and commissioning and he is dedicated to delivering reliable automated solutions at Automate-X.
Chris Chataika
Automation Engineer
Chris joins us with a background in software engineering and over 15 years of experience in Warehouse Optimisation and Material Handling Systems. From collaborating with clients, conceptual design, alternative analysis and more, he brings significant value and strength to the Automate-X team.
Diana Swartz
Automation Engineer, CMSE®
Having over 7 years experience in the mining industry and her involvement in projects with mineral processing and chemical production, Diana brings a wide range of skills and expertise to Automate-X. From project design to commissioning and overseeing the handover of both distributed and standalone control systems, she makes a great asset to the team.
Karl Brook
Senior Automation Engineer, B.Eng (Hons)
With a wealth of managerial experience Karl has joined the team with a unique blend of leadership insight and technical proficiency. With a passion for the automation industry he is committed to streamline processes and enhance productivity.
Mike van der Walt
Solutions Engineer
Joining us with years of experience in Technical Sales, Mike is committed to delivering quality solutions for your needs. Whether you have questions or require technical expertise Mike is your reliable source for achieving your desired automation solutions.
Daryl du Preez
Automation Engineer
Daryl joins us with experience ranging in Automation, Robotics, Machinery, Electrical Design and many years of Robotic Welding. With a passion for providing the best solutions for our customers he is committed to optimising automated processes and enhancing efficiency.
Paul Phillips
Solutions Lead
Kelvin Sue
Project Delivery Manager
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.