Tauranga is quickly establishing itself as one of Australasia's leading hubs for high-tech manufacturing, industry experts say.
Revolving around TiDA's (Titanium industry Development Association) world-class facilities at the Bay of Plenty Polytech's Windermere campus, the hub encompasses both the Polytech and the University of Waikato, as well as leading local engineering firm Page Macrae and Katikati dental manufacturer Triodent.
The Western Bay is home to two 3D metal printers - the only two operating in New Zealand - and is leading the country in additive manufacturing, TiDA chief executive Warwick Downing said.
"I've just come back from Australia where they're talking about trying to set up effectively what TiDA has been doing here in New Zealand and trying to create a hub themselves. I believe we're well ahead of Australia in what we're doing in this area."
The Tauranga hub had been driven by local industry players - in particular the efforts and investments of Ian Macrae - but was complemented by the collective powder metallurgy research efforts of TiDA, the University of Waikato, Auckland University, GNS and Callaghan Innovation, Mr Downing said.