Rick Smith, Operations Manager of Sutton Tools (NZ), has been elected as the New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association (NZMEA) President at the Association’s 137th AGM. Rick takes over the helm from Tom Thomson, who completed his two year term as President, say the New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association (NZMEA).

The office holders of the NZMEA are now:   President: Rick Smith, Operations Manager, Sutton Tools (NZ) Ltd.   Senior Vice President: Trevor Edwards, Managing Director, Superheat Ltd.   Junior Vice President: Greg Thompson, Chief Executive, Footscience Intnl Ltd.   Immediate Past President: Tom Thomson, Managing Director, EPL.

NZMEA Chief Executive Dieter Adam says, “I would like to express gratitude to Tom Thomson for his two years of service as President of the NZMEA. Tom has shown extraordinary dedication and put a significant amount of time and effort into a range of activities within his term.

“We are pleased to have Rick Smith move into the role of President, and are excited to keep working to represent and advocate for manufacturers and exporters under his leadership." said Dieter.

President Rick Smith said, “I am looking forward to being in the role of President of the NZMEA. The Association has a long history of serving the needs of New Zealand manufacturers. These are challenging times for manufacturers and exporters and we will continue to support our members with representation, training and advice. We are committed to raising the awareness of the importance of manufacturing for New Zealand’s long term future and will continue our role as a voice for manufacturers across the country.”

Past President Tom Thomson said, “I am proud of the progress we have made in the last two years. There have been some improvements for manufacturers and exporters generally, with many reporting better sales and outcomes than in previous years. However, we still face a number of challenges and uncertainties looking forward - I am confident the NZMEA will continue its work to improve conditions for manufacturers and exporters. New Zealand has to create a more productive and high value economy, with a strong manufacturing base providing well paid jobs and export income, to truly raise living standards for Kiwi’s.”