Technology a do or die situation

An Invercargill nursery has turned to cutting-edge technology in a bid to bolster production and avoid becoming a casualty of widespread consolidation within the industry.
Evandale Gardens has installed a $100,000 transplanting machine which it says will cut down on production costs and help meet demand for its product from buyers.
Owner Peter Brass said the technology was one of about five of its type being used by nurseries in New Zealand, and was capable of transplanting more than 1000 plants from cell trays to distribution trays in 10 minutes using robotic hands.
While a large cost at the onset, the wireless technology would pay for itself over time and gave the company assurance for its future, he said.
"If we didn't do it we would not be here.
It's as simple as that. You either do it or you die. We can't afford not to," Mr Brass said.
Big box retailers like The Warehouse had increased demand for product from seedling nurseries like Evandale and had factored in the decision to invest in robotic technology.
Evandale imported the machinery from Italy two months ago, ahead of the two biggest months for production, Mr Brass said.
The seedling nursery employs more than 30 staff and distributes its product throughout the South Island.