Green Freeze Drying Initiative - MacLab

Green Freeze Drying Initiative

MacLab has signed an agreement with Cuddons to retrofit an existing Cuddons freeze dryer into the innovative “eco” version.

MacLab and Cuddons have a longstanding business relationship, with MacLab owning eight Cuddons dryers, making it one of the largest freeze dryer operations in New Zealand. Cuddons has successfully developed a freeze dryer with a low carbon footprint and designed a process to convert existing freeze dryers to this eco-friendly version.

A key improvement is the use of CO2 as the refrigerant gas, which lowers the Global Warming Potential (GWP) by a factor of 4000. Additionally, multiple energy-saving initiatives, including heat recovery and recycling, along with an upgraded smart control system, significantly reduce the power consumption of the traditionally energy-intensive drying process.

Beyond the environmental benefits, these upgraded dryers increase output of around 20%. MacLab is financing this green initiative through a green loan provided by BNZ.

Following the successful deployment and operation of the retrofit eco dryer, we plan to convert the remaining dryers to the eco version, further cementing our commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Green freeze 3

New Zealand

11 Merton Place

Annesbrook

Nelson 7011

Website by Downing

PROUD SPONSOR OF

Aquaculture Yard Supervisor - Full Time

Company: MacLab NZ
Location: Nelson / Tasman
Duration: Permanent
Job Type: Full Time

MacLab (NZ) leads the way in the nutraceutical market. We use sustainable practices to farm mussels in the Top of the South for processing at our modern factory into high-value oil products that are exported globally.

Aquaculture is a thriving industry with an exciting future. As part of this growth, we are investing in innovation, technology and capacity.

Our culture provides a great place to work where our people are valued, work is enjoyable and rewarding.

We are seeking someone to join our team to work in our aquaculture division primarily based at our Tahunanui site.

As we ramp up our operations, we are seeking an enthusiastic person to supervise and lead operations in our Aquaculture yards.

As our Aquaculture Yard Supervisor, you’ll play a key role in keeping our operations running smoothly. You’ll lead and coordinate land-based support services at MacLab’s aquaculture yards, including the manufacture of floats, rope reconditioning, and the storage and coordination of marine farm equipment to support marine farming operations.

We are looking for a person who is:

Keen to learn new skills and has a good level of physical fitness;
An excellent communicator;
Highly self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team;
Reliable with good work ethics;
Self-motivated with a ‘can do’ attitude;
A team player with a positive attitude;
NZ resident or have a valid NZ work visa;
Able to travel between yards.

About you:

- You hold a full Driver’s license;
- You have previous supervisory experience (preferred);
- You are Forklift certified (preferred).

Why work for us?

Attractive remuneration;
Great working conditions with a focus on health and safety;
Excellent on-going training provided;
Variety of work within a friendly team;
Opportunity to learn new skills and progress in your career.

If you are keen to be a valued team member of a successful company, please submit your application and CV online or email your CV and Cover Letter to jobs@maclab.co.nz with “Aquaculture Yard” as a reference in the subject line.

Find the job description on the link: https://www.maclab.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Maclab-Aquaculture-Yard-Supervisor-PD-15.12.25.pdf

Applications close on 28th January.