Our Team

Knowledgebase established 1946.

Our laboratory was established by Mr George Lambert in 1946 to support Hayes Metal Refineries Ltd (HMR) in its production of non-ferrous foundry alloys.

George or “Mr Copper”, as he was known within the local Foundry industry, believed strongly in using new analytical techniques and technologies to aid in the production of high quality foundry alloys – certified non-ferrous ingots that were unmatched in post-World War Two New Zealand.

George’s commitment to quality and analytical excellence lives on at the core of everything we do!

Meet our Team... they are always up to something good!

Nigel Woodger

B.Sc (Hons)
Laboratory Manager

Nigel joined us in 2012, after spending time as an analyst with a NATA accredited laboratory in New South Wales. Previous to working abroad, Nigel spent four years in a technical role with Living Earth Limited, where he controlled the process so that optimum operating conditions and strict quality standards were met.

Over Nigel’s career he has developed a strong background in instrumental techniques, method validation, compliance, process control/improvement, quality management and project work.

Nigel has a passion for the outdoors and is actively involved in a wide range of adventure sports such as snowboarding, skiing, surfing, scuba diving and social league soccer.

Christopher McKernan

B.Sc
Production Chemist

Chris is experienced in Quality Control, Spectroscopy and analytical chemistry having joined us in 2016 from the pharmaceutical industry. As a Synthetic Organic Chemist Chris worked in Australia for a number of years helping to develop new drugs and gained extensive experience in method development for analysis of new chemical entities. Chris is also experienced in tech transfer and scaling up processes from lab to production and providing problem solving support to manufacturing and ensuring quality standards.

He enjoys mountaineering, rock climbing and riding his motorbike.

Peter Wilcox

B.Sc
Company Consultant

Peter Wilcox has a long history with the Hayes Metals Group, dating back some 30 years. Peter held the role of Factory Manager for 18 years.

Over his tenure he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge in dealing with casting, metallurgical and manufacturing issues.

Premiere knowledge and experience

allow us to learn something new about your products!