A surgical drill or bone saw might look small in a surgeon’s hand, but Enztec in Christchurch knows it’s anything but trivial. These precision instruments must be machined and finished to a level of perfection that keeps global health regulators happy and helps patients recover quickly. And Enztec does it all with a distinctly Kiwi style—equal parts innovation and integrity.
“We’re laser-focused on regulatory rigour and next-level engineering,” says CEO Iain McMillan. “It’s how we deliver for surgeons worldwide—and how we keep manufacturing and jobs firmly rooted in New Zealand.”
Orthopaedics Meets High-Tech Manufacturing
At first glance, Enztec’s business sounds simple: design and build tools for hip and knee replacements. But behind each handle, clamp, or cutting guide are complex CNC machining processes, engineering artistry, and tough compliance targets (think FDA, EU, and beyond). It’s a tricky dance that demands cutting-edge technology and seasoned craftspeople who can handle 5-axis mills as well as global regulations.
“We’ve got staff running million-dollar machines, verifying tolerances down to microns,” Iain says. “It’s not the ‘greasy factory’ stereotype. It’s modern, clean, and deeply collaborative.”
A 99% Export Engine—From Christchurch to the World
When most Kiwis prepare for life-changing surgery, they might not guess the tools a surgeon is wielding could be made in their own backyard. Yet 99% of Enztec’s output heads offshore, boosting the New Zealand economy with every batch of impactors and cutting guides. Major healthcare giants distribute Enztec’s devices worldwide, citing Kiwi ingenuity as a genuine edge over more conventional suppliers.
“We embrace the ‘New Zealand way’ of straight talk and reliable delivery,” Iain says. “Our American, European, and Asian partners genuinely respect that we underpromise and overdeliver. It’s our best calling card.”
Balancing Innovation and Compliance
Unlike many manufacturers, Enztec is laser-focused on Orthopaedic instruments—an area wrapped in layers of regulatory compliance. For Iain, that’s not a burden but a superpower. By mastering the necessary standards, Enztec’s team positions itself above simpler, contract manufacturing competitors. This also amplifies the need for robust research and development, ensuring each tool can meet rigorous medical demands without breaking the bank.
“We stand out when it comes to medical devices,” Iain explains. “Engineering know-how plus regulatory smarts—other companies struggle to do both well.”
A Talent-First Culture
One of Enztec’s defining features is how it invests in its people. Iain himself came up through trades before stacking on a diploma, an engineering degree, and ultimately a PhD. That trajectory informs the company’s approach: individuals can jump in at any level and progress—whether they start on simple assembly or head straight into advanced CNC coding.
“Technology alone won’t pay for itself,” Iain stresses. “It’s how our staff harness it. We send them on courses, upskill them on the latest software and engineering processes, and watch them thrive in new roles.”
That nurturing mindset not only retains bright minds but also ensures investments in robotics, AI, and automation continue to yield returns, month after month.
A Big Payoff: Local Jobs, Global Recognition
Iain rattles off an example: a new piece of software that optimises CNC programs shaved 10–15% off machining times and repaid its cost in just three months. Multiply that across thousands of parts, and you see how advanced manufacturing can fuel entire value chains—suppliers, logistics, and the local communities where employees spend their paychecks.
“Investing in ourselves is how we keep forging ahead,” Iain says. “Customers see our quick turnaround, our consistency, and they want more. That’s how growth really compounds.”
Manufacturing: New Zealand’s Secret (And Future) Advantage
Ask Iain about Kiwi manufacturing at large, and he’s emphatic. He sees it as the path to a higher-value economy. New Zealand doesn’t need to race on cheap volume. Instead, the focus is on specialised, deeply technical production—whether that’s Orthopaedic gear, aerospace components, or the many advanced products quietly leaving these shores each day.
“This country has the brains and the heart,” he says. “We just need to amplify our stories so the next generation sees the opportunities, from apprenticeships to PhDs, all leading to real impact—and real exports.”
For Iain and the team at Enztec, Orthopaedic instruments are only part of a bigger story: Kiwi manufacturing done right, from R&D to regulatory mastery to final shipment. And it’s not just about machines and factories—it’s about people who love creating tangible products that help patients worldwide.
“New Zealand, we are the future makers,” Iain declares. “An instrument to implant a knee might be small, but the payoff is massive—better healthcare outcomes and a thriving manufacturing base right here at home.”
