WEST COAST MARINE PROJECT: FROM MANUFACTURING TO OPERATIONAL SUCCESS

Feb 13
9 min read

Complete Turnkey Solution Delivered - Equipment Now Running at Full Capacity in New Plymouth

NEW PLYMOUTH, NEW ZEALAND – Dracon International Trading proudly announces the successful completion and commissioning of the West Coast Marine precision fabrication project. The comprehensive equipment package—featuring the WC67Y-125T/3200 CNC Press Brake and QC12Y-6×3200 Hydraulic Shearing Machine—is now fully operational, transforming West Coast Marine’s manufacturing capabilities and market competitiveness.

Our Clients Message: :We pride ourselves on doing a thorough job and communicating with our customers throughout any job:.

Dracon International Trading has officially placed a detailed manufacturing order with Nantong Machine Co., Ltd for the West Coast Marine precision fabrication project, marking a significant milestone in New Zealand's marine manufacturing capabilities.

Project Timeline Achievement:

✅ November 2025: Manufacturing order placed with Nantong Machine Co., Ltd
✅ October 2025: Third-party V-Trust inspection completed (Report #RZV989527)
✅ December 2025: Equipment departure from Shanghai Port
✅ January 2026: Arrival Port of Tauranga, customs clearance completed
✅ January 2026: Door-to-door delivery to New Plymouth facility
✅ February 2026: Installation, commissioning, and operator training completed
✅ February 2026: FULL PRODUCTION CAPACITY ACHIEVED

WESTCOAST MARINE DIRECTOR LINDSAY Lindsay

3 Cody Place

New Plymouth

06 7590939

westcoastmarine@xtra.co.nz www.westcoastmarine.co.nz

JIANGSU, CHINA / NEW PLYMOUTH, NEW ZEALAND – Dracon International Trading has secured a game-changing manufacturing partnership with Nantong Machine Co., Ltd, delivering precision fabrication equipment that will fundamentally transform West Coast Marine's production capabilities and market reach across New Zealand's Taranaki region.

WC67Y-125T/3200 CNC Press Brake: Precision Meets Speed

ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE MEETS PRODUCTION REALITY

Under Project Code DRACON-WCM-001, this isn't just an equipment purchase—it's a strategic investment in manufacturing capacity that positions West Coast Marine to dominate marine aluminum fabrication in their region. The comprehensive package (Order WCM01-2025, placed November 2025) combines precision engineering with production efficiency to solve West Coast Marine's most critical challenges: capacity limitations, quality consistency, and competitive positioning.

EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS: PRECISION DELIVERED

WC67Y-125T/3200 CNC Press Brake - NOW OPERATIONAL

Technical Specifications:

Working Length: 3,200mm (±1mm tolerance)
Press Force: 1,250 KN / 125 Tons
Dimensions: 3,200mm × 1,600mm × 2,200mm
Weight: 5,500 kg
Control System: ESTUN E21S with 15.6" touchscreen, 1,000,000-product memory
Premium Components: Siemens IE3 7.5KW motor, Rexroth hydraulic valves, Parker USA seals
Precision: ±0.1mm repeatability on 6mm 5083 marine aluminum

Custom Marine-Grade Tooling System:

Five precision radius bars: 12.5mm, 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm
D2 tool steel construction (HRC 58-62) with marine-grade nickel chrome coating
Revolutionary 30-second quick-change system (vs. 15-20 minutes traditional)
Optimized for 5083 marine-grade aluminum fabrication

QC12Y-6×3200 Hydraulic Shearing Machine: Clean Cuts, Zero Waste

QC12Y-6×3200 Hydraulic Shearing Machine - PRODUCTION READY

Technical Specifications:

Shearing Capacity: 6mm × 3,200mm (450 N/mm² tensile strength)
Dimensions: 3,200mm × 1,700mm × 1,650mm
Weight: 4,800 kg
Speed: 16 strokes/minute
Control System: ESTUN E21S numerical control with digital back-gauge
Precision: ±0.1mm dimensional accuracy across full width

Performance Achievement:

Clean cuts in 3.75 seconds (vs. 8-12 minutes manual bandsaw)
96% time reduction per cut

Zero secondary finishing operations required

DRACON’S COMPLETE TURNKEY SOLUTION

1. QUALITY ASSURANCE - VERIFIED BEFORE SHIPMENT

Third-Party V-Trust Inspection (October 14, 2025):

✅ Factory acceptance testing with certified 6mm 5083 aluminum samples
✅ Dimensional accuracy verification to ±0.1mm standards
✅ 30-second tool changeover demonstration under witness
✅ Complete video documentation of all testing procedures
✅ Minor non-conformities identified and resolved with technical evidence

Compliance Certifications:

✅ CE Marking (EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC)
✅ ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management
✅ EN 12622:2002+A1:2010 (Press Brake Safety)
✅ ISO 12482:2014 (Shearing Machine Safety)
✅ Parker USA hydraulic seals with material traceability

2. DOOR-TO-DOOR DELIVERY - EVERY DETAIL MANAGED

Complete Logistics Management:

Phase 1: International Shipping

✅ Professional marine-grade packaging with anti-corrosion protection
✅ Container loading at Nantong facility (40ft High Cube)
✅ Ocean freight: Shanghai Port → Port of Tauranga
✅ Full insurance coverage and shipment tracking

Phase 2: NZ Customs & Transport

✅ Customs clearance with all CE/ISO documentation
✅ Heavy haulage coordination (10.3-tonne combined weight)
✅ Optimized route: Tauranga → New Plymouth (avoiding Auckland delays)
✅ Most cost-effective and fastest delivery method achieved

Phase 3: Final Delivery & Installation

✅ Container unpacking at West Coast Marine facility
✅ Crane positioning and workshop integration
✅ Equipment leveling and electrical connection
✅ Hydraulic system commissioning

ON THE FLOOR IN CHINA POST PRODUCTION INSPECTION.

3. ON-SITE COMMISSIONING & TRAINING - PRODUCTION LAUNCH

Comprehensive Installation Support:

✅ On-site commissioning by Dracon technical team
✅ Operator training on ESTUN E21S CNC systems
✅ Quick-change tooling training (30-second changeover procedures)
✅ Safety protocol training (guards, interlocks, emergency stops)
✅ Maintenance procedures documentation and training
✅ Production optimization consultation for workflow efficiency

Training Outcomes:

West Coast Marine operators fully certified on CNC press brake operation
Quick-change tooling system operational and achieving 30-second changeovers
Production workflow optimized for marine aluminum fabrication
Safety procedures documented and integrated into daily operations

4. LIFETIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT - YOUR SUCCESS IS OURS

Ongoing Support Package:

Real-Time Remote Assistance:

✅ ESTUN E21S cloud connectivity for remote diagnostics
✅ Video call support for troubleshooting
✅ Software updates and programming assistance
✅ Production optimization recommendations

3-Year Equipment Warranty:

✅ Parts and labor coverage (unprecedented for Chinese machinery)
✅ Replacement parts supply chain managed by Dracon
✅ Annual preventative maintenance support
✅ Priority service response for urgent issues

Lifetime Software Support:

✅ CNC programming assistance
✅ Product library expansion and customization
✅ System upgrades and feature enhancements
✅ Unlimited technical consultation

Complete English Documentation:

✅ Operation manuals with safety procedures
✅ Maintenance schedules and service protocols
✅ Parts diagrams with ordering information
✅ Troubleshooting guides

West Coast of New Zealand, North Island Taranaki

THE GAME-CHANGER: CUSTOM MARINE-GRADE TOOLING SYSTEM

Revolutionary Quick-Change Radius Tooling

West Coast Marine's competitive advantage lies in this custom-engineered tooling system, purpose-built for marine aluminum fabrication:

Advanced Upper Radius Punch System:

Five Precision Radii: 12.5mm, 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm (±0.03mm tolerance)
Material: D2 tool steel (HRC 58-62) with marine-grade nickel chrome coating (20-30 microns)
Quick-Change Mechanism: Lever-action design enables 30-second changeovers (vs. 15-20 minutes traditional tooling)
Surface Finish: Mirror-polished contact surfaces prevent aluminum galling

Matching Lower V-Block System:

Optimized Geometry: V-openings calculated specifically for 6mm 5083 aluminum (48mm opening per 8:1 rule)
Segmented Design: 835mm sections with quick-position alignment stops
Precision Manufacturing: ±0.05mm flatness across all contact surfaces

Production Impact: Traditional press brake tooling changes require: tool removal, measurement, alignment, test bends—consuming 15-20 minutes. This system's 30-second changeover means West Coast Marine can run small-batch custom orders profitably. A job requiring five different radii that previously took 90 minutes in setup time now takes 2.5 minutes.

Market Expansion Capability: With rapid tooling changes, West Coast Marine can now competitively bid on:

Custom boat fitting projects (previously unprofitable due to setup time)
Prototype development services for marine designers
Small-volume specialty parts (marine hardware, custom brackets)
Same-day rush orders (competitive differentiator)

QUALITY ASSURANCE: THIRD-PARTY VERIFICATION

V-Trust Inspection Protocol (Completed October 2025)

Factory Acceptance Testing:

Material Verification: Certified test bends using actual 6mm 5083 marine-grade aluminum samples
Dimensional Accuracy: Full inspection to ±0.1mm standards with calibrated metrology equipment
Performance Validation: 30-second tool changeover demonstration under witness
Video Documentation: Complete testing records for compliance verification

Inspection Findings (Report #RZV989527): Minor non-conformities identified and resolved:

Motor branding clarifications (Siemens IE3 vs. localized branding—performance specs confirmed)
Dimensional variances within acceptable tolerances (+2.5mm on non-critical dimensions)
Supplier provided technical evidence confirming all functional specifications met

Compliance Standards:

✅ CE Marking (EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC)
✅ ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management
✅ EN 12622:2002+A1:2010 (Press Brake Safety)
✅ ISO 12482:2014 (Shearing Machine Safety)
✅ Parker USA hydraulic seals with material traceability certificates

WEST COAST MARINE: TRANSFORMATION ACHIEVED

Current Limitations Solved:

Capacity Bottleneck: Manual equipment limits output to ~500 units/month
Quality Inconsistency: Manual bending produces ±2-3mm variations
Setup Time Loss: 40% of production time consumed by equipment changeovers
Skilled Labor Dependency: Only senior fabricators could maintain quality standard.

Production Upgrade & Capacity Capacity Increase:

Before: 500 units/month with manual equipment
After: 1,500+ units/month with CNC automation
Achievement: 3× production capacity increase

Setup Time Reduction:

Before: 15-20 minutes per tooling changeover
After: 30 seconds with quick-change system
Achievement: 96% setup time reduction

Quality Improvement:

Before: ±2-3mm manual bending variations
After: ±0.1mm CNC repeatability
Achievement: Aerospace-grade precision

Material Waste Reduction:

Before: 8-12% waste from rough manual cuts
After: <2% waste with precision shearing
Achievement: $15,000+ annual savings

Labor Efficiency:

Before: 40% of production time on setup/changeovers
After: 5% setup time, 95% productive work
Achievement: 35% productivity improvement

Market Position Transformation

New Competitive Advantages:

✅ Premium Marine Fabrication Specialist

Only CNC press brake capability in Taranaki region for marine aluminum
Quick-change tooling enables profitable small-batch custom orders
Sub-millimeter precision attracts high-value boat builders

✅ Expanded Service Offerings

Custom boat fitting projects now profitable
Prototype development services for marine designers
Same-day rush order capability (competitive differentiator)
Contract manufacturing for larger marine OEMs

✅ Quality Certification

Third-party V-Trust inspection documentation
Equipment compliance with international safety standards
Proven precision capabilities for export markets

✅ Regional Economic Impact

3-5 new fabricator positions supported by increased capacity
Technical training hub for advanced CNC operation
Supply chain development attracting marine component suppliers to Taranaki

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“The equipment transformation has exceeded our expectations. The 30-second tooling changeover system alone has revolutionized how we approach custom projects—jobs that were previously unprofitable due to setup time are now our most competitive offerings. Dracon’s door-to-door service meant we focused on preparing our team while they handled every logistics detail. The on-site training was comprehensive, and knowing we have lifetime technical support gives us complete confidence to pursue premium contracts we couldn’t compete for before.”

— West Coast Marine Leadership Team

PROJECT VERIFICATION & TRANSPARENCY

Complete Project Documentation:

Order Details:

Order Number: WCM01-2025
Order Date: November 2025
Manufacturer: Nantong Machine Co., Ltd (Jiangsu, China)
Inspection Agency: V-Trust (Report #RZV989527, October 14, 2025)
Delivery Route: Shanghai → Port of Tauranga → New Plymouth
Timeline: 10 weeks from manufacturing to operational production

Certifications Delivered:

CE Marking with Declaration of Conformity
ISO 9001:2015 manufacturing facility certification
EN 12622/ISO 12482 safety standard compliance
All hydraulic seals with Parker USA material traceability

Investment Value:

Complete turnkey package including equipment, custom tooling, freight, customs, delivery, installation, training, warranty, and lifetime support
ROI projected within 18 months through capacity increase and premium contract capture

DRACON’S PROVEN TURNKEY METHODOLOGY

Why West Coast Marine Succeeded:

1. Engineering Expertise

Detailed specification development matching exact application requirements
Material analysis (5083 aluminum properties)
Tooling geometry calculations optimized for 6mm marine-grade aluminum
Production workflow optimization

2. Quality Risk Management

Third-party V-Trust inspection before shipment
Non-conformity resolution with engineering evidence
Payment milestone protection
Supplier technical capability verification

3. Complete Logistics Management

Door-to-door service from China factory to NZ facility
Customs clearance with all compliance documentation
Route optimization (Port of Tauranga = fastest, most cost-effective)
Heavy haulage coordination and final positioning

4. Installation & Training Excellence

On-site commissioning ensuring operational readiness
Comprehensive operator training on all systems
Safety protocol integration
Production workflow optimization consultation

5. Lifetime Partnership

Real-time remote technical support
3-year parts/labor warranty
Software updates and programming assistance
Spare parts supply chain management

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP STATEMENT

“This project demonstrates the power of complete turnkey solutions,” said Timikara

Taurerewa, Global Director of Dracon International Trading.

“West Coast Marine didn’t just receive equipment—they gained a strategic manufacturing transformation backed by comprehensive support at every phase. From engineering specifications optimized for their exact applications, through third-party quality verification, seamless international logistics, professional installation, thorough training, to ongoing lifetime support—we managed every detail so they could focus on their core business.”

“The results speak for themselves: 3× capacity, 96% setup reduction, aerospace-grade precision, and new market opportunities they couldn’t compete for before. This is what true turnkey partnership delivers—not just machinery, but competitive advantage that transforms regional manufacturers into industry leaders.”

“West Coast Marine is now the only marine fabricator in their region with these precision capabilities. They’re capturing premium contracts, expanding their workforce, and positioning Taranaki as a marine manufacturing hub. That’s the Dracon difference: engineering your competitive advantage from specification to operational excellence.”

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR NZ MANUFACTURERS

The West Coast Marine Success Model:

✅ World-Class Equipment at competitive Chinese manufacturing prices

✅ Quality Assurance through third-party inspection before shipment

✅ Complete Logistics managed door-to-door with transparency

✅ Professional Installation ensuring immediate operational readiness

✅ Comprehensive Training building internal capability

✅ Lifetime Support protecting long-term investment value

This proven methodology is available to all New Zealand manufacturers seeking competitive advantage through precision equipment investment.

TRANSFORM YOUR MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP STATEMENT

"This project represents a fundamental shift in how New Zealand marine fabricators compete globally," said Timikara Taurerewa, Global Director of Dracon International Trading. "West Coast Marine isn't just buying equipment—they're investing in precision engineering capabilities that will define Taranaki's marine manufacturing sector for the next decade. The combination of CNC automation, custom marine-grade tooling, and third-party quality verification creates a competitive moat that competitors cannot easily replicate."

Our role extends beyond equipment supply. We've engineered a complete production system optimized for 5083 marine aluminum fabrication, backed by comprehensive quality assurance and long-term technical support. West Coast Marine will not only meet current demand—they'll have the capacity and quality consistency to pursue premium contracts previously beyond their reach."