As New Zealand accelerates its transition from coal to wood energy, Bonfiglioli is helping manufacturers upgrade the equipment needed to support the shift.
The New Zealand Government's Wood Energy Strategy and Action Plan aims to replace up to 40% of fossil fuel process heat by 2050, driving investment in wood pellet production and materials handling infrastructure — and with it, growing demand for drive systems built to handle demanding industrial conditions.
Bonfiglioli New Zealand Country Manager Paul Savage said the shift from coal to wood pellet burning is prompting customers across the sector to invest heavily in equipment upgrades. The company supplies gearboxes and gearmotors for applications including feeders, conveyors, shredders and crushers, where heavy loads, continuous operation and precise control are essential.
According to Savage, the 300M Series planetary gearbox has become a popular choice in the sector because of its high torque capacity, resistance to shock loads and reliable performance at low speeds, along with a modular design that can be configured for timber pellet processing. The A Series helical bevel gearmotor offers a compact, high-efficiency alternative for conveyor and processing systems, while the heavy-duty 3-H Series merges planetary and helical bevel engineering to achieve high torque density in installations where space is limited — combining the strengths of both technologies to deliver power density alongside faster operating speeds.
Savage said the company's local stockholding, in-country assembly capability and engineering support allow it to offer tailored drive solutions to New Zealand's growing renewable energy sector, and added that Bonfiglioli is glad to be working alongside an industry that supports jobs while helping advance clean energy and strengthen the economy.
