Kiwi Ingenuity Advances Wire-Making Technology

June 16, 2004

Kiwi Ingenuity Advances Wire-Making Technology

New Zealand is leading the way in fencing wire innovation helping
farmers with fencing that will last longer meaning they have to fence
less.

Pacific Wire Technologies, the research and development division of
Pacific Wire, is leading the world in global innovation using a patented
system called Quantum Electromagnetic Wiping (EMW) to produce wire. EMW
uses an electromagnetic field to remove excess zinc from wire, leaving
an even, concentric coating that ages more consistently, extending the
life of the wire.

Bruce Roberts, Wire Technologist at Pacific Wire, is involved in the EMW
technology. He says, "EMW means the wire ages evenly when used.
Because fences are only as strong as their weakest area, where the
coating is the thinnest, EMW technology helps fences last longer. This
is important to farmers as the best value fence is the one that lasts
the longest."

Previously the standard procedure for wiping excess zinc from wire has
been a method using gas and gravel. However EMW has far greater control
over coating weight and evenness which means that farmers can have
confidence it will last longer. EMW is used on both zinc and
Zinc-Aluminium coated wires.

EMW technology has contributed to the development of Pacific Wire's new
range of lifespan, or longer-life, wires. The HiSPAN Zinc-Aluminium
wire range has been designed to last up to four times as long as other
heavily galvanised wires and is suitable for all New Zealand conditions.
It will be on display at the Pacific Wire stand, L33, at the National
Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek, 16-19 June.

Mr Roberts will be at the Pacific Wire stand to answer technical
questions about wire. He will be accompanied by the Pacific Wire team
and fencing expert Murray Marshall who will be giving wire tying
demonstrations and tips on fencing best practice. Mr Marshall is a
Canterbury dairy farmer and five time South Island fencing champion who
has trained many fencing contractors.

Warren Grayson, Key Account Manager for Pacific Wire, said, "Murray and
Bruce are a great resource for farmers and fencing contractors. They
can provide extensive fencing knowledge and can provide practical and
helpful tips to farmers about fencing. Pacific Wire is proud to have
been the name behind New Zealand wire for over 40 years and as part of
our commitment to continuing to educate farmers about fencing best
practice we are very happy to have Murray and Bruce on site with us at
the fieldays."

As part of the commitment to excellence in wire manufacturing Pacific
Wire has developed the WIREMARK(r) which is a guarantee of New Zealand
made quality. The WIREMARK(r) can only be carried by fencing wire products which have been performance tested for strength and ductility and made in New Zealand for the unique local conditions. The WIREMARK(r) label will allow farmers and fencing contractors to tell at a glance which fencing wire is New
Zealand made.

Pacific Wire will be running a wire tying competition several times a
day over the course of the fieldays. The entrant whose knot withstands
the greatest tensile load will win a wire prize pack. Visitors to the
stand can also take home a free information pack, which includes
information on the WIREMARK(r), HiSPAN Zinc-Aluminium wires and Pacific
Wire. For children WIREMARK(r) tattoos will be available and a
colouring competition, in conjunction with Hurricane Wire Products, has
been run throughout the Waikato region, with the official prize giving
to be held at Pacific Wire's site on Saturday, 19 June.

ENDS

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