Among the mountains of Te Waipounamu, Aotearoa New Zealand’s South Island, lies Fabrum, a leading advanced manufacturing company established in 2004 by co-founders Christopher Boyle and Hugh Reynolds. Led by its core mission to precision engineer better outcomes for the planet, it delivers innovative engineering and cryogenic technology for a sustainable energy transition, away from fossil-based systems.
Providing world-class solutions from its homebase in Christchurch, Fabrum exports globally to the United Kingdom, India, Europe, the United States and Australia.
Currently, Fabrum’s focus is on its global deployment of end-to-end liquid hydrogen solutions across heavy transport, mining, and aviation markets.
Growth is threefold, and Boyle says Fabrum is thriving on what he refers to as ‘the tenacity to deliver a difference’. He believes the company’s success is attributed to a unique mixture of isolated innovation and dogged determination, which stems from its New Zealand origins.
“Hugh and I first met almost forty years ago, back in 1986,” says Boyle.
“Growing up in Canterbury, we had a shared experience of being surrounded by the South’s harsh, rugged natural environment, where the isolation meant creativity and innovation was encouraged.
“We both developed an appetite to push the envelope and extend the limits of what is possible, a value I now see reflected across our team. Where we landed was with a business developing technology that aims to better the environment and communities it is designed to serve,” he says.
“You don’t dominate by chance. It will always be the roots of a company, the hard-earned trust and respect that lays the foundation for success.”
As Fabrum took its products to the global market, proving its credibility to potential clients and investors was challenging. The company recognised that government association would provide confidence and instil a sense of trust and integrity, and sought FernMark accreditation for this purpose.
“We learned of the FernMark Licence Programme through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and felt it was just what Fabrum needed,” says Boyle.
“The FernMark establishes Fabrum’s core principles, reflecting Tiaki, our drive to care for people, place and planet, and our core purpose as stewards of the earth.”
Boyle shares a recent exchange when supplying a world-first product to an international client where Fabrum displayed the FernMark and NATO’s mark of authentication alongside each other.
“When the client saw the FernMark, they remarked that it was the only stamp of quality they needed. It’s these moments where you realise the true value of New Zealand’s reputation for delivering high quality, scientific and innovative solutions.”
A recent $23 million investment by London-headquartered AP Ventures, with participation from Australia-based Fortescue Future Industries, Japan-based Obayashi Corporation and New Zealand-based K1W1, will allow Fabrum to expand its global presence and scale up operations.
“Our focus will always include leveraging the high-tech manufacturing capabilities of Canterbury. We hope to do so while providing a pathway for young engineers to stay in New Zealand, advance their craft, and to continue our mission of developing technologies that enable the world to tread lightly.”