about

About

MHM Automation designs and supplies automated systems and equipment for the global food processing and logistics sectors.

Previously known as Mercer Group, we have been listed on the New Zealand stock exchange since 1959.

Our brands
HC
H&C designs and supplies automated systems, specialising in reverse packaging and materials handling equipment.

H&C AUTOMATED SOLUTIONS

H&C designs and supplies automated systems, specialising in reverse packaging and materials handling equipment.

The H&C product range includes H&C reverse packaging and product handling equipment, BetaVac vacuum packing systems and AiCo carton erecting and lidding equipment.

H&C are recognised as leaders in reverse packaging, with systems installed for many of the world’s leading cheese converting companies.

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HC
Milmeq is recognised as a world leader in large scale chilling and freezing systems.

Milmeq

Milmeq is recognised as a world leader in large scale chilling and freezing systems.

Milmeq plate freezing systems and chilling and freezing tunnels have been installed for meat and dairy processors around the globe.

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HC
Mercer Stainless is one of New Zealand’s leading stainless steel fabricators, specialising in the design and manufacture of plant and equipment for the dairy, wine and food processing sectors in New Zealand and Australia.

Mercer Stainless

Mercer Stainless is one of New Zealand’s leading stainless steel fabricators, specialising in the design and manufacture of plant and equipment for the dairy, wine and food processing sectors in New Zealand and Australia.

It also provides high-end architectural benching and sinks.

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HC
The S-Clave is an innovative sterilisation technology system for surgical devices and instruments.

S-Clave

The S-Clave is an innovative sterilisation technology system for surgical devices and instruments.

The system sterilises surgical devices and equipment in a non-porus container that comes out of the autoclave sealed.

The product is revolutionary for the medical sterilisation market with the following key attributes:

  • Reduces sterilisation time from 60-80 minutes to less than 20 minutes
  • Sterilisation takes place in a non-porous container or pouch, allowing proof of sterility
  • Longer shelf life and more transportable
  • Improved health and safety for the operator

We are currently working on the commercialisation of the S-Clave technology in partnership with Atherton, Australia’s leader in sterilisation equipment and infection control products for the hospital, medical and scientific industries.

Our Story

One company, one team, one goal.

Our story began in 1884 in Christchurch, in the South Island of New Zealand. Today, we have evolved into a global, technology and automation led story, designing and delivering systems to many of the leading food processing companies globally.

A company founded on invention; from the very beginning, our journey has been one of continuous improvement and innovation.

Our New Zealand story is one of elite primary production. As a small country, our arable lands and agricultural prowess proved viable as the close of the industrial revolution marked the beginning of global expansion.

Today, little has changed; New Zealand’s export industry is still concentrated on products from the primary sector.

Our company’s history spans 135 years and sits alongside the story of New Zealand’s development. MHM Automation exists to design and supply world-leading, innovative food processing and packaging equipment globally.

MHM and our legacy brands have helped shape the New Zealand engineering and manufacturing sectors. Years of acquisitions, growth, milestones, and perseverance have seen the original Mercer Group of businesses move to a single focused organisation. MHM Automation. One company, one team, one goal; to design and supply innovative food processing and packaging systems to the world.

Our vision

To design and supply innovative food processing and packaging systems to the world.

Our Values

values
values
values
values

We are
BOLD

We solve problems, we are hardworking, courageous and straight forward.

An expectation of behaviour: hard work, resilient, solution focused, get the job done

We are
Aspirational

We innovate, we think differently, we can do better.

An expectation of behaviour: we innovate, we ask questions, we are confident and we solve problems.

We are in it
Together

We are one team; for our workmates, clients and shareholders. We are proud of our diversity and our people. We do what we can to support and encourage a great work environment and excellent outcomes.

An expectation of behaviour: stringent health and safety standards, team work and support, honest and respectful behaviour.

We
Stand by it

Integrity is key to everything we do. We are honest and proud of our work.

An expectation of behaviour: attention to detail, integrity, always accountable and responsible, we own our behaviour.

Our History

MHM Automation and our legacy brands have been instrumental in shaping the New Zealand engineering and manufacturing sectors, with our roots stretching back more than 135 years.

2020

Mercer Group was re-branded as MHM Automation to reflect the growing importance of automated technologies to the group and to align the three operating entities – Mercer Stainless, H&C and Milmeq – as one business.

2018

Milmeq was purchased to extend automation capabilities into chilling and freezing and Haden and Custance was rebranded H&C Automated Solutions.

2017

The BetaVac and AiCo product ranges were moved into Haden and Custance.

2016

Haden and Custance was purchased by Mercer Group.

2009

Mercer Technologies was split between Mercer Medical and Mercer Stainless, with three companies formed under the Mercer Group: Mercer Stainless – industrial fabrication and design, including AiCO and BetaVac machinery; Mercer Products – suppliers of kitchen, laundry and bathroom equipment; Mercer Medical – medical equipment, incubators, cleaning equipment and sterilisers.

2008

Purchased Duratech Wholesale and integrated it into Mercer Products.

2007

Purchased InMotion Engineering, in Australia.

2004

Purchased Equipment Maintenance Ltd, owners of the BetaVac brand, and integrated it into Mercer Technologies.

2004

Mercer Technologies division was established, integrating Mercer Medical and AiCo Products, and to focus on new R&D projects.

2003

Medisys was purchased and a new division of the business was established: Mercer Medical.

1998

AiCo Materials Handling was purchased and integrated into Mercer Stainless.

1990s

Robots were introduced into Haden and Custance product handling systems for the dairy industry. Milmeq pioneered the development of large-scale plate freezers for the meat processing industry.

1988

Broadway Industries purchased South Island Dairy, fully integrated Silver Dolphin and J Mercer & Sons, and started trading as Mercer Stainless Ltd.

1980

South Island Dairy purchased J Mercer & Sons in 1980 and continued trading under names J Mercer & Sons and Silver Dolphin.

1970s

Haden and Custance moved into providing solutions for manufacturers including palletising. Milmeq (then known as Realcold) developed automatic chilling and freezing tunnels for the meat and dairy industries.

1965

Haden and Custance was established.

1952

Milmeq had its beginnings in New Zealand under the name Refrigeration Engineering, providing chilling and freezing equipment to meat processors to enable the export of their product.

1920

Silver Dolphin Industries was established as manufacturing arm of South Island Dairy Association.

1890

South Island Dairy Association was established.

1884

The original Mercer company, J Mercer and Sons, was established by James Mercer in Christchurch, New Zealand.

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