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Our Story

Transforming industries with
innovative automation solutions.

Punchbowl Automation is part of
the wider Punchbowl Group

Punchbowl Automation is at the forefront of delivering advanced automation solutions for the food and manufacturing industries. With a focus on precision, efficiency, and adaptability, Punchbowl Automation offers a comprehensive range of machinery, including tray and case packing systems, bag folding and sealing equipment, and modular conveying solutions. Designed to maximise productivity while minimising operational costs, our solutions integrate innovative features such as remote servicing, programmable control systems, and seamless changeovers to suit diverse packhouse needs​​​.

At Punchbowl, we understand the trust required to cultivate successful partnerships with growers and industry leaders. Trust forms the cornerstone of our innovative approach to packaging and automation solutions, driving us to deliver unparalleled results for our clients.

Our journey began in 1988 with Rob Craig, founder and visionary, addressing the challenges faced by our small kiwifruit orchard and packhouse. Recognising a lack of reliable, high-quality packaging and automation, he applied his Kiwi ingenuity to develop tailored solutions for the kiwifruit industry. This pioneering spirit led to the establishment of Punchbowl, a company committed to designing and implementing customer-centric solutions that address the unique demands of growers and producers.

Today, we have grown beyond our roots, leveraging extensive in-house experience and state-of-the-art facilities to serve a broad range of industries. From automated tray and case packing to advanced conveying systems, our solutions are engineered to optimise efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the highest quality standards. Our innovations include compact and flexible designs, user-friendly interfaces, and features like precise bag folding, rapid tray placement, and remote servicing capabilities​​​.
Punchbowl Kiwifruit Services remains dedicated to excellence in post-harvest solutions for the kiwifruit sector, offering expert packing, cool storage, and quality management. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, we ensure that every piece of fruit maintains its freshness and appeal, supporting New Zealand’s global reputation for exceptional produce​.

By combining decades of hands-on experience with a relentless drive for improvement, Punchbowl continues to empower businesses with solutions that transform operations, foster growth, and create lasting value.

View Our Products
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Employees
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Years in Business
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Satisfied Clients

The Punchbowl Vision
Across Every Sector

Jet Black Fans

Jet Black Fan Systems is focused on delivering effective and efficient thermal solutions, using more sustainable products to focus on protecting our future and delivering lower cost solutions that have previously been inaccessible.

Visit JetBlackFans.com

Packaging

Sustainable and horticulture packaging supplies for primary industries including cornerboards, strap, bags, trays, punnets and food service product.

Visit punchbowlpackaging.co.nz

Automation

Providing Automated Machinery solutions either sourced from our partners or manufactured ourselves, to deliver labour, efficiency and quality gains for industry.

Plant Consulting

Service & Support

Providing wrap around engineering support via our service technicians and workshops to ensure your production lines perform.

Components

Bespoke projects based components to support your business, such as Jet Black Fan Systems, Fencing and Guarding, Cable Trays, Platforms and Walkways.

Consulting

Project Engineering and Consulting services to identify improvement opportunities and ensure projects are completed to a high standard, on time, and to budget.

Meet the Team

Shane Craig

Managing Director

Ben Davison

Automation Solutions Engineer

Mark Roche

Automation Engineer

Alex van Dijk

Special Projects Manager

Scott Milner

Service and Install Lead

Nico Moratalla

Service Engineer

Proud Winner of
WPO Award

We’re proud to be part of the award-winning Punchbowl Packaging Group, recognized by the World Packaging Organisation for packaging excellence with our fibre punnets featuring compostable lids.

This prestigious award highlights Punchbowl’s leadership in sustainable packaging design, a commitment we proudly share. With access to their extensive resources, we’re able to deliver professional, customer-centric solutions while leading the way in sustainability.

Transform Your Operations
with Innovative and
Streamlined Solutions

See Industry Solutions Talk to Our Expert