"I can’t imagine running a business without the EMA"
How the EMA supported RailBlaza to navigate HR, compliance and export growth
At a glance
- Global compliance pressure: As an exporter to over 40 countries, RailBlaza needed to meet international standards while managing local health and safety and employment law compliance.
- No dedicated HR team: General Manager, Mike Edgington, had to handle complex HR and compliance issues solo, from holiday pay to ACC to health and safety non-compliance.
Benefits
- Sustained growth
- Export success
- Leadership focus
- Peace of mind
“EMA membership is something I can’t imagine running a business without.”
– Mike Edgington, RailBlaza General Manager
Challenge
As a fast-growing outdoor mounting systems manufacturer exporting to over 40 countries, Auckland-based manufacturer RailBlaza faced a complex set of operational challenges.
With most of its products destined for the US and Europe, ensuring compliance with international standards was critical. At the same time, RailBlaza needed to maintain rigorous health and safety practices, keep up with evolving employment laws, and manage HR issues without a dedicated internal team.
General Manager Mike Edgington, who joined RailBlaza in its start-up days, found himself frequently navigating tricky situations, from handling holiday pay for staff on ACC to addressing non-compliance with health and safety policies. With no full-time HR resource, he needed reliable, up-to-date advice to protect the business and support its people.
Solution
With expertise across employment law, compliance, health and safety, and export requirements, the EMA provided the perfect solution.
Edgington’s connection to the EMA stretches back to the 1990s, and he has consistently brought businesses under its membership umbrella.
“The AdviceLine really is the gold. There are no wait times, and I like just talking to one person to get the advice I need. It’s value for money,” says Edgington.
RailBlaza leverages almost the entire suite of EMA services:
- AdviceLine: For immediate guidance on employment relations, pay calculations and compliance questions.
- Training: Regularly sending staff to the EMA’s flagship health and safety courses, including ‘Health and Safety Representative – Stage 1’ and ‘Supervision – An Introduction’.
- Legal support: Working with EMA legal consultant Lisa Oakley to develop robust HR and employment relations strategies.
- Trade support: Receiving export compliance help, such as when preparing a Declaration of Conformity, with the EMA connecting RailBlaza to Dr Llewellyn Richards, a standards expert.
- Networking & innovation: Attending EMA Smart Factory Showcases and engaging with Advanced Manufacturing Aotearoa’s Auckland Regional Business Group.
Result
With the help of the EMA, RailBlaza has navigated complex HR and compliance challenges, freeing up leadership to focus on innovation and export growth.
The company now employs 26 people and has more than doubled in size since the Covid period, with its products gaining a foothold in major overseas markets.
“EMA membership is something I can’t imagine running a business without,” Edgington says.
“Its tailored guidance and practical solutions have allowed us to focus on growth both at home and internationally.”
EMA - Helping businesses make the right call
Every day in business we’re asked to make decisions, big and small. These calls are even more challenging in shifting economic and legislative conditions.
At the EMA we’re here to be the sounding board and trusted mentor that businesses need to help move from complexity to clarity. From navigating compliance issues to staying on top of employment relations to helping your leaders learn and grow, we’re here to deliver greater support, certainty and growth to our Members.