Nathan Hay

Summary

As the general manager of tech manufacturer Argus ManuTech, Nathan Hay has led a digital transformation that preserved many at-risk jobs and expanded the workforce. His innovative use of the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) framework reshaped global manufacturing standards, while his focus on employee upskilling empowered the Argus workforce. Hay also created new business opportunities, including a high-tech med-tech partnership with MARS Bioimaging. His leadership has influenced manufacturing practices across New Zealand, making him a key figure in industrywide digital transformation and sustainable growth.

Entrepreneurial Impact

Hay’s leadership at Argus attests to the power of innovation and people-focused leadership in transforming businesses. He began working with the company as part of a project for his MBA in consulting from the University of Canterbury. There, he developed a digital strategy aimed at modernizing the company’s operations and ensuring its long-term viability.

At a critical moment when Argus faced outdated processes and fierce competition, Hay designed and led a comprehensive digital transformation. His vision was clear: keep manufacturing in New Zealand.

At the time, local manufacturing’s economic sustainability was threatened by cheaper offshore alternatives. At the start of this journey, many of the company’s 117 jobs were at risk. But thanks to Hay’s innovation, Argus not only preserved these jobs but also expanded its financial success and its workforce to 170 employees.

Hay’s people-focused transformation involved the pioneering use of the SIRI framework to assess and guide Argus’ digital maturity. His application of this globally recognized tool in consultation with the team at LMAC New Zealand was so impactful that it led to opportunities to review how SIRI measures digital maturity. This global influence demonstrates Hay’s ability to shape not only the future of Argus but also industry standards on an international scale.

What sets Hay apart is his focus on people. Recognizing that digital transformation would only succeed with employee buy-in and empowerment, he invested in upskilling the Argus workforce. He introduced training programs that enhanced the digital literacy of frontline workers, many of whom previously had limited exposure to advanced technologies.

This investment in people transformed their lives, boosted their career prospects, and fostered a positive and inclusive work culture. Employees were not only retained but empowered to thrive in a modernized workplace.

Additionally, Hay’s leadership has unlocked new business opportunities for Argus. His digital transformation attracted the attention of MARS Bioimaging, and the two companies established a strategic partnership to manufacture cutting-edge med-tech devices, such as spectral molecular imaging systems.

This collaboration has made Argus competitive in high-tech manufacturing and created new revenue streams, which have expanded the company’s capabilities into the med-tech sector. Further, the strategic expansion demonstrates Hay’s entrepreneurial acumen as well as highlights his ability to drive growth and innovation through partnerships that align with Argus’ strengths in manufacturing.

Hay’s work at Argus has also influenced New Zealand’s broader manufacturing sector. He is now a regular speaker at Industry 4.0 events in manufacturing and collaborates with many players in the innovation ecosystem—such as Callaghan Innovation, The Learning Wave, and the LMAC team—for the betterment of manufacturing in New Zealand.

Hay’s success has inspired other manufacturers to explore similar digital transformations—proof that with the right strategy and leadership, companies can modernize without sacrificing jobs.

Additional Information

• “Argus ManuTech Joins Forces With MARS Bioimaging,” MARS Bioimaging website
• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-hay-5a3325136