Our History

Headquartered in Auckland, JMP Engineering began in 1972 as a custom machining and engineering workshop. Over the years, we strategically transitioned into the burgeoning fields of robotic automation and optimised custom palletising. Our initial robotics for Fonterra in the late 1990s set a new global standard for innovation in the sector.

 

We expanded internationally into the US in 2001, and in 2005, we launched our subsidiary Australian branch in Thomastown, Victoria.

 

We are a proudly Kiwi company that has taken on the mission of bringing safer, faster innovation to palletising systems around the globe.

Our History

Our Growth

JMP Engineering was founded with the idea that our clients’ success determines our own. When our projects consistently yield better results, our reputation grows stronger.

 

Since our inception, we have developed this reputation in all markets around the world. In 2001, West Farm Foods selected our proven milk powder robotic palletising solution for the US facility in Idaho, solidifying our place in the American market. We established our North American business under the name Icon Robotics in Madison, Wisconsin – and have since designed and installed over 750 palletising solutions that span nearly every US state.

 

We’ve also extended our reach to Northern Ireland, maintaining a dedicated office catering to palletising needs across Northern Europe.

Our Growth

Our Legacy

John Thornton opened an Engineering workshop in West Auckland in 1972 to service the growing local market and produce special purpose machinery.

 

Today, JMP Engineering design and manufacture complex, fully automated palletising and package handling solutions for some of the worlds' largest multi-national food and beverage producers.

 

We don't focus on growth as a driver for the business - instead, we have learnt that growth comes from doing the fundamentals right. We are first and foremost Engineers, so understanding the customers need, designing a robust solution that solves their problem, manufacturing to the highest standards and delivering what we promise are in our DNA.

Our Legacy

Engineering Better Outcomes.

 

Contact Us

Meet the American and international team members that drive our work.

Michael Thornton
Michael Thornton
Director
David Gross
David Gross
CEO
Dean Bell
Dean Bell
General Manager - North America
Paul Vassallo
Paul Vassallo
General Manager - Australia
Phil Wright
Phil Wright
Sales Manager - North America
Keith Mainland
Keith Mainland
Engineering Manager
Aaron Depont
Aaron Depont
Lead Project Engineer
Chris Augustin
Chris Augustin
Technical Engineer
Denise Culley
Denise Culley
Financial Controller
Denis Loftus
Denis Loftus
Service Manager
Chris Baker
Chris Baker
Automation Manager
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
Electrical Manager
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Locations and Growing

Our global reach spans from small, single-robot cells to one of the largest palletizing systems in the Southern Hemisphere.

JMP Engineering

JMP Engineering is headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand. Our journey began in 1972 as a custom machining and engineering workshop, and over the years, we strategically transitioned in the burgeoning fields of robotic automation and optimized custom palletizing. Our initial robotic palletizers for Fonterra in the late 1990s marked us as pioneers in this innovative sector. 

In 2001, West Farm Foods selected our proven milk powder robotic palletizing solution for the US facility in Caldwell, Idaho, solidifying our presence in the American market. Today, we proudly stand as trusted partners to a diverse range of over 2,000 systems, from small and medium-sized producers to large North American multinationals.

 Our US headquarters, strategically located in Madison, Wisconsin, serves as the epicenter for our North American-based installation, service, and support teams.