TALISMAN
Linkeight’s Seamless Collaboration with Talisman:
Overcoming Manufacturing Challenges in the
Ceramics Industry
Talisman, located in Palmerston North, New Zealand, has been crafting top-notch equipment for the pottery and ceramics industry since the 1960s. Their product range includes the Talisman Rotary Sieve™, hand sieves, test sieves, and interchangeable Talisman sieve screens. Talisman is known for creating durable, handcrafted equipment that potters value for its longevity and practicality. Their commitment to quality has earned them a loyal customer base around the world, with some clients still using Talisman products purchased over 30 years ago.
Don Guthrie, the owner of Talisman, faced a manufacturing challenge when he could no longer source a supply of brushes for his Talisman Rotary Sieve Brush. With only one other brush supplier in New Zealand, Don approached them but found their prices to be incompatible. In late 2022, Don reached out to Jeremy, the Director of Linkeight, who he had known for many years, seeking assistance with production.
To initiate the project, Don provided Linkeight with a sample of the existing Talisman Rotary Sieve Brush. The Linkeight team then utilised their expertise in product development and design to create 3D CAD working models and 2D working drawings for the brush. Don carefully reviewed and approved these designs, signaling the green light for further progress. Linkeight proceeded to manufacture the required mould, with Don covering a 50% deposit for the mould costs.
During the collaboration, there were a few iterations to ensure the brush met Talisman’s specifications. Once an off-tool sample (a small run of 10-20 units) was produced, it was thoroughly examined to confirm accurate size, correct bristle composition, and appropriate logo placement. Don received these samples and was satisfied with the quality and functionality of the brush.
“The samples provided were spot on in terms of the material, dimensions, colour and quality of finish. Our evaluation of the samples gave us the confidence we needed to sign off on the production run.”
“When it became clear we couldn’t source the brushes from New Zealand I initially thought about direct sourcing them from a Chinese manufacturer, as I have done before with some smaller runs of product and machinery. I had some concerns though around protecting our intellectual property with a mould located offshore, and how we would ensure no issues with quality and delivery. I’d known Jeremy for several years with us both living on the Kapiti Coast, with similar age kids. He took the brief, explained the process and provided a quote which was attractive in comparison with the New Zealand sourced option. The process took a couple of months to get through with no real hitches. From my perspective it was a pretty easy process without the stress of worrying about cross-border contractual issues.”
“We will be using Linkeight again for reordering the brush product, and potentially other components in future. We always try to buy from New Zealand first, but sometimes as in this case there just isn’t any feasible option onshore. In buying through Linkeight I feel we get the best of both worlds with China-based pricing delivered under a local contract. We didn’t have any issues but if we did it’s comforting to know I wouldn’t have to get on a plane to sort it out. I can definitely recommend the Linkeight sourcing model to other New Zealand manufacturers, especially if you are struggling to source what you need locally at a reasonable price.”
The successful collaboration between Linkeight and Talisman ensured the continuity of Talisman’s production line without compromising the quality and durability of their products. This partnership exemplifies how contract manufacturing can address manufacturing challenges, support product development, and maintain high standards in the ceramics and pottery industry.
Contract Manufacturing
Let us look after some or all of your manufacturing process
We develop and manage your manufacturing process, with our integrated networks of qualified and reputable factories providing quality engineering services to deliver both components and full product assemblies.
Talk to us about:
- Casting, machined components and tooling
- Manual or CNC cutting
- Pressed and formed parts
- Heavy and light fabrication
- Prototyping and modelling CAD services
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes we can, provide us a 3D CAD file or we can create that using our designer. We can prototype through 3D printing or CNC machining (utilising CAM software).
We specialise in plastic and metals but have also worked with glass, foams and wood.
We can accept 3D native files from most CAD software packages (preferably .stp or .IGS). 2D files (.dxf or .dwg) with pdf working files to accompany. Linkeight can provide these file types for you if required.
Quality controls are specific by customer but typically include material checks, dimensional validation, finishing validation checks (includes paint, powder coating, galvanizing). The rate of checking is typically 1-5% of production quantity, at random. Checking rates will increase to as high as 20% if any issues are found.
Yes, design can include conceptual 3D designs, finalisation of 3D design and 2D working files.
Bulk production supply generally take 90 days as a guide after the design is finalised but is dependent on the complexity of the product.
Production lead time could be as fast as 15-20 days.
We stand by our supplier partners who are experts in their fields and most issues can be resolved fairly quickly.
Depending on the manufacturing process, costs can vary and include set up charges for moulds in addition to the price per unit. Typically our quoted price is FIS to our clients premise. As we trade in USD there may be some price fluctuation between orders from time to time.
No, this is included in our unit pricing for delivered goods.
In New Zealand dollars direct to the nominated Linkeight bank account.
