Key Contacts

Key contacts at Synergy Positioning Systems

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New Zealand

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  Louie Schutte Chief Technology Officer View Profile

  Synergy Positioning Systems’ technical manager Louie Schutte has recently stepped into a new frontline role within the company, focusing on the rapidly growing 3D GPS machine control market as National Machine Control Manager.

  A familiar face to many within Synergy’s diverse client base, Louie has been selling, training, installing and supporting machine control customers since 2007. During recent years he has specialised in machine control sales, which has ultimately culminated in his new role.

  With the rapid evolution of machine control technology – both in terms of the technical capabilities of the software itself, as well as its growing industry adoption within New Zealand – Louie is excited about the opportunities the new role brings.

  “In this new role I will continue to design and roll-out machine control systems for heavy equipment used in the construction industry,” he says.

  “Topcon is a world renowned positioning company developing ground-breaking, exciting technological advances in this space.

  “A prime example of Topcon’s exceptional R&D efforts is its recently released “mast-less” dozer system, called 3DMC-MAX. This system uses two inertial sensors, enabling the dozer to run at full speed and up to four times faster than any other dozer system, yet still maintain a consistent, almost mirror-like finish with no GPS mast on the blade.”

  Louie says he will be looking to bring his in-depth knowledge and experience in sales, sensor technology – including GNSS, hydraulics, electronic control systems, optical control systems and Topcon Magnet back room software solutions – to both new and existing clients.

  Over the last decade Louie has helped develop and implement many positioning solutions for customers across New Zealand and Australia.

  Louie’s background as a qualified surveyor means he appreciates both the challenges that busy infrastructure and civil earthworks companies face in planning and implementing cost-effective ground works, as well as the many resourcing, health and safety, cost and time benefits Topcon 3D GPS machine control technology can help deliver.

• 
  Scott Robertson General Manager - Finance & Operations View Profile

  Synergy Positioning Systems’ newest recruit is Finance Manager, Scott Robertson.

  Scott joined the team at its Albany headquarters earlier in 2016, following nine years working with a large scale wholesale food manufacturer and exporter.

  Scott has also previously logged time working within finance operations in the United Kingdom, along with six years spent working for an auditor agency.

  “I’m really looking forward to getting involved in the wider construction industry through Synergy Positioning Systems,” he says.

  “There are a lot of significant players that Synergy supplies equipment to, so it is a very fast-paced environment which is great.

  “It’s all about finding out what you need to report on and ensuring that reporting is carried out correctly; we want to make sure the process is as streamlined as possible for our many clients around the country.”

  When not in the office, Scott likes to take to the golf course. Having played in several tournaments in the past, Scott says the sport is a passion he has developed over many years.

• 
  Bryce Swainson Machine Control and Construction Sales View Profile

  Joined Synergy in November 2012 after having worked as a camera technician in the New Zealand film industry for the past 17 years. Over that period I developed a strong knowledge of optics for lenses and cameras.

  New to the industry and having completed my Topcon factory training, I bring an enthusiasm and passion and a lot of good humour to my new career.

  Weekends are dominated with sports and watching my kids play league, softball, touch and netball. I am the Chairman of the East Coast Bays Barracudas Rugby League Club and my kids and I all play softball for the East Coast Bays United Softball Club. Somehwere in between of the activity I try to fit in my other passions which is music, movies, art and the beach!

• 
  Jason Hilton Geopositioning Products Manager View Profile

  Jason Hilton started with Synergy Positioning in Wellington in early 2018. Prior to starting with Synergy, Jason spent 7 years with Trig Instruments. Jason brings with him a wealth of knowledge on Topcon Construction products, as well as an in depth knowledge of the survey industry in New Zealand.

  Jason’s role with Synergy is heavily focussed on the entire range of Topcon Survey and Construction products, as well as being our product champion for Faro Laser Scanning products.

  Outside of work, Jason is the coach of Kapiti’s Premier 1 Mens Hockey Team, and is also kept busy by his young son Arlo.

• 
  Jamie Nelson Regional Manager – Southern View Profile

  Jamie joined the Synergy team in April 2018 bringing with him 6 ½ years of Topcon experience. Starting out as a Machine control technician in 2011, Jamie has a nuts and bolts understanding of how machine & survey systems work and knowledge of what is required on the job site.

  Having been exposed to major projects across New Zealand and Australia and recently to survey technology such as RPAS (drones), 3D scanning and general survey practises Jamie has a wealth of real world knowledge that he is able to draw on when consulting and advising.
  
  With a customer focused approach Jamie believes in working with clients to build and develop their business’s by supplying and implementing the right survey and machine control technology to suit the application and business needs.

• 
  Joel Smith Machine Control and Construction Sales View Profile

  Bio