Family-owned. Engineering-driven.

Nearly twenty years of building machines from the ground up — that's the foundation behind Guardian.

KANDO, Guardian's parent company, was founded in 2007 on one principle: if you want something done right, you build it yourself. Guardian was born from that same conviction in 2015, with one mission: eliminate bandsaw injuries.

Since then, Guardian has shipped over a thousand zero-accident machines, earned a reputation for quality engineering, and remains a family-owned business.

Trusted by manufacturers worldwide

There’s a reason why our biggest source of business is repeat business – whether in the U.S., Europe, or our home in New Zealand.

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1,000+
installed machines
3 million
run hours
0
accidents

Over 1,000 machines installed worldwide

Office
Machine

Professional
memberships & partners

Built in-house.
Engineered to last.

We build each machine from the ground up instead of fitting our solution on a third-party bandsaw. That means higher reliability, tailored configurations, and cutting-edge safety innovations.

Our people

Managing Director
Keith Blenkinsopp
Keith has over 25 years’ experience in automation, covering a wide range of industries. He is passionate about working with clients to understand their needs and delivering innovative solutions that drive progress through advanced automation. Keith has an NZCE in Mechanical Engineering.
General Manager Operations
Shaun Hurd
With a PhD in Physics and Electronic Engineering, Shaun is an expert at machine learning for meat robotics systems. With thirteen years of experience in this industry, Shaun oversees and develops our software and control systems. When he’s not working, he heads outdoors to cycle and kayak.
President
Steve Ledbetter
Steve has over 20 years of executive experience managing profit and loss for international technology & manufacturing companies. He has a strong track record of driving growth, leading action-oriented teams, and delivering results, including managing a $100M+ division at a publicly traded company. When he's not working, he enjoys traveling to new destinations with his wife.
Vice President
Ken Rogers
Ken has a strong international marketing and primary industry background with a degree in agricultural science, as well as international sales and marketing experience gained while working for Fonterra. Returning to New Zealand, Ken joined Pernod Ricard as Production Director and most recently Ken was a shareholder and Managing Director of Superb Herb, an innovative horticultural business. Ken is a keen sportsman having played rugby into his 40s but more recently, concentrating on snowboarding, scuba diving and fishing.
Global Sales Director
Nicholas Blenkinsopp
With degrees in Property and Finance (BCOM,BPROP) from the University of Auckland. Nicholas operates out of the Guardian Omaha office. Nicholas is focused on providing the right Guardian solution to customers. A keen surfer who’s working on his golf swing due to a lack of waves in Omaha.
General Manager Engineering
Matt Evans
With a background in defense, mining and food processing, Matt brings a broad range of experience in machine design, product development and project management. Matt is responsible for overseeing the design and development of Guardian machinery, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope and within budget. Matt holds a PhD in mechatronics engineering.
Technical Service Manager
Bradley Sexton
Bradley boasts over 25 years of experience leading manufacturing teams in reliability, automation, and maintenance management. With a degree in industrial electronics technology and a specialization in electronics engineering, he excels at diagnosing and resolving technical issues for clients. Bradley prioritizes safety, quality, and service. When not traveling with Guardian, he enjoys spending time in central Virginia with his family, working on classic car restorations, and gardening.
Industrial Sales Specialist
Blaine Murbach
Blaine holds a degree in Industrial Distribution from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and brings over 10 years of experience in industrial process automation, spanning both OEM and MRO sectors. Based in Kansas City, he works closely with clients to deliver practical, efficient solutions that enhance operational performance. Outside of work, Blaine enjoys football, exploring new foods, and attending live sports and concert events.
Service and Support Manager
Carlotta Blenkinsopp
After finishing university, Carlotta worked in Guardian's spare parts department. Now based in Auckland, Carlotta oversees the after sales support team and is passionate about everyone having the best Guardian experience. When not working, she enjoys getting outdoors and spending time at New Zealand’s beautiful beaches.
Production Manager
Joseph Dumaran
With a BE (Honors) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Joseph is proficient at troubleshooting electrical and pneumatics systems. He manages and motivates the production team, ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and with excellence. Outside of work, he is a professional tenpin bowler.
Principle Software Engineer
Nicholas Hildreth
With an M.Sc. in Computer Science and over 20 years’ experience in specialist software engineering, Nicholas is responsible for developing our suite of products which require computer vision-based solutions. Outside work, he enjoys distance running and rock climbing.
Customer Success Manager
Rachel Harris
With a degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Nebraska, Rachel is a Customer Success Manager based in Guardian’s Omaha office. She focuses on consumable sales and supports Guardian's customers. When she’s not at work, she enjoys traveling and discovering live music.