About us

Guardian Bandsaw has been designed by the team at KANDO. We are experts in building Smart Machines. We partner with industry leaders to create products that leverage technology to redefine what is possible.

We support our customers to set the benchmark in their industry from initial feasibility analysis and concept development through to installation and service.

Over 700 machines installed worldwide
Office
Machine
machine-a8f24
171.2164
-44.48987
Machine
machine-9ec4a
176.39427
-40.02204
Machine
machine-39262
176.23259
-38.13307
Machine
machine-66049
175.71445
-37.55962
Machine
machine-ddc88
175.63714
-37.6243
Machine
machine-3bba5
172.27685
-43.6104
Machine
machine-ca010
174.72659
-39.8214
Machine
machine-92333
-95.36287
42.02534
Machine
machine-430e0
-95.36287
42.02534
Machine
machine-d76d9
-96.72048
43.56011
Machine
machine-9430d
-93.58672
41.58157
Machine
machine-9f72d
174.93385
-41.17619
Machine
machine-209b1
152.518484
-32.201576
Machine
machine-8b384
-80.12756
26.30727
Machine
machine-d8f19
-118.19758
33.92802
Machine
machine-3e808
-118.32558
33.89495
Machine
machine-e0e60
174.884
-36.9042
Machine
machine-95602
147.09349
-41.71446
Machine
machine-6cf18
174.81329
-41.24328
Machine
machine-86ddc
175.18467
-38.34102
Machine
machine-d7fdd
175.18467
-38.34102
Machine
machine-9a7a7
153.17041
-27.71186
Machine
machine-58c5e
149.14765
-21.2122
Machine
machine-f7f09
-83.34084
42.37426
Machine
machine-c226c
138.87962
-34.90387
Machine
machine-5f423
153.08023
-27.44927
Machine
machine-5191b
-94.87633
39.71845
Machine
machine-16a21
-114.43017
42.74187
Machine
machine-5ed0b
-96.21266
38.40329
Machine
machine-11926
-94.12664
41.84185
Machine
machine-77ca0
-95.89031
41.2424
Machine
machine-589bf
-91.35557
41.29528
Machine
machine-081af
-92.26214
42.50726
Machine
machine-41e04
174.85502
-36.88309
Machine
machine-29988
-87.73732
41.94256
Machine
machine-7507f
-80.99366
33.95653
Machine
machine-ddad4
-95.88547
41.24321
Machine
machine-6c841
-111.97528
40.36148
Machine
machine-9c02f
-111.97058
40.36232
Machine
machine-bdda5
174.85502
-36.88309
Machine
machine-ad204
-99.73523
40.76111
Machine
machine-1f118
-86.71062
36.33056
Machine
machine-4555e
-97.46576
41.81646
Machine
machine-1c2b4
-96.60295
33.57608
Machine
machine-80fee
174.85502
-36.88309
Machine
machine-59861
-95.19068
42.64025
Machine
machine-5796b
-92.26214
42.50726
Machine
machine-6cac1
-81.74048
30.34394
Machine
machine-8633e
-81.73707
30.34363
Machine
machine-c4d81
-86.39111
40.7359
Machine
machine-ac926
-84.57682
34.1767
Machine
machine-b53dc
-92.29728
43.44899
Machine
machine-262cd
-71.01716
42.06318
Machine
machine-9c044
115.68243
-33.36272
Machine
machine-d5091
145.30504
-38.08713
Machine
machine-56028
117.54943
-33.69829
Machine
machine-cecbe
174.70034
-36.75483
Machine
machine-c0b56
-120.32912
46.37125
Machine
machine-f322b
-96.48674
41.42179
Machine
machine-c4142
-96.48674
41.42179
Machine
machine-0a2f7
174.82686
-36.92275
Machine
machine-5efc9
174.82686
-36.92275
Machine
guardian-office
174.82365
-36.90437
Office
machine
-83.04253
42.34554
Machine

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.

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.

Project Manager
Shaun Judd

Shaun holds a Trade Certificate in Manufacturing and Tool Making. With extensive experience developing race car parts, Shaun manages the manufacture of all production and development components. Outside of work, Shaun races in New Zealand’s GT1 racing category.

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.

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.

Program Manager
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.

Protein Sales Specialist
Mike Rizzari

With 25+ years of experience in the meat processing equipment industry, Mike joins our team as Sales Specialist (Protein). Mike has a hands-on approach to problem solving and providing solutions to meet customers’ equipment needs. Mike enjoys traveling, biking, playing ice hockey and hiking.

Industrial Sales Specialist
Leon Green

As an experienced professional in industrial sales, Leon has a passion for building strong client relationships & driving business growth. His blend of professional dedication and personal fulfillment drives him to excel in every aspect of his life. Outside work, he enjoys sports and spending quality time with his son. His newest hobby is cooking.

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.

Guardian Bandsaw:
Redefining safety

“Reliable performance, customer-focused support, and uncompromising safety”

The journey to creating the next generation bandsaw began in 2015. Our aim was to develop a product with reliable performance, customer-focused support, and uncompromising safety features. Guardian Bandsaw was developed in partnership with New Zealand’s meat processing industry.

“Guardian bandsaw was designed from the ground-up”

We developed a patented vision detection system coupled with a purpose-built stainless steel band saw. Rather than tweaking an existing commercial band saw, the Guardian was designed from the ground up, enabling us to incorporate innovative features based on years of experience in the meat processing industry.

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