Richard Scrivener, National Sales Manager said, "We've experienced increased sales not only in our highly popular new product areas, such as the smaller Xtravert (the new generation AC motor speed controller for multi-purpose applications) and the Microdrive Elite series, but also across the total range of products, including the larger scale PDL Electronics variable speed drives
(VSDs)".
A new building being constructed next to the current Austin Street site will add a further 1,800 square metres to the operation.
"We've had 100% growth in production volumes over the last 12 months and we are expecting a further 50% increase in the next 12 months," said Mr Fraser, Manufacturing Manager. Manufacturing staff increased 50% over this time last year, so that today 150 work at the site, of which 110 are in manufacturing. The plant expansion was essential to ensure that production and sales growth could be maintained.
"The key to keeping up with growth is working on our production cycle time from the time of receiving an order, through processing and dispatching," said Mr Fraser.
By the end of the expansion, total floor space will have increased by approximately 50%. The company's metal fabrication operation will move from a separate building in an adjacent street and double its floor space. Expanded metal work production area was required due to the growth in production.
The storage operations, previously housed in several areas, will be consolidated in the new building, making distribution of components and products throughout the operation much easier and faster. Each product typically has about 1,200 components, and production staff are assembling as many as 70,000 components per day (not counting metalwork fabrication). The company holds over 7000 different components in its stores, so it is essential to keep stock levels under control.
"The expansion of floor space has enabled us to review our layout and flow of processes from store to floor and from assembly to testing and transportation. Effectively it is helping us work smarter," said Mr Fraser.
David O'Donoghue, General Manager, said PDL Electronics has changed from being a New Zealand company to an international company.
"A few years ago the New Zealand market was our major market. Whilst sales have also increased by 20%-30% and we remain dominant in the local sector, exports now makes up 70%-80% of sales," Mr O'Donoghue said.
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