Siemens Energy Services Opens For Business

New company commences operations as one of the largest energy maintenance providers in New Zealand

Auckland, Wednesday 18 July 2001 - Siemens, one of the largest engineering companies in the world, today announced the formation of Siemens Energy Services Ltd, its newest venture in New Zealand. The new company has been created following Siemens' acquisition of UnitedNetworks' Contracting Field Services Division.

Siemens Energy Services is one of the largest energy maintenance providers in the country, entering the market with a groundbreaking seven and a half year network maintenance contract with UnitedNetworks. The contract is the first of its kind in New Zealand and the largest ever concluded by Siemens' Power Transmission and Distribution group, anywhere in the world.

John Brockies, Chief Executive of Siemens Energy Services, said that the company's local heritage, combined with Siemens' global expertise, meant it could offer a unique approach to its customer relationships.

"Energy providers in New Zealand face a challenging market with increasingly discerning customers. They need strategic business partners that will work with them to define the future of the industry," he said.

Siemens Energy Services combines UnitedNetworks' established reputation in network design and construction with Siemens' world-class technology, products and research and development.

"This combination means that we can offer network owners and operators not only network maintenance services, but also knowledge and technology that will help them create new business opportunities and achieve the optimum performance from their existing assets," said Brockies.

"By sharing our expertise with customers and industry leaders in these knowledge-based partnerships, we want to play a role in shaping the New Zealand energy industry and develop a reliable and sophisticated infrastructure to support the country's future," he said.

Michael Waymark, Executive General Manager of Siemens Power Transmission and Distribution, and Director of Siemens Energy Services, said the maturity of New Zealand's deregulated environment offered the potential for Siemens Energy Services to be a source of global best practice for Siemens.

"Siemens has made this strategic, long-term investment because of the opportunities that New Zealand's deregulated energy market presents," said Waymark. "We believe that the experience we gain here will be invaluable in tailoring our approach to energy markets like Australia, where deregulation is gaining momentum."

Siemens Energy Services starts operations with 420 staff based throughout the North Island. The company is committed to maintaining the highest skill levels among its workforce and is investing heavily in training its existing workforce. An apprenticeship program will be implemented over the coming months to continue this skills development among new employees.

Background for editors: Siemens Energy Services

Siemens Energy Services is a New Zealand company, established on 25 May 2001 through the acquisition of UnitedNetworks' Contracting Field Services Division. It is one of the top two energy maintenance providers in the country.

Siemens Energy Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens New Zealand Limited.

For more information, please visit www.services.siemens.co.nz

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