Bright future for leading NZ electronics company

Friday, 30 April 2004, 10:56 am
Press Release: Word Of Mouth Media

Bright future after changes for leading NZ electronics company

A leading New Zealand electronics company Dynamic Controls today announced it is restructuring and taking on new staff to meet changing trends in the market. Dynamic Controls is the world’s leading manufacturer of controls for wheelchairs and scooters; and the largest New Zealand electronics contract manufacturer.

The company plans to disestablish 20 positions but is also seeking a number of new positions which will be advertised shortly.

``We deeply regret having to let staff go but we are also taking on more employees with new and different skill sets to meet the needs of future customer expectations,’’ chief executive John McCombe said today.

``This restructuring will best position the company for its continued contract growth. Our medium to long term future in the mobility business looks good.’’ Staffing was a top priority for Dynamic Controls, Mr McCombe said, but they were restructuring to meet changing trends in the marketplace.

Dynamic’s contract manufacturing business continues to perform strongly.

The changes will allow Dynamic Controls to stabilise its workforce at a sustainable level to meet current operational requirements.

``Dynamic still remains the world’s largest supplier of control systems for wheelchair and mobility scooters. We are continuing to invest heavily in both research and development and plant and equipment to ensure that we retain this position. We are aggressively seeking new opportunities in our contract manufacturing business,’’ Mr McCombe said.

The company has been the world's leading manufacturer of controls for powerchairs and scooters for the last 30 years. It has centres in Europe, United States, Asia and Australasia.

Dynamic is one of the top three electronic manufacturers in New Zealand in terms of revenue, units produced and staff numbers. Ninety eight percent of Dynamic products are exported to markets in Europe, Asia and the USA.

The Christchurch-based based company is owned by Invacare Corporation which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, has revenues of $US1.3billion and is the largest manufacturer of non-acute home medical equipment in the world.

The company currently employs 480 people, in its Christchurch operation, up from 380 since in December 2002.

Dynamic Controls was founded in 1972 and it later designed the first microprocessor based wheelchair controller in the world.

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