Software Exporter Bucks Recession Trend

Christchurch software company grows USA market 50% in 2008, bullish about 2009

9 February 2009. Christchurch, New Zealand. – A pre-Christmas sale to Connecticut-based Millstone Express, Inc sealed a great year for Christchurch software company SSi Limited which saw a 50% increase in sales for the 2008 calendar year.

“We believe there is still considerable opportunity in the USA in the niche we are focussing on,” says SSi’s Sales and Marketing Director Kerry Glynn.

“Food companies are looking for the kind of efficiencies computer software can bring them, but they also want a cost-effective solution.”

SSi’s GlobalBake software helps food manufacturers manage their operations and is particular suited to small and medium sized firms, says Mr Glynn. “That section of the market is not that well serviced in the USA which has led to a lot of interest in GlobalBake.”

Mr Glynn says Millstone typified the kind of operation GlobalBake is attracting. “They are small by US standards, but large enough to need something more sophisticated than an accounting package or spreadsheets.

“GlobalBake is a great fit because it gives them the kind of capabilities they would get from a larger ERP-type system, but for a SME price.”

SSi have also recorded strong GlobalBake sales in Australia and New Zealand, and secured their second customer in the Middle East.

“While demand at the luxury end of the market will soften as a result of the recession, we believe mainstream food operations will continue to trade well,” says Mr Glynn.

He said with record wheat prices and fuel price rises the food sector had already experienced a tough year, “The smart businesses have been seeking to achieve efficiencies by computerising more of their business.”

The greatest challenge facing SSi, like many technology companies, is getting the most out of their sales and marketing spend. “We’re up against some huge competitors in big markets so we have to be as targeted and smart as we can with our resources.”

About SSi Limited

SSi Ltd is a software development company based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Established in 1981, SSi develops the Global family of products as well as customised software. SSi products are used by companies in the UK, US, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.

ENDS