SP-High Modulus, the marine business of Gurit, a specialist manufacturer and supplier of composite materials and structural engineering services, welcomed guests to the official opening of its new Asia Pacific head office and manufacturing facility in Auckland.
The modern purpose-built 1650 sqm building accommodates SP-High Modulus' southern hemisphere-based structural engineers, B3 SmartPac designers, administrative and sales staff, and warehouse and production teams. SP-High Modulus, the marine business of Gurit, a specialist manufacturer and supplier of composite materials and structural engineering services, welcomed guests to the official opening of its new #
From this facility, SP-High Modulus, the marine business of Gurit, manages its activities in the Asia Pacific region, with additional sales and technical representatives in Australia, SE Asia and China. As the use of composites grows throughout this region, SP-High Modulus is well placed to offer its customers a comprehensive range of composite products, from glass and carbon fabrics and prepregs, to a full selection of core materials, to epoxy adhesives and laminating resins, as well as composite engineering design services.
The new facility, along with SP-High Modulus' increased focus on the wider Asia Pacific region, will enable customers to more easily access this unrivalled product range and technical know-how. As well as the marine sector, the SP-High Modulus team services all customers outside of the primary Gurit business units, which are marketed under the Gurit brand: Wind Energy, Transportation and Tooling.
“This new building has been designed with our current structure and future growth in mind,” says Paul Goddard, Director Asia Pacific and North America, and General Manager of Marine at Gurit. “I am confident that our new facility will serve our team well, and ensure Asia Pacific customers can easily access our full range of products, supported by great local customer service.”
Leading the sales and customer service teams, in his new role as Head of Sales Asia Pacific, is Sean Jeffery, who joined the company twelve years ago. Sean has been involved with the marine industry, both professionally and personally, for many years, and is well known to the company's NZ and Pacific Islands customer base. As well as managing the NZ sales team for the past four years, he has also personally managed a number of key accounts, including America's Cup syndicates and Volvo Ocean Race teams. Sean is now responsible for the wider Asia Pacific sales team and customer base, which includes NZ, SE Asia and Australia, and he passes the NZ sales management baton to David Joughin. Sean's passion for the marine sector and his depth of knowledge of composite materials will be of great benefit to the sales teams and the customers in the region.
Simon Priddy joins Gurit (Asia Pacific) as Commercial Manager, with overall responsibility for operations. A commerce and law graduate and a Chartered Accountant, Simon previously held commercial roles at national and multi-national companies.
He brings this knowledge and experience to lead the Asia Pacific team into a new chapter. “I am delighted to have joined the company at such an exciting time. In addition to our core business in the marine sector, the challenge ahead is to expand our reach into new market sectors and increase the general awareness of the versatility of composites throughout the wider manufacturing arena,” says Simon. “We have a can-do attitude here in New Zealand, and I know the team will rise to the challenge.”
Mr Hans Frauenlob, General Manager – Services at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, was the guest of honour at the opening. He addressed guests and staff before officially declaring the building open by cutting the carbon fibre ribbon!
Staff, customers and suppliers joined in the celebrations, which included food by Appresso Catering, and live vocals and acoustic guitar by musician Nick Corbett.
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