2013, A challenging year for TAIT Communications
Radio communications services and equipment exporter Tait Communications' managing director Frank Owen says 2013 has been a challenging year for the company
According to Frank Owen on the website of Stuff.co.nz, many of TAIT's clients depend on the public purse to fund their critical communications needs, so we have seen a number of deals being deferred or delayed."
The company restructured this year, shedding about 70 positions, and amended its strategy to increase its expertise in software and services to complement the design and manufacture of radio hardware it is famous for.
"This involved some tough decisions and some real challenges, but they support our long-term aim to stay ahead of the curve and set the agenda, rather than being driven by it."
The company has won key new public safety and utilities clients in the US, Brazil, Australia, Poland and in New Zealand.
The company has established global partnerships with organisations such as Cisco, as well as continuing its relationship with the NZi3 Wireless Research Centre at the University of Canterbury.
The construction of Tait's new Christchurch campus and global headquarters began this year.
"While 2013 wasn't the year we'd hoped for, the progress we have made has given us a great stepping stone for 2014 - our order book is healthier than it was 12 months ago, and we're looking forward to building on that momentum," Owen says.
