Tait Communications refocus could hit jobs
Chief executive Frank Owen said the proposed changes were designed to ensure Tait remained relevant to the changing needs of customers.
Seventy roles could be affected at a Christchurch company.
Tait Communications employs 975 people around the world, including 708 in Christchurch.
The electronics manufacturer today started consultation with staff at its offices around the world.
Chief executive Frank Owen said the proposed changes were designed to ensure Tait remained relevant to the changing needs of customers.
''Tait Communications has a clear strategy to be increasingly relevant to our customers' evolving needs and driving further export growth,'' he said.
The company said the proposal, which could affect about 70 Christchurch roles, followed a review of its business and global market conditions.
It is not yet clear what the impact will be in terms of actual job losses.
Tait corporate communications manager Martin Deakin said the announcement did not necessarily mean 70 people would lose their jobs as some roles were also being created at the company.
The consultation process with staff had started today and the company would have more details on the impact by the end of this month, he said.
''We are responding to the changes that are affecting our customers and evolving our business so we can continue to offer them the best services and solutions,'' Owen said.
''These changes will ensure Tait is in a strong position for the future, and we are very positive about the long-term opportunities for the company.
''We are already investing in market leadership and it is vital we make sure our people are working in the right areas and that these precious resources are driving growth.''
The company would ''refocus roles and resources'' after the review.
It was looking to expand into areas like managed services and not focus just on manufacturing electronic devices, Owen said.
Tait remained committed to its Christchurch base, and plans for a multimillion-dollar campus funded by the Tait Foundation would go ahead.
Tait is the largest electronics manufacturer in the southern hemisphere, based on the number of components it handles and its floor area.
It manufactures hundreds of thousands of radio communication devices each year for public safety agencies, utilities and transport operators, exporting 95 per cent of its production to more than 100 countries.
Tait is one of New Zealand's most successful exporters, with a turnover of more than $178 million a year. The company has been in business for over 40 years.
Source: MCCResources
