Wellington Drive scores European deal

By NZPA

Wednesday 12th June 2002

Wellington Drive Technologies has sealed a deal to supply a European air conditioning manufacturer with a modified version of its super-quiet motor.

Subject to satisfactory completion of trials, the company would begin production at its Auckland plant, although the agreement allowed for future production under licence in Europe, the company told the Stock Exchange.

"The agreement shows our strategy of offering drop-in ready motors and fans is making it easier for customers to decide to move forward," said WDT managing director Ross Green.

Currently visiting clients in the United States, Dr Green told NZPA that due to the "extremely competitive" nature of the European air-moving business, it would not be naming its new client or the value of the contract, but its potential value was greater.

The international market for air conditioning and ventilation machines was worth more than $NZ2 billion, he said.

"We're starting to get a toehold in that market, so the money we get for engineering and even for building samples, although it's significant, is not anything like where contracts like this might lead".

Dr Green said all new European buildings as of next year would have to have ventilation systems.

"Our marketing is very focused, very targeted -- air moving is one of these things where noise and energy are important. It's an absolutely enormous market."

WDT says its brushless motor is quieter, has a longer life and needs half the energy of conventional designs.

The motors headed for Europe are aimed at the top end of the market, where WDT's unnamed client sells 40,000 units per year.

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