Leading Australian compressor group, Champion Compressors , has launched a major export initiative, in response to growing global demand for its products.
The initiative encompasses a significant factory refurbishment in line with new manufacturing, supply and process programs, with special consideration taken for specific regional requirements within and outside Australia.
According to Wayne St Baker, Champion Compressor's Managing Director, by expanding into new markets, Champion will be able to provide its Australian customers with a number of advantages. These include economies of scale, and the benefits associated with a global supply chain and increased volumes--such as increased investments into R&D.
"It goes like this: if the compressor fails then the factory stops. So Champion Compressors has never compromised on quality or reliability," said St Baker. "We currently provide a high level of excellence to Australia, but it's a relatively small market. The new export initiative will allow us to broaden our reach while maintain our high quality standards."
Initially, Champion Compressors is targeting the South-East Asian region, with the appointment of a new Area Manager in Kuala Lumpur to support the local distributor network. "We also have distributors in the Middle-East, South Africa and New Zealand, and recently had all our partners here in Melbourne for a conference to launch the expansion project," said St Baker. "Our real strength is in catering to the hot, humid and dusty environments similar to Australia's."
Champion Compressors export initiative and expansion strategy has begun at home at its headquarters in Hallam, Victoria, with the redevelopment of its manufacturing facility.
The $1 million dollar upgrade is aimed at reducing the factory footprint by 20 per cent and increasing production threefold, without affecting employee numbers. The first phase of this saw one assembly line--the 11- to 45-kW compressor range--redesigned for increased throughput, at the end of 2004. The entire facility will be upgraded over a 12-month period, with completion targeted for mid-2006.
"We're doing this the smart way by completely redeveloping our processes," said St Baker. "Value streaming, lean manufacturing processes and deliberate partnerships with suppliers will decrease lead times, increase stock turnover, and promote efficiency, without having to compromise on quality of parts and labour. We see this as mass customisation, because although we are increasing our customer base, each plant, company and region still has its own special requirements and specifications--and we have tailored solutions for each."