| 7 T T Anne Boswell Innovation, passion mark export award finalists Levin-based Snorkel NZ has been manufacturing elevated work platforms in New Zealand for 40 years. Snorkel NZ REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Hot on the heels of being named as a finalist in the ExportNZ ASB Wellington Export Awards 2024, Snorkel NZ is optimistic about its future as leaders of the global aerial platform industry – and New Zealand’s export industry. Snorkel NZ managing director Jonathan Tulitt, who oversees the daily operations, sales, and customer relations for the New Zealand business, says the future is looking bright as they focus on retaining good-quality workmanship and ensure their suppliers do the same. “We are proud to contribute to New Zealand’s export industry,” he says. Snorkel was founded in 1959 in the US by Art Moore as a fire-fighting equipment company that developed an aerial work platform specifically designed for aerial fire-fighting and rescue work. These products created the foundations of the Snorkel product line, which has evolved over time to include the global aerial work platform industry. A focus on innovation remains at the heart of the company. “We innovate where we can to improve our products,” Jonathan says. Today, Snorkel has manufacturing facilities in the US, New Zealand, China and the UK. Levin-based Snorkel NZ has been manufacturing elevated work platforms in New Zealand for 40 years. In New Zealand, the work profile predominantly focuses on the manufacture of towable trailer booms and rough terrain scissors, of which around 300 units are assembled annually. They are supplied domestically, and also exported to Australia, Canada, the US, Japan and China. Within the New Zealand market, the units are predominantly sold to hire-access companies, in addition to local businesses in the construction industry, and end users directly. “It is a team effort,” Jonathan says. “We have over 20 passionate staff on the factory floor, who are heavily invested in the product and keeping it export quality. “We also have a management and support team who work to ensure that things continue to flow and that we are building to safety criteria.” Snorkel NZ was proud to be named a finalist in the Best Established category of the ExportNZ ASB Wellington Export Awards 2024. The awards honour and celebrate the accomplishment of Lower North Island-based companies in exporting goods and services to overseas markets, showcasing the industry’s success stories and contribution to the local economy. The Best Established category is dedicated to recognising success by net return to the New Zealand economy for more established businesses, with five years or more in export markets or, as a guide, will likely have annual revenue above $5 million. “Snorkel NZ usually works quietly behind the scenes, but we decided to put ourselves forward for this award,” Jonathan said. “The experience was great for brand recognition; traditionally we rely on our reputation and our insider knowledge of the industry. It was also great to learn about some of the other businesses who might not put themselves out there but are smashing it behind the scenes.” Quality Solutions, Manufactured here in New Zealand. BJC is New Zealand’s leading internationally recognised manufacturer of Electric Heating and Wire Assembly solutions since 1946. Quality accredited to ISO 9001 and Health & Safety AS/NZ 4801 shows we take Quality and Safety seriously. We offer small runs or multi-thousand quantities for both Wire Assembly solutions and Electric Heating solutions. BJC are specialists in CustomWire Assembly manufacture – working with our customers to provide solutions for their evolving applications. We at BJC offer Contract assembly services, allowing our customers to focus on their specialist areas and have assembled product delivered ready to install. 0800 432 863 www.bjc.co.nz Proud to support Snorkel NZ 32 Crooks Road, Auckland Proud to be a key partner and supplier to Snorkel NZ
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