SP-High Modulus relocates its Asia Pacific head office and announces key
management changes
18th September, Auckland, NZ – On Thursday 13th September, SP-High Modulus, the
marine business of Gurit, a specialist manufacturer and supplier of composite materials
and structural engineering services, welcomed guests to the official opening of its new
Asia Pacific head office and manufacturing facility in Auckland.
The modern purpose-built 1650 sqm building accommodates SP-High Modulus’
southern hemisphere-based structural engineers, B3 SmartPac designers, administrative
and sales staff, and warehouse and production teams.
From this facility, SP-High
Modulus, the marine business of Gurit, manages its activities in the Asia Pacific region,
with additional sales and technical representatives in Australia, SE Asia and China. As
the use of composites grows throughout this region, SP-High Modulus is well placed to
offer its customers a comprehensive range of composite products, from glass and
carbon fabrics and prepregs, to a full selection of core materials, to epoxy adhesives and
Contact:
Dan Jones
Gurit Marine Marketing
Communications Executive
Gurit (UK)
St. Cross Business Park
laminating resins, as well as composite engineering design services. The new facility,
Newport, Isle of Wight
along with SP-High Modulus’ increased focus on the wider Asia Pacific region, will
United Kingdom, PO30 5WU
T +44 (0) 1983 828 297
enable customers to more easily access this unrivalled product range and technical
M +44 (0) 7980 892 830
know-how.
F +44 (0) 1983 828 100
As well as the marine sector, the SP-High Modulus team services all
customers outside of the primary Gurit business units, which are marketed under the
Gurit brand: Wind Energy, Transportation and Tooling.
“This new building has been designed with our current structure and future growth in
mind,” says Paul Goddard, Director Asia Pacific and North America, and General
Manager of Marine at Gurit. “I am confident that our new facility will serve our team well,
and ensure Asia Pacific customers can easily access our full range of products,
supported by great local customer service.”
Leading the sales and customer service teams, in his new role as Head of Sales Asia
Pacific, is Sean Jeffery, who joined the company twelve years ago. Sean has been
involved with the marine industry, both professionally and personally, for many years,
and is well known to the company’s NZ and Pacific Islands customer base. As well as
managing the NZ sales team for the past four years, he has also personally managed a
number of key accounts, including America’s Cup syndicates and Volvo Ocean Race
teams. Sean is now responsible for the wider Asia Pacific sales team and customer
base, which includes NZ, SE Asia and Australia, and he passes the NZ sales
management baton to David Joughin. Sean’s passion for the marine sector and his
E dan.jones1@gurit.com
depth of knowledge of composite materials will be of great benefit to the sales teams
and the customers in the region.
Simon Priddy joins Gurit (Asia Pacific) as Commercial Manager, with overall
responsibility for operations. A commerce and law graduate and a Chartered
Accountant, Simon previously held commercial roles at national and multi-national
companies. He brings this knowledge and experience to lead the Asia Pacific team into
a new chapter. “I am delighted to have joined the company at such an exciting time. In
addition to our core business in the marine sector, the challenge ahead is to expand our
reach into new market sectors and increase the general awareness of the versatility of
composites throughout the wider manufacturing arena,” says Simon. “We have a can-do
attitude here in New Zealand, and I know the team will rise to the challenge.”
Mr Hans Frauenlob, General Manager – Services at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise,
was the guest of honour at the opening. He addressed guests and staff before officially
declaring the building open by cutting the carbon fibre ribbon!
Staff, customers and suppliers joined in the celebrations, which included food by
Appresso Catering, and live vocals and acoustic guitar by musician Nick Corbett.
Ends
About Gurit
SP-High Modulus is the marine business of Gurit and currently supplies the superyacht
market, high-performance custom, production, and work boat sectors. The companies of
Gurit Holding AG, Wattwil/Switzerland, (SIX Swiss Exchange: GUR) are specialised on
the development and manufacture of high-end composite materials featuring bespoke
physical and chemical characteristics. The comprehensive product range comprises
fibre reinforced prepregs, fabrics, structural cores, gel coats, adhesives, resins and
consumables as well as certain finished parts, composite process equipment and
tooling. Gurit supplies growth markets in Wind Energy, Tooling, Transportation and
Marine. The international Group has production sites and offices in Switzerland,
Germany, the UK, Canada, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Ecuador, India,
China and Ecuador.
www.gurit.com/marine
For more information, please contact:
Contact Dan Jones
Gurit Marine Marketing Communications Executive
Gurit (UK)
St. Cross Business Park
Newport, Isle of Wight
United Kingdom, PO30 5WU
T +44 (0) 1983 828 297
M +44 (0) 7980 892 830
F +44 (0) 1983 828 100
E dan.jones1@gurit.com