GLOBAL RESOURCES LOCAL FOCUS: GCNZ’s Pacific strategy
Christchurch-based General Cable New Zealand (GCNZ) is now the headquarters of the Asia-Pacific operations of global cable major General Cable Corporation, a leader in the development, design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of copper, aluminum and fibre optic wire and cable products for the energy, industrial, specialty and communications markets.
GCNZ's range of cable products
The United States-headquartered General Cable Corporation, of which GCNZ is a part, has seen a number of exciting developments in its global cable manufacturing and marketing operations in recent months. Around Christmastime last year, the company’s wholly owned subsidiary in Spain, Grupo General Cable Sistemas, S.A., acquired the Silec energy cable business of Safran S.A.
Safran are one of the leaders in Europe for energy distribution cables. In the high-voltage and extra high-voltage market, Silec is a recognized leader around the world providing the critical link to bring power from the grid into major urban areas. They have products supporting 63KV up to 500KV underground applications including state-of-the-art accessories such as pre-moulded joints and engineering services such as design, installation and complete turnkey project capabilities.
“This has given us the capability to manufacture and install EHV (Extra High Voltage) cables worldwide including in the Pacific Islands region,” says GCNZ’s general manager Aviral Garg. With the acquisition of Silec, General Cable would have annual revenues in excess of US$2.5 billion and over 7,000 employees.
GCNZ’s enhanced footprint in the wider Asia Pacific region follows the company’s strategy of raising its profile in the world’s emerging and fast-growing markets. Earlier, GCNZ was responsible for servicing Australasia and the Pacific Islands. With the fast-growing markets of China and India in its purview, the company has recently appointed a country manager for its China operations.
“This development is a part of the company’s strategic plan to expand its footprint in newer markets,” says Garg. The Pacific Islands region will continue to be a part of GCNZ’s enlarged footprint in the eastern hemisphere.
“The Pacific Islands market is an important one for General Cable and has seen good growth in the recent past,” says Garg. The company has a dedicated business development manager in Ben Lee to cater to the special needs of the islands market. Lee has been traveling the region frequently working closely with clients addressing their specific needs.
Ranging from the simple fuse wire to hi-tech optical fibres and 500kV energy cables, GCNZ is uniquely positioned to supply them all in quick turnaround times and the smaller quantities that islands utilities often require them in.
GCNZ’s high manufacturing standards, backed by several global quality certifications (ISO 9001; Underwriters Laboratories listing and has a laboratory accredited to ISO 17025); their considerable experience in manufacturing and delivering cable products to customers’ exacting requirements and their commitment to best practices in customer service has made the company a natural choice for major utilities in Oceania.
GCNZ has fine-tuned these high standards to the specific needs of Pacific islands customers. “Our inventory management and supply strategies are built around the pacific islands region’s special needs,” says Lee. “Because we recognize that island environments are different and need special strategies and practices to address their particular needs.”
Many islands utilities are not able to have optimal inventory management infrastructure because of space constraints and harsh weather conditions. In such instances, valuable inventory could be damaged while awaiting deployment.
GCNZ has often held emergency cable stock on behalf of its Pacific Islands clients –particularly in the utilities sector--- in New Zealand, stock that can be called on in case of emergency, such as cyclone damage, to help restore services as quickly as possible.
This is General Cable’s Pacific islands tailored-solution strategy. Islands’ utilities can order small and we even have arrangements to hold inventory on their behalf either with the company or its distributors that cater to the islands markets.
This saves the islands’ utilities considerable lead-time and helps them in their inventory management, delivering stock almost on a “just-in-time” basis.
GCNZ’s offer to manage inventory, deliver 6-8 weeks ex-works after order confirmation, its ability to deliver small quantities and the fact that the Christchurch location is so close to the islands region makes it the preferred supplier for Pacific islands region utilities.
The company offers far more than just cable production. By bringing together related products and world-leading design and testing services, GCNZ is able to provide a complete cable and accessories package for instrumentation, communications, data and energy systems.
It’s manufacturing operations cover a 7-hectare site in Christchurch and employ more than 400 people.
For more information, get in touch with ben.lee@generalcable.co.nz
