1 February 2012
Christchurch Company Secures Major International Contract
A face-to-face meeting in the USA proved to be the turning point for a Christchurch company, which has just secured a
major US contract to supply parts for a drilling product designed in Timaru.
Fabrum Solutions manufactures cryostats and associated composite products for the high temperature superconductor
industry as well as offering waterjet cutting and profiling. Over the last year Fabrum has been developing carbon and
glass fibre composite rotors for a new drilling product for underground directional drilling, which was being designed
by Flexidrill in Timaru. The licence to manufacture the full drilling unit has now been secured by Vermeer, a large US
Agricultural machinery manufacturer based in Iowa, USA.
Vermeer has recently awarded Fabrum Solutions a three month, $350,000 contract to supply all titanium and composite
parts for the first ten drilling machines.
It’s a great achievement for Fabrum Solutions owners Chris Boyle and Hugh Reynolds, who established Fabrum Solutions in
2004.
“When we turned up on their doorstep in September last year we discovered we weren’t even being considered for the job.
Being so far from the USA Vermeer did not think New Zealand could offer them they service they were after. Add to that
the Christchurch earthquakes and they were fairly adamant that Christchurch was not a place where manufacturing could be
relied upon. We were adamant that we had to change their mind,” says Chris Boyle.
That meeting, which Chris Boyle describes as a turning point, was made possible by a $24,900 grant from the Canterbury
Business Recovery Trust given to Fabrum Solutions to help them reconnect with their markets in the US and UK.
On their return to Christchurch Chris and Hugh set about working with Flexidrill and Vermeer to re-design the product in
order to reduce production costs. They were rewarded for this work by being offered the first stage of the production
contract.
To fulfil the contract, which needs to be completed by March 2012, Fabrum Solutions is expanding its production facility
and recruiting two more staff. They are confident that following the successful completion this first stage of the
contract that their agreement will be extended for a full year.
“This is a real example of New Zealand companies leading innovation in the design of new global products and, in our
case, the ability to competitively supply high technology components internationally.
“It also speaks volumes of the need to have face to face meetings with prospective clients, no matter where in the world
they are!” says Chris.
Recover Canterbury business recovery coordinator Dion Kerr says although Fabrum Solutions is a small company, they have
the skill, drive and tenacity to punch well above their weight.
“One of the biggest challenges Fabrum Solutions faced following the earthquakes is disconnection with their largely
overseas markets. Chris, Hugh and the team have worked tirelessly to re-establish relationships and reassure clients
that Christchurch is still very much open for business. With a little help from the Canterbury Business Recovery Trust
and Recover Canterbury their message has been heard loud and clear, and now Fabrum Solutions, and the wider Canterbury
community, is reaping the rewards,” says Dion Kerr.
About Recover Canterbury
Recover Canterbury was established after the Christchurch earthquakes to accelerate business recovery and prepare
businesses for future growth. It is a collaboration between the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and the
Canterbury Development Corporation, along with various government agencies involved in business support.
Recover Canterbury offers a wide range of services and resources to help businesses recover and revive, including
advice, training and mentoring, referrals to professional services, assistance with business issues such as raising
capital and access to the financial assistance provided through the Canterbury Business Recovery Trust.
About the Canterbury Business Recovery Trust
The Canterbury Business Recovery Trust was established after the Christchurch earthquake to help businesses survive,
revive and thrive. The Trust is administered by Recover Canterbury and provides cash injections into viable but
earthquake-affected businesses. 100% of the funds donated to the Trust go to supporting Christchurch businesses.
Some of the key expenses businesses are requesting funds for include business planning and development costs, costs
associated with relocation and fit out, access to expert advice and assistance, marketing costs and bridging finance.
The Trustees of the Canterbury Business Recovery Trust are Bruce Irvine, Andrew Thorburn, Humphry Rolleston, Lady
Adrienne Stewart and Sir John Anderson.
ENDS