QuickCircuit offsets tech sector job losses
Some recent job losses in the Christchurch technology sector will be offset by the arrival of electronics firm QuickCircuit.
Recent job losses have included 50 with the closure of Schneider Electric and 41 after the failure of Wynyard Group last year.
QuickCircuit provides tailormade products on a contract basis for other technology and electronics companies.
General manager Jamie Stuart said the firm would employ 20 to 30 people in Christchurch initially to cater to South Island clients.
Several key operational staff will move from the firm’s Auckland branch and more staff will be sought locally to work in the new facility based in two properties in Clarence St near Tower Junction.
Stuart said the Christchurch site would become QuickCircuit’s second-largest factory.
‘‘Christchurch is a bit of a tech hub and we’re looking forward to exploring the talent there.’’
QuickCircuit is a sponsor of the NZ Hi-Tech Awards to be held in Christchurch in May.
The company employs 140 staff across three factories in Auckland and Wellington as well as a purchasing office in Shenzhen, China.
Stuart is a minority shareholder. The two largest stakes are held by Mike and Helen McElhannan, and Warren and Rebecca Yee.
‘‘Christchurch is home to many highly innovative tech companies and we’re hoping to connect with a broader range of clients,’’ he said.
‘‘Our customers vary from hobbyists to people dealing in consumer products, scientific research and medical equipment, as well as contracts to supply electronics to the aviation industry. Everything we build is highly innovative and most Kiwis may not realise it is being manufactured here.’’
He said QuickCircuit’s mechanical assembly and engineering teams worked closely with clients in a sector where new technologies were transforming engineering and construction processes.
‘‘It makes sense to be based close to our customers so engineers can be on-hand to check and improve designs and test firstoff units.
‘‘We become an extension of clients’ business. We feel the same operation would work well in Christchurch.’’