Exicom Technologies has gone from a basket-case to an international success story in six years.
The Porirua company was put into receivership in 1996 and a buyer could not be found.
But workers formed Exicom Staff Investments, which bought a 51 per cent stake and encouraged other private investors to put in
their money. So began the painful process of turning the company around.
Exicom now exports its point-to-point radio technology to 70 countries and has won numerous business and export awards.
Chief executive David Haynes said the turnaround had been achieved through a simple philosophy: listening to the customer.
"We bend over backwards to support our customers. We engage them in good conversation so they know they are ordering the right product to meet their communication needs."
Nothing made at Exicom gathers dust sitting on shelves.
"We don't make for stock. We only manufacture for order."
Its products link remote locations where it is not economic or practical to use ordinary copper wire - places such as oil platforms, villages in Africa, and remote areas of Australia, which are challenging not only for Exicom's technology but also for the company's after-sales service.
"We've got staff who have some very interesting stamps in their passports," Mr Haynes said.
The company is halfway through a two-year contract to supply communications equipment for United Nations peacekeepers, including those in East Timor.
Exicom also sees opportunities in Fonterra's plans to improve internet access in rural areas.
"We can't do it all but we're interested in playing a part."
- NZPA
