Carac Group sticks with Kiwi-made products

Carac Group managing directors Yvonne and John Burling.

An Eltham-based advanced engineering and manufacturing company which exports to the world takes pride in the fact its products have remained New Zealand-made.

Carac Group's dedication to keeping its business firmly rooted in New Zealand during times of massive growth was recognised when it was awarded a New Zealand Made Hero Award for October.

The award is presented every month to a Buy New Zealand Made campaign member, who promotes New Zealand Made and excels in other areas like sustainability, growth, innovation, employee satisfaction and community commitment.

The Carac Group company was founded by managing directors Yvonne and John Burling 30 years ago. It employs 40 staff including the couple's son Mark Burling who works as a mechanical engineer, daughter Sonia Kiser who works on the company's marketing/HR and daughter Heather McDonald who is the company's financial administrator.

Sonia says the company has grown internationally over the years due to the quality of its products as well as the company's innovative ideas.

"Around the world New Zealand-made products are known to be of high quality. People here in New Zealand frequently mention to us how proud they are of us after 30 years continuing to produce high quality products we are known for.

In America they see New Zealand-made products are innovative and world proven and better than other countries in the world - it's the number eight-wire fix-it, can-do-attitude." Sonia says she enjoys working with the family.

"It's fantastic. Heather and I both have kids and we can have flexibility. We all love being here. Just working alongside each other is great and Dad is always coming up with new innovative products which I love to help market to the world."

Carac Group produces components for the New Zealand and international market in automotive, agricultural, marine, engineering and utility industries.

The business has manufactured steel components for industry since 1988 and was first established to produce a range of patented trailer couplings now sold throughout the world.

John is behind the company's inventions, with one of his more well-known creations being the TrackGrip. This a traction enhancer for vehicles with tracks now in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand and the company is looking to expand into other markets.

The latest invention to be patented is the Towlock which has been designed to hold a load tight no matter what angle it is towed at or how rough the ride. The oval device slips over the towball shank or another suitable anchor point on a tow vehicle and is held firm by a spring.

The Carac Group's production range has increased over the years to cover agricultural, road and boating related couplings and components. Many of New Zealand's boat and trailer manufacturers use Carac components daily to complete their products.

In addition to the October award, Carac Group are one of 12 nominees that will be voted on by the public in November to receive the Ultimate Hero Award. Voting finishes on November 30. To vote visit hero.buynz.org.nz/ultimate/