Whangarei-based electro-technology company McKay has acquired the switchboard interests of the MacArthur Group to significantly expand its switchboard capabilities. The 70-year-old company, which employs 130 people, has acquired the McArthur Group busines
Whangarei-based electro-technology company McKay has acquired the switchboard interests of the MacArthur Group to significantly expand its switchboard capabilities.
The 70-year-old company, which employs 130 people, has acquired the McArthur Group businesses of MGE New Zealand and MSL Auckland.
McKay chief executive Lindsay Faithfull told the National Business Review the move was a part of a 10-year strategic growth plan, which was structured in 2005.
“The plan includes expansion both through organic growth and we had an eye out for suitable acquisition targets and this is the latest.”
McKay’s fields of expertise include engineering and design, automation, switchboard manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.
Mr Faithfull said the company has been looking for a suitable candidate for a “couple of years.”
“They are an iconic brand in the switchboard industry in New Zealand and they had neutrally compatible set of customers to us.
“[The new acquisition] will strengthen our ability to service the New Zealand switchboard market but we also see synergy with the rest of our business to crossover with customers.”
The combined entity will have three switchboard factories: one in Whangarei and two in Auckland. This new McKay switchboard division will employ approximately 35.
The company works predominantly in the dairy, marine, petrochemical, timber, power generation, and infrastructure sectors and exports to a wide range of countries, including the US and the UAE.
