April 03, 2006

BÜRKERT NEW ZEALAND EXPANDS

On 3 April 2006, Bürkert Contromatic Ltd, New Zealand, took ownership and operational control of the major fluid control technology distributor business which was trading as "Valves & Fittings" (V&F). 

The acquisition of V&F by Bürkert NZ includes the V&F trading name, the premises in Wiri Business Park in Manukau City, and takeover of key product lines including Bürkert, Metalwork, Praher and several complementary ranges encompassing fittings, couplers, hoses, tubing, clips, gauges and more.

Brian McMath, general manager of Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, negotiated the acquisition and will now oversee the integration of operations.

"This acquisition will expand the scale of our national operations significantly," he says. "Bürkert has also increased its workforce to service the expanded customer-base - with Steve Richardson, Dave Young and Liz Sharman, all previously of V&F, joining the Bürkert NZ team. 

"The expansion of our New Zealand workforce will bring Bürkert enhanced sales, technical and administrative capabilities, as well as giving customers of V&F continuity of service and support," he added.

Bürkert will continue to operate both the Bürkert Penrose and new Manukau City facilities, offering all product lines from both outlets.  To simplify making contact with Penrose, Manukau and all Burkert facilities in New Zealand, a toll-free number has been established.

Mr McMath says that the addition of Praher, Metalwork and related product ranges was a natural progression for Bürkert, allowing the company to offer relevant specialised and complementary fluid control technology products, as well as greater flexibility in comprehensive fluid control solutions.

"We have enhanced our complete fluid control systems building capabilities and resources," says McMath. "Dave Young, for example, worked with V&F for 23 years and has been building control panels for most of that period.  He will be a valuable member of our technical team."

With a global network spanning offices in more than 40 countries and operational outposts in an additional 80, Bürkert Fluid Control Systems is an established and mature global organisation celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2006. 

Sales inquiries in New Zealand should be directed to 0800 BURKERT [0800 287 537], fax 0800 33 33 77 or via email sales.nz@burkert.com.