Ericsson plans NZ fibre facility

Duct-building in Porirua

Ericsson has its eye on contracts in New Zealand’s Ultra Fast Broadband and Rural Broadband Initiative projects, announcing its intention to build a $NZ15 million fibre duct facility in Porirua, north of Wellington.

The vendor holds contracts with telecommunications utility Chorus (responsible for 70 percent of the premises to be covered by the UFB) and Northpower in Whangarei.

In a world obsessed by seeking out lowest-cost manufacturing, Ericsson says other priorities drove its choice of location.

In its announcement, Christian Kimell, Vice President Global Business Management, Ericsson Cables says: “Locating the facility in New Zealand means that our delivery timelines will be significantly reduced, we will reduce the environmental impact of the shipping process and have the opportunity to utilize local skills in production and product development”.

The vendor also has an eye to opportunities outside New Zealand, but stipulated Asia rather than Australia as its target.

Starting later this year, the facility will produce fibre ducts designed for Ericsson’s Ribbonet and Micronet air-blown fibre systems.

The facility will be located in the Todd Park industrial precinct in Porirua, and is expected to create 30 jobs. ®