Company History
ETEL Limited originated as a small business in 1956 and started manufacturing small transformers for the New Zealand electrical industry. After a 28 year period of operation under the control of the original shareholder, the ownership of the company changed.
A period of growth followed and after 10 years, in 1994, a decision was taken to diversify the activities of the company by commencing the distribution transformer business.
By 2001, the new distribution transformer business had developed considerably and required a large increase in factory production space. To address this need the small transformer division of the company was sold to new owners and the company name was changed. The distribution transformer activity expanded to occupy the whole of the existing building.
Further rapid growth in 2001/02 period necessitated the purchase of a large factory complex and relocation to the current address. 15,000 sq metres production area provides long term capability.
Timeline
1956
Trotman Transformers established by Mr. Ron Trotman.
1963
Trotman Transformers Limited incorporated.
1974
Company name changed to Trotman Electronics Limited to acknowledge the wider range of products offered.
1979
Transformer operations of W J Parlour acquired.
1984
Company name changed to Electronic & Transformer Engineering Limited at the time of change of proprietorship. The company relocated to larger premises.
1986
Transformer operations of Willis Transformers Limited acquired.
1988
First exports of AC adaptors to Australia.
1991
Exports to USA, UK and Australia reach 20% of production.
1992
Move to larger premises in Rosebank district.
1994
Decision taken to enter the distribution transformer market; Set up distribution transformer division; Production of the company's first distribution transformers for the New Zealand market.
1997
First exports of distribution transformers achieved to an Australian utility.
2001
Change of company name to ETEL Limited, on the sale of the small transformer division operations to senior staff of the company.
2002
Relocation of operations to present site.
2004
Completion of a decade of distribution transformer manufacture.
2006
Exports exceed 20% of total output.
2009
Etel Limited business purchased by Unison Networks Limited, a New Zealand Power Utility based in Hastings.
