New Zealand Engineering News. January/February 1994

Rapid expansion to meet demand

In times still considered to be tough for many engineering companies, it's good to hear of one company where hard work, lateral thinking and modern management practices have paid off handsomely.

Auckland-based PAULMEN SEALS LTD. has doubled in size since 1992, and their production output has increased ten-fold.

Managing Director Chris Bayne has a clear vision for the future. He realised some time ago that for his company to become a market leader it would be necessary to secure regular offshore work — which could not happen without a lot of hard work and personal representation.

A primary objective was to develop three distinct but complementary divisions within the company.
• Division One — The Nucleus: The company is receiving dramatic impetus from its design division. This division of PAULMEN SEALS has been addressing sealing problems traditionally side-stepped by global giants.
This is evidenced by the new market opportunities already opened with Mr. Bayne's revolutionary seal design for environments previously considered too hostile for long term mechanical seal operation.
An example of his lateral thinking is the dynamic reactor seal, a new and unique product of particular relevance to the chemical industry.
• Division Two — Production. Using advanced manufacturing techniques, the modern precision manufacturing facility is consistently able to respond quickly to local and offshore supply requirements.
Raw materials become finished componentry using the latest lathes, mills, grinders, micro plasma welders — and top quality workmanship.
PAULMEN’S lapping facility is particularly impressive, with its ability to lap large diameter components to within one helium light band.
• Division Three — "The Seal Hospital": As well as local business, the company is currently receiving work from the Middle East and China, regularly reconditioning and upgrading other brands of seals for clients experiencing machinery failure or during programmed maintenance shutdowns.
Mr. Bayne sees this division as an integral part of future developments which he is looking to expand as the company name becomes more widely known both here in New Zealand and overseas.

Such impressive growth in a comparatively short period of time requires a high degree of dedication from all staff, and needs to be managed carefully to ensure customer loyalty is never compromised.

PAULMEN’S stated commitment is to provide top customer service and satisfaction while main¬taining its reputation for the highest possible quality of design and refurbishment work.

To achieve this, the company has invested considerable capital in plant expansion, introducing specialised machinery to maintain its competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Mr. Bayne has also implemented internal training programs, and has ensured that staff attend relevant external training programs too.

Perhaps as a result, during November and December 1993 the demand for the PAULMEN SEALS standard of work meant that the factory was operating six days a week and often 14 hours a day to fulfill orders.