Enatel opens new Christchurch hub to power exports

Enatel has opened a new engineering and manufacturing facility at Christchurch Airport's Dakota Park, expanding production of industrial electric battery chargers exported to overseas markets.

The Christchurch-based firm designs and builds chargers used in material-handling equipment such as forklifts, and in ground support equipment for airport operations. Founded in 2002, Enatel says the new site marks a step change in how it organises product development and manufacturing.

The project represents a multi-million-pound investment backed by its parent company, IDEAL Industries, a family-owned US industrial group with a century-long history.

Enatel General Manager Mike Clifford says the facility brings more than 200 staff back together in one location for the first time since the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes forced operations to be split across multiple sites.

"We export 95% of what we make, and we're the only manufacturer of our kind in Australasia. This facility transforms how our team works together across the entire production cycle-from design through to delivery. It means we can innovate faster and get new products to market quicker," Clifford says.

Export focus

Enatel's chargers support industrial vehicle fleets that run on batteries rather than internal combustion engines. The company says its flagship technology reaches 97% energy efficiency and has high power density. That efficiency can help operators reduce energy losses during charging and manage electricity costs more predictably.

The move comes amid broad industrial electrification across warehouses, distribution centres, ports and airports. In these sectors, batteries and charging infrastructure are central to fleet uptime and operating schedules. Charger suppliers also face increased scrutiny on energy use, heat management and resilience, particularly where equipment operates near-constantly.

IDEAL Industries chief executive Chris Baldwin links the investment to the shift in energy and industrial equipment demand. "The world is transitioning from fossil fuel to renewable power at pace, and Enatel is perfectly positioned to meet that demand with leading battery-charging technology. This facility is central to our strategy-it's been built with future growth in mind," Baldwin says.

Engineering jobs

Enatel employs more than 50 engineers across hardware, software and mechanical disciplines. Clifford expects that number to rise as the company expands output and develops new products.

"We're one of only a handful of employers doing high-tech engineering like this locally, so we invest heavily in developing our people and keeping talent in New Zealand. We've got great examples of university graduates who've joined us and built impressive careers in this industry," he says.

The opening adds another advanced manufacturing operator to a region that has worked to rebuild industrial capacity since the earthquakes. Like many manufacturers, Enatel has also had to manage supply chain disruption in recent years, prompting a reassessment of sourcing and inventory strategies.

Clifford says the business has navigated earthquakes, pandemic-era disruption and wider economic pressures while demand grew. "Our new factory is IDEAL's vote of confidence in us and in Canterbury," he says.

Airport precinct

Christchurch Airport promotes Dakota Park as a base for companies that build and ship high-value products. The precinct sits alongside air freight services and connects directly to motorway links for road freight.

Airport chief executive Justin Watson says manufacturers will benefit from proximity to logistics infrastructure and other businesses on the campus. "Enatel is the perfect example of what's possible when you combine world-class engineering talent with the right location and infrastructure to scale. This is high-value, export-led advanced manufacturing and it belongs right here in Christchurch," Watson says.

Watson also points to freight connectivity and the concentration of related activity on site. "Our campus is the perfect home for companies that design, build and move high-tech products to the world. Being based at the airport gives manufacturers direct access to international supply chains, freight connectivity, a growing ecosystem of innovation and skilled jobs," he says.

Enatel operates as part of IDEAL Industries' industrial charging portfolio. IDEAL also designs and manufactures products for electrical and power management markets, and remains under family ownership.

Clifford says the new site reflects a long-term commitment to the city and to export manufacturing from New Zealand.

"We are here to stay and grow as a proud New Zealand business making our mark globally," he says.