Redarc to become Tier One OEM supplier

AUSTRALIAN electronics manufacturer Redarc has announced a significant boost to its research and development (R&D) capabilities as it strives to become a Tier One supplier to automotive manufacturers.

Furthering its commitment to advance solutions for remote EV travel, and to supply components necessary to electric vehicle charging, the South Australian based firm said taking the time to understand the often complex challenges facing OEMs in Australia’s unique environment is a vital part of providing a reliable technical solution.

Redarc managing director Anthony Kittel said Redarc has made the strategic decision to operate as a Tier One supplier to OEMs from next year.

“Redarc has been in the automotive industry for over 40 years, supplying industry leading power solutions to the light- and heavy-vehicle, mining, defence and transport industries,” he said.

“We want to continue to provide the greatest value by now working directly with all our automotive manufacturing customers. From March 2023, Redarc will be supplying the OEM sector exclusively as a Tier One supplier.

“This way, we can engineer products and solutions for the specific needs of customers. This also allows us to provide greater supply chain certainty and efficiency, as well as more direct communication and technical support for the end customer.

“The initial feedback we’ve had to date is very encouraging and we’ve recently hosted various OEM groups through our advanced manufacturing facilities to talk with our in-house designers and engineers.”

Although Mr Kittel did not say which OEM groups were to partner with Redarc, he indicated that “significant national and international expansion” was likely and said the firm had invested a substantial amount in strengthening its workforce during the past 12 months.

The company now employs more than 380 staff and in two years has doubled its annual revenue to approximately $130 million.

“Over the years, we’ve built our capacity and expertise to meet the evolving requirements of the industry now and in the future,” he said.

“This has included investing significantly in our in-house capabilities to remain ahead of the global innovation curve – around 15 per cent of our annual revenue goes straight into R&D.”

Mr Kittel said export sales for Redarc products have grown 122 per cent over the past two years with its power conversion products now shipped to 50 countries around the world, including North America, Europe, the Middle East, South-East Asia and South Africa.