The worldwide launch of the new Tait TB8100 base station and TM8100 mobile radio was the highlight of a year packed with achievements and global recognition for Tait.

As the company reflects on an action-packed 2003, it looks forward to a year with a strong focus on Tait's digital APCO P25 compliant product offering, as well as continued development of 8000 Series and other analogue radio equipment.

Tait General Manager Global Sales and Marketing, Mike Fraser says the company anticipates a record year following the significant achievements of 2003. Tait has committed to investing in both analogue and digital technologies, with plans to release new analogue and digital radio products in 2004.

"Our new 8000 Series of products provided the sizzle for an enormously successful global launch last year. In addition to delivering exciting new products to our channel partners, the launches clearly identified Tait as a major player in the PMR market. With the announcement of the P25 development we will no longer be flying under the radar screen," Mr Fraser says.

"It is critical we follow up 2003's success with the channels and tools necessary to take Tait to the next level. We have the product and the staff and most importantly the drive to get there," he says.

The year 2003 saw Tait launch two new products into worldwide markets, gain crucial exposure at several tradeshows around the world, roll out multi-million dollar radio communications solutions and introduce a new corporate identity.

Following are some of the major highlights for Tait in 2003:

Achievements

  • The global launch of Tait's new 8000 Series of mobile radio products, at integrated events in the Czech Republic, USA, South Africa, Mexico, Australia, Indonesia, China and Dubai. More than 300 Tait channel partners and system integrators attended.
  • Tait exhibited at the IWCE and APCO trade shows in the US, promoting the new 8000 Series of products and reinforcing the Tait brand.
  • The global implementation of a new corporate identity for Tait - including a new image and logo, a more consistent brand and new marketing material designs.
  • Tait won the Supreme Canterbury Business Award at the Champion Canterbury Awards, ahead of a strong line-up of finalists in 10 categories.
  • Sir Angus Tait was named the first Flying Kiwi Award winner at the 2003 Westpac Hi-Tech Awards, Steve Mann shared the Adilam Young Achiever of the Year Award, and Tait was runner-up in the Tyco Electronics Deal of the Year Award.
  • Tait achieved ISO 14001 certification, recognising excellence in environmental management. ISO 14001 is the international benchmark standard setting out the elements that make up an environmental management system.

Contracts

  • The roll-out of a multi-million dollar radio communications system for the Australian Department of Defence's training areas - involving extensive product development to find a solution that met strict DoD standards.
  • The completion of a major radio communications system for Dublin Bus - a project spread over three years and involving extensive customisation of Tait products.
  • Tait customised and installed two TaitNet networks for extensive rail systems in South Asia - the Manila and SengKang light rail systems.
  • Several contracts to develop and install QS Simulcast systems for North American utilities and public safety agencies, were signed and completed.