New Zealand’s own marine and RV systems specialists, Enertec, has found a recipe for success that combines bringing industry-leading, cutting-edge technology to market with a long-standing, trusted reputation built on knowledge and experience.
Enertec’s story began in 1987 when it was created to supply test and measurement equipment. But it was perhaps inevitable that yachtie founder Colin Pawson’s passion with the boating world would shape the company’s destiny towards the marine technology world.
Following a slump caused by the aftermath of Black Tuesday, Enertec diversified to electrical marine switchboards and took its first-generation switchboard to market in 1988. The second-generation switchboard that followed in 1990 was the biggest breakthrough to date – an industry-first modular version that glowed green for ease of sight at night and red to show which circuits were being used. They manufactured this market leader and sold it throughout New Zealand and exported it internationally.
During this time, the company also introduced the world’s first smart alternator regulator: The TWC. This began with a massive exercise in educating the marine industry in this new technology but today the product is considered a standard piece of equipment.
Around this time Enertec introduced Fischer Panda, manufacturer of the world’s smallest, lightest and quietest marine generator sets to the New Zealand marine industry. They extended their range to include Mastervolt Power products and Spectra Watermakers (the world’s most efficient), bringing both to the national market for the first time.
Current co-owner Jeremy Peacock initially joined the team in 1992 as an employee and worked with Enertec for a number of years before going overseas and returning in 2001 to become a partner.
The second part of Enertec’s well-known duo, Jamie Frankham, joined the company in 2011 and joined Jeremy as co-owner in 2014.
Since then the organisation has focused on a whole system approach for cutting edge Lithium-Ion battery technology – bringing its Pro-Series product all the way from R&D in collaboration with Auckland University through to manufacture with an installation and maintenance service on offer too.
In 2015 Lithium Ion batteries from the Enertec-owned ‘Juice’ brand hit the market and are manufactured in-house and sold throughout New Zealand as well as being exported across the world.
“Our Pro-Series Lithium Ion batteries are game changers for the marine industry bringing a cost-effective product that is much simpler to install than comparable products. Perhaps most significantly they comply with marine electrical standards, unlike other similar versions. The value this combination offers means we have brought a superior product to the market. Our mission is to stay at the forefront of development technology with high efficiency, quality, lightweight products providing leading performance,” explains Co-Owner Jeremy Peacock.
Enertec prides itself on providing state of the art technology and invests in R&D continuously, employing an in-house specialist to focus on bringing revolutionary new products to the market.
“We combine that aim with in-depth knowledge gained from more than 100 years of experience (between the team) in the marine and mobile industry and long-standing, valued relationships with our customers. We bring trusted one-stop solutions to boat and RV owners. From initial advice to design and installation we cover it all, offering peace of mind and giving our customers the gift of time to enjoy their leisure pursuits,” concludes Co-Owner Jamie Frankham.
As well as its own branded ‘Juice’ range which includes marine and RV Li-Ion battery solutions, flexible solar panels, AGM batteries and portable generators, Enertec is also a distributor for a range of selected, quality brands that fit with its values and offers tried and tested quality, efficiency and performance. These include Fischer Panda generators, Lopolight LED navigation lights, Spectra watermakers and TBS Power Electronics.