While the economic cycle of boom and gloom, accompanied by profit and stagnation (even loss) influences corporate and individual lives, those that maintain financial discipline and sound management principles remain sustainable and profitable.
Among these is Patton Limited, which is currently marking its 90th anniversary.
Grand occasion
While celebrations are being held throughout its offices in New Zealand, Australia, Thailand and India, with the participation of suppliers and others in many parts of the world, the most impressive of them all will occur at Pullman Hotel in Auckland City on October 30.
The event, at which popular television and radio host Jeremy Corbett will be the Master of Ceremonies, will be attended by a host of people of importance to the Company, including its Board of Directors, staff, suppliers and well-wishers.
Patton Limited Global Chief Executive Sameer Handa said that the Auckland event may also bring together a number of dignitaries including the country’s leaders.
“This is a significant milestone for Patton, which accounts for hundreds of years of combined service of staff and suppliers. In celebrating 90 years, we at Patton reaffirm our commitment to provide quality products enhanced by quality service in every centre of our operation,” he said.
Patton is a progressive company that provides opportunities for career advancement to staff, of which Mr Handa is the prime example. Joining the firm as Sales Engineer in July 1995, he rose to the current position about three years later, reflecting his immense potential for growth on the one hand and the ability of the Company to orchestrate and augment that growth on the other.
Established in 1923 by George Patton (called G E Patton Limited) as a modest operation in Christchurch, the firm grew in less than seven years to produce a range of domestic refrigerators and flip top ice cream cabinets.
The Company was restructured and renamed Patton Refrigeration Limited and moved its Head Office to Auckland in the 1970s, reflecting the need to focus more on the commercial refrigeration business. The development programme included new range of condensing units, air-cooled condensers and unit coolers.
Today it is known as Patton Limited, a sign of its increasing role in diversified areas.
Australian presence
Patton seized an opportunity (about 30 years ago) to open a manufacturing and distribution facility across the Tasman. The decision to establish a unit in Sydney was strategic as bilateral relationship between Australia and New Zealand registered rapid growth, accruing benefits to the private sector in both countries.
The establishment of an office in Melbourne in 2004 was also strategic as it not only helped in serving the Victoria region but also complemented the accelerated progress of the Sydney facility. A Joint Venture with MetJak emerged in Perth in 2006, enabling Patton to enter West Australia.
Thailand move
That was just the beginning. As Mr Handa mentioned, the establishment of a manufacturing unit and sales office in Thailand in 2007 opened a new chapter in the Company’s history. Called Patton Aero Ltd, it is a joint venture between Patton Limited and Eastern Syntech Co Ltd of Thailand.
The Thai venture manufactures and markets the Patton Brand of specialty equipment for the refrigeration industry including condensing units, unit coolers, air-cooled condensers and water chillers.
“In many ways, our presence in Thailand was the harbinger for Patton’s vision to becoming a global company. Apart from servicing the growing markets in the Middle East and Africa, the success of the Joint Venture (which received ISO9001 Certification two years ago), encouraged us to mark our presence in India, with a sales office in Delhi.
Later the in same year, Patton India opened its sales office in Noida, Delhi.
“The refrigeration industry in India has rich potential. Representing many world leading refrigeration brands, along with our own capital plant, Patton India is respected for its technically experienced industry support,” Mr Handa said.
Young Entrepreneurs
Promoting entrepreneurship is a passion for Mr Handa, evidenced by the role that he plays in the community promoting young entrepreneurs and the company that Patton keeps with its network of suppliers and staff.
“It is important to identify talent among the younger members of the society and provide opportunities for growth in their life and career. Tomorrow’s corporate leaders should have a good start today. They must be given incentives and opportunities to grow and prosper,” Mr Handa said.
As a part of its efforts to recognise and reward young professionals, he encouraged us to create the ‘Best Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ category as a part of the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards in 2010 and has since them been its Sponsor. Although confined to only people of Indian origin, winners of this Award have been a source of inspiration to their counterparts throughout the commercial and industrial sectors of the country.
Photo :
Sameer Handa
Patton Building in 1933 at 25, Manchester Street, Christchurch
