All charged up 2 0 1 7W I N T E R

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We are honoured to be the recipient of the 2017 Excellence in Manufacturing – Gold Award, over $10 million annual turnover, which was held at the bi-annual Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards banquet. It is a trade-only show, run by the industry for the industry.

REDARC were recipients of the same award in 2015 and join a select group who have been fortunate to win consecutive awards.

The Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards recognise outstanding achievement in the Australian automotive aftermarket industry.

The Excellence in Manufacturing – Gold Award recognises organisations that invest in research, embrace innovation, predict future trends and develop a competitive advantage through focusing on continual manufacturing.

AAAA Executive Director, Stuart Charity, said the AAAA Board of Directors congratulated all Excellence Award winners and thanked

them for their contribution to the automotive aftermarket industry.

“The companies and individuals nominated for these awards have embraced the industry’s continual quest for excellence, innovation and education in their endeavours to secure the success of the aftermarket industry in Australia,” he said.

REDARC’s Managing Director, Mr Anthony Kittel said he was thrilled REDARC would join a special group of previous winners to win the award in successive years including Disk Brakes Australia, Bosch Australia, Walker Australia and SAAS Manufacturing.

“Our pillars of success are shaped by continual innovation, a passion for learning and a team-based culture through collaboration. By using a cross-functional team approach to product development we can continually deliver high quality, innovative products to the market.”

“As an advanced manufacturer, we need a highly skilled and empowered workforce.

The commitment of the REDARC employees to learn and embrace training is impressive. Without a highly skilled workforce, our manufacturing capabilities wouldn’t be at the technological level that they are,” Mr Kittel said.

To achieve further growth and focus on continual manufacturing, REDARC will expand their manufacturing facility in Lonsdale.

The Excellence Awards banquet was held at the Crown Pallidium in Melbourne and attended by over 850 people. It formed part of the AAA Expo - Australia’s most comprehensive exhibition of vehicle repair and servicing equipment, replacement parts, tools and accessories.

REDARC wins Excellence in Manufacturing - Gold Award

In this issue...

REDARC launches Roll Over Sensor

REDARC named one of Westpac’s Top 20

“Businesses of Tomorrow”

Networking with industry

REDARC congratulates David Downie on

30 years of service

Trusting your gut: Jodie Lee Foundation

Visit redarc.com.au for tech-tips and up-to-date info

Chris Wilesmith Managing Director - Auto Retailing, Super Retail Group, Tennille Reed, Marketing Manager - REDARC, Anthony Kittel, Managing Director - REDARC

Partnerships in business

Earlier last year, Fraunhofer visited REDARC to conduct an Industry 4.0 analysis on the business.

Fraunhofer are a cutting-edge research body renowned for their insight into new industry trends, in particular Industry 4.0. It is the largest organisation for applied research in Europe.

Industry 4.0 is a global trend towards the way processes and information flow through organisations. Preliminary assessments included a review of how products can be

better connected and how our efficiencies, quality and service offering can be more aligned to Industry 4.0.

We extended this work, when they again visited REDARC for ten days in March.

The work conducted not only incorporates smarter processes but smarter products and the requirements needed to develop these products through to 2025.

“Essentially, we are trying to roadmap not only our products going forward, based on industry influence and social trends, but also

the technologies and competencies we need to achieve these product outcomes”, said Product Manager, Dylan Pinkard.

REDARC’s next steps forward will be to complete and implement the roadmap, including development work on cited technologies and competencies needed to move forward with the range of products we intend to deliver.

REDARC makes Westpac’s top 20 “Businesses of Tomorrow” list

REDARC are proud and honoured to have been named one of Australia’s top 20 “Businesses of Tomorrow” by Westpac.

The Westpac Businesses of Tomorrow program recognises and supports Australian businesses of today that have a clear vision for tomorrow.

Of 200 businesses recognised, 20 were picked to be given the opportunity to

participate in a mentor-matching program with Australian business leaders like fashion designer Carla Zampatti and AGL chief executive Andrew Vesey.

Judge and Chief Executive, Westpac Business Bank, David Lindberg, said, “REDARC has been selected as a Westpac Business of Tomorrow for its bold vision to quadruple the business through market expansion, and its focus on innovation with over 30 employees dedicated to research and development.

“REDARC has a strong management team which has delivered growth and profitability. With effective leadership, a driver of success not only for today, but also beyond tomorrow, REDARC is deservingly a business of tomorrow with high potential.”

Managing Director, Mr Anthony Kittel said REDARC’s secret to success is an unrelenting focus on innovation, passion for learning, building a team based culture and a “customer is king” approach that has transformed REDARC into an iconic brand.

REDARC wins awards at National Manufacturing WeekREDARC received three awards including Manufacturer of the Year at the 14th Manufacturers Monthly Endeavour Awards night, held in conjunction with the National Manufacturing Week. Additional awards won included the Most Innovative Manufacturing Company Award and the Global Supply Chain Integration of the Year Award.

The Manufacturer of The Year Award was awarded to REDARC for outstanding innovation in the areas of technology, management and product development. It recognises REDARC as an outstanding manufacturer and industry leader.

The Most Innovative Manufacturing Company Award recognises an Australian manufacturer that thinks outside the box to create a business idea shaped by versatility and innovation.

The Global Supply Chain Integration Award recognises manufacturers who have developed unique expertise and products that allow them to plug into global supply chains and markets.

REDARC’s Managing Director, Mr Anthony Kittel said he was delighted to be recognised for REDARC’s continual innovation in manufacturing high quality products.

The Endeavour Awards are presented annually by Manufacturers Monthly and are held in conjunction with National Manufacturing Week. The Endeavour Awards were held at the Central Pier, Docklands in Melbourne on May 11.

Hummingbird Electronics has introduced a new GPS Speed Alert for users wanting to assess their vehicle’s performance.

The HMSA4000 GPS Speed Alert will allow users to easily compare driving abilities or vehicle performance.

Utilising the American GPS and Russian GLONASS satellite networks, it provides a number of features: • Highly accurate speed readings in your

choice of kmh, mph and knots• Customisable over-speed warnings• Suitable for 12 and 24 volt systems• GPS Digital Odometer• And now featuring the much-anticipated

“Track Day Mode”

The new “Track Day Mode” menu option is intended for off-road use only and includes features such as time trials, highest speed achieved, racing at a shorter length with lower terminal speeds, timed hill climbs and much more.

There are a choice of starting options:• Countdown - traditional ready, set, go• Active Start - GPS triggered timing,

sensing vehicle location and movement

The ‘Stats’ menu instantly shows fastest times and highest speeds achieved.

This new feature will also provide vehicle performance workshops a cost-effective method of providing real time before and after results of vehicle enhancements.

For more information visit hmbe.com.au

The latest from Hummingbird Electronics

Fraunhofer working with REDARC

Anthony Kittel and David Hill - Chief Operating Officer, Deloitte

John Murphy - Managing Director, Prime Creative Media, Anthony Kittel, Syed Shah - Editor, Manufacturers Monthly

Visit redarc.com.au | Email power@redarc.com.au | Phone 08 8322 4848

Brenton Lunn and Peter Berrington from Partek, Anthony Kittel, Michele Kittel, Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg, Paul Crawford – REDARC Chair

Product updates

New product release

Expansion update

We have released two more wiring kits to aid in the installation of a Tow-Pro brake controller. The range now includes a total of seven wiring kits for eleven vehicles.

The newly-released wiring kits are for:• Toyota Landcruiser 200• Isuzu D-Max, MU-X• Toyota Kluger, Prado• Nissan Navara

In March we released five wiring kits compatible with Ford Ranger, Holden Colorado, Mitsubishi Triton and Pajero, Toyota Hilux and Fortuner vehicle models.

Demand for the wiring kits has been encouraging, with many of our customers saying how much easier it now is to install Tow-Pro Electric Brake Controllers.

Each wiring kit is supplied with the hardware required to install a Tow-Pro Electric Brake Controller, including:• Vehicle-specific harness with

compatible vehicle connectors• Circuit breaker• Mounting hardware• Fasteners• Detailed fitting instructions.

The wiring kits are manufactured to original equipment level standards of quality.

Additional wiring kits will be added to the range in the coming months.

For more information visit redarc.com.au/tow-pro-wiring-kits

REDARC release two more Tow-Pro wiring kits

We are proud to announce the release of a brand new product, the Roll Over Sensor (ROS) designed for trucks and other heavy vehicles. It was officially launched at the hallmark event of the Australian transport industry, the Brisbane Truck Show in May.

The REDARC ROS is suitable for 12 and 24 volt systems and enables trucks to meet the legal requirements of roll-over sensing (AS2809:2008). When an imminent roll is detected, the ROS will trigger the Battery Master Isolation Switch to turn off power to the truck’s electrical system reducing the risk of fire and damage to electrical systems.

The ROS uses dual accelerometers designed for automotive safety applications, providing high accuracy and reliability.

It can also indicate faults via an optional dash-mounted lamp which can be easily accessed by the driver of the vehicle.

The ROS has been designed to work with our Battery Master Isolation Switch launched last year. Together these products create an enhanced level of safety. It will also work with other BMIS’s on the market.

The ROS utilises advanced filtering algorithms to ensure no false triggering occurs even under the harshest conditions.

The multi-pin plug makes installation easy and reliable.

It is resilient to truck electrical environments and is immune to vibration, bumps, shock and electrical transients.

The ROS is also rated IP66, IPP67 and IP69K protecting it against dust and water, including high pressure water and steam cleaning.

REDARC Managing Director, Mr. Anthony Kittel, said the ROS had undergone extensive and all-encompassing independent testing, including rugged in-field trials to ensure that the unit sets the industry benchmark for which REDARC is renowned.

“We have conducted extensive field-testing with fleets in South Australia and mining customers in Western Australia to corroborate the results of our simulations. These tests have demonstrated outstanding results in extreme conditions, with the product boasting a high environmental tolerance and minimal corrosion and water ingress.”

Though roll over sensors are only enforced for dangerous goods vehicles, the applications are much further-reaching, as any vehicle that has the potential to roll over is at risk of electrical sparking which can cause a fire.

For more information visit redarc.com.au/ros

REDARC launch the ROS Roll Over Sensor for trucks

REDARC celebrates turning of the sodOn June 2, REDARC Electronics held a Turning of the Sod Ceremony which was officiated by the City of Onkaparinga Mayor, Mrs Lorraine Rosenberg.

REDARC’s Managing Director, Mr Anthony Kittel, said that they have already made some noteworthy changes in their current facility but say the Turning of the Sod represents the next major phase of their expansion plans.

“This is a momentous occasion for REDARC as we look towards expanding our manufacturing presence and capabilities.”

“With the expansion formally officiated, the redevelopment of the Lonsdale facility will add an additional 2,000m2 of advanced manufacturing space”, Mr Kittel added.

Some of the changes implemented have included the purchase of new equipment and two new vertical storage carousels in the Surface Mount Technology (SMT) line.

These additions represent a significant leap forward in REDARC’s SMT capability, providing the ability to pick and place smaller and taller components, increase storage capabilities, improve in-line inspection capabilities and strengthen overall PCB quality.

“The additional capacity will give us more flexibility leading into the future and make us more agile to deal with our customers ever-changing needs”, Mr Kittel said.

The next phase will see a new carpark added alongside the existing building which will provide a total of 210 new carparks for staff, as well as undercover spaces for bikes and motorcycles.

Product info

Providing the correct charge to a battery is no different to filling your tank with the correct fuel for your engine. You wouldn’t use diesel in your petrol engine, that is obvious.

On the finer end of the scale, you would be better off supplying high octane fuel to a high performance petrol engine, to fully realise its potential. In the past engines that required leaded fuels would last longer if this fuel or an additive were used.

Battery charging profilesBatteries respond much the same as your engine when the type of charge provided differs from that which the battery manufacturer suggests. The way the battery has been designed and constructed dictates the requirements for being recharged as well as discharged.

If the charging profile recommended by the battery manufacturer is adhered to when recharging any lead acid battery - including gel, AGM, standard, calcium, lead crystal or lithium - the battery will give higher power output and tolerate many more cycles than a battery that has not been charged in this way.

To identify the charge profile a battery requires, and the characteristics that can be expected from the battery in terms of cold cranking amps, amp hours, and some even to the extent of number of cycles, the battery manufacturers’ data sheet must be referred to.

Reputable battery brands and retailers can provide this information when purchasing a battery for any task.

There are many different applications for batteries, such as standby or backup power. These usually require a slightly different charging profile to a battery that is in use in a 4x4, camper, caravan or motorhome – being used regularly – and so we will concentrate on the latter for this is our application. There are many intricacies involved in creating a quality charge profile and hardware that can deliver it.

Selecting the correct battery charging profileFrom a user’s point of view there are two major components to a battery charging profile that need to be considered when selecting the right charging profile for your battery. These are the maximum voltage level to be applied to achieve a full state of charge, and the maximum current limit to be allowed to ensure the battery is not charged too quickly resulting in

damage, yet still charge thoroughly and in a timely manner.

The vehicle alternator has been relied on for many years to not only recover the power in the start battery from cranking the engine and providing the vehicle electrical systems, but also recharge auxiliary batteries in the vehicle and camper or caravan.

As an alternator generally does not output more than about 14 volts, and most modern alternators far less, the requirement of all automotive batteries to be charged with a higher voltage than this results in them being undercharged from the alternator alone.

Additionally, the alternator has no ability to limit the current to the battery to the correct level for the specific battery type.

Advancements in electronics design by innovative companies such as REDARC has given us the ability to apply the correct voltage and current levels to our batteries in our touring rigs.

Multistage charging uses different stages of charge to apply a specific voltage and current to the battery for a set period of time or until the current acceptance of the battery falls to a certain value. For example, a battery that is in use running a fridge requires three charge stages to safely recharge it to 100% state of charge:

• Boost - Full charger current: Charger size should be chosen so as not to exceed the batteries maximum allowable charge current. The stage is held until the batteries maximum charging voltage is reached. Depending on the charger, this may also be referred to as constant current stage.

• Absorption - The voltage is held at the batteries maximum charge voltage until the current acceptance of the battery falls below the required level to determine that it is full. This may also be referred to as constant voltage stage.

• Float - The battery voltage is held at a safe voltage to maintain it at full for extended periods without overcharging, the load on the battery may be covered by the charger rather than discharging the battery during ongoing charging, such as the fridge running when driving or when solar is available.

This multistage charging can be found in the REDARC In-vehicle Battery Charger family and Battery

Management Systems, with a range of settings to suit the required charge voltage of automotive batteries, Gel, AGM, Standard Lead Acid, Calcium Content, Lead Crystal, and Lithium Iron Phosphate (model dependant). A range of output current options, ranging from 6 to 40 amps, are available to charge batteries whilst driving.

Further stages are provided with Storage mode in the REDARC Battery Management Systems for some battery chemistries. A battery that is in use will be charged with the three stage Touring mode, but when not in use such as long periods of a caravan or camper being parked up during the winter months, it will benefit from these extra stages:

• Equalisation - A higher than maximum charge voltage is applied to flooded cell batteries (not Gel, AGM, Lithium) to ensure equal charge between each of the cells is achieved.

• Maintenance - The battery voltage is allowed to fall to its open circuit voltage to monitor for battery faults such as shorted or open circuit cells, and also ensure the battery is not overcharged due to prolonged float charging, float will be resumed when required to overcome the batteries self-discharge.

For more information visit redarc.com.au/battery-chargers

I’m in charge Dual Battery CalculatorREDARC have an easy-to-use Dual Battery System Calculator that guides users on the right DC to DC charging solution for their particular needs.

It assesses vehicle, battery and usage information and then recommends a suitable charger.

To use it visit redarc.com.au/calculator/dual-battery-calculator or click this button from our home page...

Networking with industryOver the last few months, we have been busy networking with industry at four of Australia’s leading trade shows and conferences.

Avalon Air Show

In February, REDARC attended the 2017 Avalon Air Show - the largest show in the Southern Hemisphere, held biennially at the Avalon Airport outside Melbourne.

Forming part of the Avalon Show is the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition; a global business event which attracts senior civil aviation, air transport, aerospace and defence industry, military and government decision-makers from around the world.

David Murfett (pictured), Engineering Manager and Defence Liaison said, “Attending the Avalon Airshow allowed us to connect with key industry figures in the defence community.”

Australian Auto Aftermarket ExpoIn April we attended the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAE) at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. The AAAE is the nation’s most comprehensive exhibition of vehicle repair and servicing equipment, replacement parts, tools and accessories. Hosted every two years, REDARC and Hummingbird Electronics showcased a number of next-generation products including Tow-Pro wiring kits, Tow-Pro Switch Inserts, Dual Input Battery Chargers and GPS Trip Meter and GPS Speed Alerts.

“The AAAE was a great platform to showcase what REDARC and Hummingbird Electronics are capabale of and, as AAAA members, it allows us to be at the forefront of industry trends and networking opportunities”, said Marketing Manager, Tennille Reed. Attendance throughout the event was a great success and REDARC was awarded the “Excellence in Manufacturing Gold Award – over $10 million annual turnover” at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards Banquet.

National Caravan ConferenceIn May, REDARC attended the 2017 Caravan Industry Association of Australia National

Conference, at Jupiter’s Hotel in the Gold Coast.

The conference provided premier networking opportunities with industry colleagues, two days of focused presentations by leading speakers and an interactive trade exhibition.

Ben Marsh, National Sales and Marketing Manager said, “Attending this conference was not only important for REDARC’s future partnership with the caravan and campervan industry, but it provided new ideas and concepts which will enhance our capabilities and innovation.”

Brisbane Truck ShowIn late May, REDARC also exhibited at the biennial Brisbane Truck Show, the premier event for the transport industry in Australia. The event showcased the latest in heavy vehicles, technology, engineering and innovation.

OEM Business Development Manager, Stuart Peddle commented, “Not only are we aware of the needs of the trucking industry ahead of time, we actually contribute to the evolution of this industry to better service manufacturers and end users alike, ultimately providing sophisticated products that can enhance these vehicles.”

REDARC partners with many truck, trailer and bus manufacturers, including Kenworth, Volvo, Iveco, Scania and Mercedes.

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Business update

We are pleased to announce the latest addition to our Customer Service Technician team - Cameron Bleakley.

Cameron, who officially started on March 27, comes to REDARC with experience in the

automotive and electrical maintenance fields.

Previously he was employed as an electrical technician at Tasman Aviation Enterprises (TAE) and, prior to that, as an automotive electrician at Morphett Vale Auto Electrics.

National Sales and Marketing Manager, Ben Marsh said, “Cameron comes to REDARC with a wealth of experience from his previous employment. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the automotive electrical industry will put him in a great position to provide high quality support to our customers around Australia.”

“In the short time he has been with us, Cameron has been quick to pick up technical know-how of our products.”

Cameron Bleakley joins REDARC

Staff update

We congratulate David Downie (pictured left) for 30 years of service with REDARC.

David began his career at REDARC on April 7, 1987 when the business was called Labservice and made REDARC branded product.

The original facility was located in a house in Blackwood which was shared with a real estate agent.

Reflecting on his time at REDARC, David said, “Coming to work each day is easy when you enjoy your job and have great co-workers. Fortunately for me, I have both. Not only have I been lucky enough to work with people that I consider friends for life, but I have truly enjoyed my time here. It has been an exciting journey and I am grateful to be a part of it.”

David has spent his time at REDARC in production; in his earlier years, he worked in general assembly where he eventually became a Production Supervisor. Today he is a Production Leader and, unofficially, the go-to guy in production due to his extensive knowledge of REDARC and its products.

When presenting David with his certificate of achievement, Managing Director, Anthony Kittel, said “David is a hardworking and popular member of the REDARC team. We truly appreciate his dedication and contribution. In his time at REDARC David has become a fundamental part of the company. Thank you and congratulations for your wonderful service.”

REDARC congratulates David Downie on 30 years of service

23 Brodie Road (North) Lonsdale, South Australia Australia 5160

International Phone +61 8 8322 4848 Fax +61 8 8387 2889

Australia Phone 08 8322 4848 Fax 08 8387 2889

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REDARC ElectronicsABN 77 136 785 092

PTYLTD

In the community

Here’s a reminder that the Big Red Bash kicks off in the first week of July!

REDARC are thrilled to announce we will be sponsoring Australia’s most remote music festival, which takes place in Birdsville from July 4 to 6.

Now in its fifth year, the event will be head-lined by country legend, Lee Kernaghan.

Accompanying Kernaghan in the star-studded line-up is Australian favourite Missy Higgins, the delightful duo of James Reyne

and Mark Seymour, The McClymonts, The Wolfe Brothers and many other talented musicians.

As part of our sponsorship, REDARC has the naming rights of the plaza in which we will be exhibiting.

If you’re at the bash come and say “g’day” to our experts who will be there not just to enjoy the festival but will be able to answer your REDARC-related questions.

For more information visit bigredbash.com.au

Big Red Bash just around the corner

We recently had a visit from Nick Lee, founder of the Jodi Lee Foundation.

The Jodi Lee Foundation was established in honour of Jodie, Nick’s wife who lost her battle with bowel cancer in 2010 at just 41 years of age.

The Jodi Lee Foundation aims to empower and encourage people to take active steps in preventing bowel cancer and live healthy lives. Some of these steps include regular screening, knowing their family history, acting quickly on symptoms and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Nick tells of his harrowing experience, which took away his beloved wife and mother of their two children, aged six and four at the time.

Before Jodi’s diagnosis she was fit and healthy, had no family history and no obvious symptoms.

This is very common of bowel cancer, which is why it is often known as the silent killer and the second leading cause of death behind prostate cancer for men and breast cancer for women.

Jodi’s story could have had a different outcome if her cancer had been detected early.

All REDARC staff had the opportunity to take home a screening kit which looks for blood in your bowel movements – a common sign of bowel abnormality. It does not test for cancer, but it does provide a good starting point for talking to your GP.

“We are proud to say almost 70% of staff took a test kit as part of our commitment to their safety and wellbeing”, said Occupational Health Nurse, Michele Kittel.

We encourage everyone to get screened and speak to their GP. Although symptoms can be hard to detect, the disease is preventable. You can get a kit for $39.95 from most pharmacies.

For more information visit jodileefoundation.org.au

Trusting your gut

REDARC a partner for the ARB Off Road Racing SeriesREDARC has again become an associate partner for the 2017 ARB Off Road Racing Series.

The ARB Off Road Racing Series offers competitive racing over six of Australia’s premier long course off-road venues, while providing affordable and fair racing for all its competitors.

Now in its fifth year, the series promotes a safe, fair and enjoyable family friendly series with a focus on transparent, open and professional attitude to competitors.

Speaking of the series, Managing Director, Anthony Kittel said, “ARB and REDARC have been partners for a number of years now and we are proud to sponsor this series again.

“Sponsoring the event gives us the opportunity to give back to an industry that supports our products off and on the track.”

The 2017 series kicked off in March at the Stackpoole 400 in Griffith, then the Sunraysia 400 in Mildura held over the ANZAC Day weekend in April.

The next stop on the tour is in Sea Lake (June 9-11), followed by Waikerie (July 21-23), Goondiwindi (August 18-20) with the series concluding in Millicent (September 22 and 23).

You can see the highlights of the series at arboffroadracing.com.au

Casey Brennan - Accounts Payable, Nick Lee, Ben Sharp - Electronics Test Technician