A high-tech design and manufacturing company based in the Hutt Valley is taking on the world while nurturing the region’s young talent.

Times-7 designs and manufactures radio frequency identification antennas, otherwise known as RAIN (UHF) RFID.

Founded in 2006,the company has established itself as a leading company in the global RFID market, exporting its products worldwide.

Jos Kunnen, CEO and Managing Director, is committed to sustainable manufacturing in the Hutt Valley, saying, “this is the perfect place to be with other businesses around us that can support our growth and ambitions.”

As uncertain as the future seemed when Covid-19 emerged, Jos says demand has skyrocketed due to an expanding market for RFID products. “We export almost everything we make, so we rely heavily on what happens in the rest of the world, especially North America and Europe.”

When the first wave of covid-19 hit the US and Europe, projects stopped because no one could install products in retail stores, factories, or warehouses. Orders slowed, and supply chains became stressed and unpredictable.

“Many companies suddenly realised they were not accurately tracking their inventory. They had to figure out how much stock they had but couldn’t get into their warehouses to check due to lockdown. They needed automation, so the demand for RFID products soared.”

Last year, Times-7 celebrated its 15^th year in business and is well-positioned for growth. Before Covid-19, companies were already piloting or deploying RFID; however, they realised they needed to speed up the implementation process.

“This has driven demand. We are a part of a global RAIN Alliance group, and there are reports of others in our industry also experiencing significant growth. For context, the annual number of UHF RFID tagged items has risen from 21 billion to 28 billion over the last year.

“All these tags need to be read by multiple antennas as they move through logistics and supply chains to reach end-users.”

As the business grows, so does the need for scale

To meet demand, Times-7 has moved to a larger campus and hired more staff, but they still have vacancies. “Six more team members are required in the manufacturing space, along with additional people in sales and marketing. We expect more roles will be required as we expand further,” says Jos.

“Over the past 15 months, staff numbers have doubled to 26. It’s great that we are expanding, but with growth came other challenges, including finding the right premises ideally in the Hutt Valley.”

For more than 18 months, the Times-7 team searched for larger premises near their Alicetown base. They sought a larger space for increased production, design and engineering, warehousing, and bigger offices with better amenities.

Finding a suitable space proved difficult. “One of the real estate agencies we approached was proactive and looked through their record books for places coming up for lease expiry.

“We eventually found a property on Te Puni Street, Petone, where the lease was about to end. It was the perfect situation because the incumbent tenant wanted to downsize, so we did a swap.”

“Our commercial space has more than doubled, providing the team with a bigger staff room, more meeting space, manufacturing space, and car parks.”

Jos says the move has coincided well with demand for their product. “It’s given us a manufacturing capacity of three times our previous space. We have more than doubled production every month this year compared to the same month last year.”

Aside from more space, Jos was keen to ensure that a move wouldn’t inconvenience staff. “Thankfully, it has been just the opposite. We are close to Petone railway station, amenities, and on a good route for those who cycle to work. One difference staff have commented on is the time reduction in their car journey.”

Their new ‘campus’ means the entire team can continue to work together, from marketing, sales, and engineering, to production. It facilitates innovation and information-sharing and means the team can be more responsive to customers.

Jessica Gill, who works in Times-7’s marketing department, believes the new premises only adds to the team culture. “We have a great atmosphere in the new office. We can host more company gatherings so that all departments can work together as a team.”

Offering young people career opportunities to upskill in a growing industry

As an advocate for the Hutt Valley, Jos strives to help young people grow and develop their skills. “The Hutt is an incubation area for some interesting companies. We want to promote this area as a great place to work and live.”

Times-7 works closely with the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, enabling them to connect with young people, some of whom they have hired.

Through the Employment Expo and the Chamber’s Education to Employment Programme, Times-7 has attended ‘Speed Meets.’ These events have allowed students to establish work experience opportunities in their final year of school; they spend one day a week working for Times-7, which often leads to an internship.

“We have hired several young people through the Chamber’s work experience programme. We are hugely grateful to the Chamber for providing opportunities for us to find the right people.” The work experience programme has proved to be a success for the growing company, and Jos says that investing in training and developing young people is key.

“It’s great to offer young people the opportunity to discover, explore, experience, and connect to a career pathway. Only hiring straight off the market is not a very sustainable approach. Working with young people in our secondary schools gives them a chance to see the world of work, and it gives us a chance to identify great talent for our business. It’s a win-win.”

Patrick McKibbin, CEO of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, commends Times-7 for its receptiveness to trying new methods of connecting with talent. It comes at a time when the traditional approaches to finding staff are no longer as successful

“Having Times-7 working with our students helps them see the possibilities and opportunities in a growing business and exporting their technology worldwide. It is a fabulous example of what is possible.

“There is some work involved for businesses, but the rewards and return on investment through lower recruitment costs and better retention and loyalty from providing students with an opportunity are compelling,” says Patrick.”

Jos and his team are excited about the future for Times-7, and despite offers attempting to lure the business to other parts of the country and world, they plan to stay firmly rooted in Hutt Valley soil.

“Our region is full of innovative manufacturing start-ups, scientists, researchers, technologists, and a network of excellent support organisations like the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce. I am committed to giving our young people an opportunity to grow and be part of our journey, and I am excited about what lies ahead.”

Join a global brand that is growing and become a part of the Times-7 team! You can find out more about their employment opportunities on their website.