CHIPTECH CELEBRATES 20 YEARS
We have innovated, refined, and expanded in the past 20 years, here are some of our highlights...
2020
We have purchased the neighbouring buildings to expand the factory further (staff numbers in the Christchurch office have grown from the original seven to 28!). Planning for renovations is well underway.
SEVEN 4G personal emergency response system launched in New Zealand and Australia.
GO DURESS available in all markets.
2019
June 2019 marked the opening of the our UK office and the appointment of David Hammond our UK CEO. EU 3G base units and EU GO supplied in market.
Two interns from Scotland joined our team for three months, working on new product designs with great results.
The GOcard lone worker device launched in Australasia.
2018
GO mPERS device launched, along with the SmartCare Locate GPS mapping software.
EVA base unit with voice guided installation and reporting to the SmartCare Response smartphone application launched.
Expanded production line with new machinery.
2017
The cloud connection from data enabled base units means Chiptech can schedule a Global Update of base units installed in the field.
Managing Director and Senior Engineer visited toolmakers in China, to sign off new product designs.
Ferrymead starting to be rebuilt after earthquake damage, and the community slowly returning (more cafes!)
2016
SmartCare Cloud for managing data connected devices launched
SmartCare HeartBeat to work with SmartCare Relay in monitoring centres launched.
Significant increase in production of 3G base units for the NBN contract. Additional production staff brought a wonderful diversity of cultures to Chiptech.
2015
SmartCare Relay software for monitoring ContactID CSV reporting products launched.
National Broadband Network (NBN) roll out in Australia, initiated the replacement of analogue personal alarm systems.
2014
The EVE range of 3G cellular base units is launched.
Celebrated 20 years of working in the medical alarm industry with a staff trip to Queenstown.
2013
ERICA GSM, the 2G cellular base unit, is launched.
This was our first cellular communicating base unit and marked a turning point in the connectivity that Chiptech could provide.
2012
Pearl Advanced fall detector hits the market after two years of development.
The Universal Local Disconnect Device (ULDD) with voltage detection for disconnecting telephone equipment to ensure an alert can be sent.
ERICA is supplied in the New Zealand market. Increased sales in Australia.
2011
Big year. Major Canterbury earthquake events. Damage to buildings but Chiptech was able to safely continue manufacturing with little disruption due to the commitment of our dedicated staff.
Pearl personal help button transceivers launched, along with updated PRU, new RF frequencies 869/916MHz.
New design, ERICA base unit with PSTN reporting launched in Australia.
2010
The first Standard Interface Device (SID) launched for connecting in third party products to wirelessly alert a base unit, such as disability switches.
We moved our state of the art production line into the refurbished 11b unit and added a very large new oven.
2009
Launch of PRUDOC, a four line analogue receiver for processing DTMF reports and passing information into monitoring software.
We purchased the unit next door and expanded our factory, for some much needed space.
2008
The Personal Response Unit (PRU) with built-in PIR launched in New Zealand. First export to VitalCALL, in Australia, June 2008.
Shortly followed by the Local Disconnect Device (LDD), an analogue device that uses tones to disconnect other telephone equipment in the home.
2007
Staff trip to Sydney Australia to climb the Harbour Bridge,
Innovision, the security camera and automation system.
2006
ERIC with the Chiptech Standard Pendant supplied to all New Zealand customers.
2005
Launched the MIRDOC monitoring receiver for PSTN connected products to report into monitoring software using DTMF tones.
2004
Standard pendant and wristwatch operating on 304MHz
2003
Emergency Response Initiated Communication (ERIC) launched, our first Chiptech designed plastic casing, featuring a unique tri-lobal design with smartcard technology.
2002
The Safehouse retail business sold to The Order of St John, New Zealand.
Chiptech relocates to a purpose built factory at the estuary in Ferrymead, Christchurch, operating as a telecare manufacturer.
2001
The Buster range products launched, for radio frequency control of third party products, used in a number of industrial and monitoring applications.
2000
Chiptech Limited Incorporated.
Manufacturing the Version 3.3 medical alarms, fitted with programmed smartcards containing monitoring information.
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2020 - Introducing SEVEN
4G dual SIM, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Bluetooth are rolled into the SEVEN base unit for connectivity now and into the future.
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2020 - Our Place
Chiptech offices are based in Ferrymead Christchurch, and we are lucky enough to be surrounded by the Estuary. As apart of our Environmental Charter, we have partnered with Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust to help the “clean up our waterways”.
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2019 - Chiptech International
Celebrating the incorporation of our UK office, in style.
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2019 - Chiptech Interns
We were lucky enough to have two talented students from the Glasgow School of Design spend 3 months working with us in New Zealand on our future products look and feel. We got to share a tram ride dinner through Christchurch city, accompanied by a Scottish band.
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2018 - Production Upgrade
We had to wait a few days for our suppliers team to come onsite and assist our engineers in setting up the new equipment in our production line. Additions included an SPI machine, updated inspection stations, updated AOI and an X-ray machine for enhanced quality inspections.
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2018 - We Launched Chiptech GO
The first GPS locating device from Chiptech to empower users to go beyond the boundaries of their home, with confidence.
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2017 - Indian Cooking Lessons
Some of our staff treated the team to a vegetarian feast, with a hands on demonstration on how to cook their local cuisine.
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2017 - Toolmaker Visit
Chiptech Managing Director and Senior Engineer visited toolmakers and plastic manufacturers in China.
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2017 - Superhero Day
The Chiptech team dressed up in their favourite superhero outfit as part of a fundraising event.
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2015 - Kayak to Work Day
Some of our more sporty team members jumped in kayaks and paddled down the river to the estuary, before starting their work day.
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2015 - New Production Equipment
Improvements to the pick and place machines in the production line.
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2012 - Through hole
Some of our long standing production team soldering PCBs.
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2012 - Working mum
Abby Moore at the coalface with number 2.
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2011 - Earthquake
A big clean up by dedicated Chiptech staff, the Managing Director is a dab hand on a shovel.
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2010 - Product Design Collaboration
Research and Development Manager, Paul Wright with Abby Moore.
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2008 - First Export
Chiptech Managing Director, Graeme Moore, left, and the General Manager of VitalCALL Australia, middle, with first shipment of PRU made by Chiptech.
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2008 - Press Event
Celebrating our first export with local MP Ruth Dyson.
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2008 - PRU
The Personal Response Unit included a screen and keypad for programming reminder times.
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2007 - Staff Photo
New Year photo of the Chiptech team of ten.
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2007 - Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Chiptech staff team building day in Sydney, Australia.
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2007 - Production Line Setup
New pick and place machines installed at 11A Settlers Crescent.
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2006 - ERIC
PCBs for ERIC at the assembly stage in production. Special 'nests' had to be made to enable multiple base units to be manufactured at the same time. Without the nest the Help button could be accidentally activated when fitting the parts together.
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2005 - MIRDOC Receivers
Analogue receivers in a rack, installed in monitoring centers for receiving DTMF tone Contact ID reports from Chiptech base units.
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2004 - Standard Pendant and Watch
Chiptech ultrasonic welded standard pendant and watch design was the first range of personal help buttons to be hot waterproof.
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2002 - Chiptech Building
Purpose built factory at 11a Settlers Crescent.