GPU manufacturer in export mode after takeover

Melbourne-based Dytecna Asia Pacific, the regional arm of the UK’s Dytecna, a defence equipment manufacturer and services provider, is gearing for an export drive following the takeover of local ground power unit manufacturer APM.

The company has been active in the local defence industry for more than six years, until formalising its involvement in the region by setting up an office here. The addition of the GPU capability means it now has commercial arena interests and ambitions.

The revised business plan includes relocation to a larger facility in Melbourne, which will incorporate a new field and factory servicing arm, and technology upgrades to further improve reliability and service life of the GPUs. The new facility will also offer generator testing and an electric motor rewind service.

Wayne Weller, general manager of Dytecna Asia Pacific, says that the acquisition of APM, which specialises in the design and manufacture of portable generators for use by the aviation industry, in both military and civil applications, “was strategic for the company in that it provides Dytecna not only with an opportunity to manufacture in the Asia Pacific region, but also to expand the fabrication and design capability of the APM business to mirror what the company does in the UK, where the company is involved in systems integration.”

While the business goal includes the supply of robust GPUs to military forces in this region, there is also potential for the export of fully built units to military and civil markets in Europe and the Middle East. To that end, the product has had market exposure this year at Aero India and the Paris Airshow, with what Weller describes as “some very positive responses”.

And the local aeronautical market is also targeted. “We intend to take the product and offer it to commercial markets under a variety of financing programs, in particular on a rental basis, which is attractive in capital tight markets such as we have right now,” Weller says. “And we are able to support the product with a comprehensive maintenance package anywhere in Australia and the near Asia Pacific.”

Weller believes that the APU product has as its market advantage a very high level of reliability, while remaining at a highly competitive price point.

There are already six units in service with Qantas in LA, in support of the A380.