An innovative Palmerston North company is the first Manawatu business to be selected for an Industry New Zealand programme supporting high growth potential businesses.

OBO, which manufactures protective gear for cricket and hockey goalies and has secured nearly 60% of the world market with its hockey equipment, is an ideal candidate for the Fast Forward programme says Industry New Zealand General Manager Central Region Claire Johnstone.

“The Fast Forward programme assists selected companies to build capability and realise their potential for growth within a case management environment.

“OBO has experienced phenomenal growth in the last eight years by developing an innovative high quality product using a unique closed cell foam moulding technology and establishing effective marketing, manufacturing and distribution processes.

”They are keen to ensure they have the capacity to service new markets and continue their present rate of growth, “ Ms Johnstone says.

OBO managing director Simon Barnett says the assistance from Industry New Zealand and Technology New Zealand has been invaluable.

“It’s enabled us to do a really good job in developing and testing our products and to access outside expertise where we had deficiencies internally.

“We have only one chance of getting into the global cricket market. Our products and marketing approach have to be perfect as we run the risk of the market writing off the use of closed cell foam technology in cricket protection and OBO as a cricket protective brand.

“Being on the Fast Forward programme will help us maintain this momentum.”

Industry New Zealand, Vision Manawatu, Trade New Zealand and Technology New Zealand have worked together to select the Manawatu companies that might benefit from the Fast Forward programme. Around ten Manawatu companies are expected to join the programme, in addition to OBO.

Vision Manawatu chief executive officer Ian Reid says OBO is a high growth company important to the Manawatu region.

“OBO’s success to date is reflected in their global focus and strategies, and the assistance from the Fast Forward programme is timely. The scheme demonstrates an excellent partnership between Industry New Zealand and local economic development agencies such as Vision Manawatu, and a real commitment by Industry New Zealand to the region.”

The Fast Forward programme enables the selected company to work intensively with a business development advisor who is knowledgeable about business assistance provided by different government agencies, and the private sector. The business development advisor works with the company to develop a growth strategy. This can include assistance from an expert advisor (paid jointly by the company and Industry New Zealand) to help raise capabilities in key areas of the company’s business.

“The programme was developed in response to businesses who wanted greater value, closer relationships and seamless integrated delivery. Essentially it provides a one-stop shop for businesses seeking assistance, “ Ms Johnstone says.

Tomorrow Today (NZ) Limited trading as OBO

The company was established in 1964 importing, manufacturing and distributing table tennis equipment. In 1986, it moved into the import of field hockey protective equipment and in 1990 moved into the design and manufacture of their own hockey protective equipment. Within eight years, the company has become a world leader in this area. The company has won a number of awards over the last few years including: Innovative Business of the year, 1993 Manawatu Business Awards; Tradenz Export Commendation 1997 and Exporter of The Year, 1998 Manawatu Business Awards.

OBO are considered one of the world’s leading designers, manufacturers and suppliers of foam field hockey goalkeeper protective equipment. The company produces a complete range of field hockey protective equipment including: Leg-guards, kickers, hand protectors, chest guard, pants, helmets, and other body protection equipment. The product range covers the needs of children from the age of eight through to international level adult players.

OBO products are sold in over 45 countries including: Australia, Great Britain, USA, South Africa, Argentina, Japan, the Netherlands and Germany. They are market leader in most of these countries.

The three dimensional nature of their products, shaped to reflect the way the body moves and therefore allowing players to move more quickly, has proved highly effective. OBO has achieved this competitive advantage by developing a closed-cell foam with a tighter cell structure, a unique moulding system that includes three dimensional moulds, and a thermo-bonding process that avoids the use of glues.

The company has received business growth assistance and a World Class New Zealanders grant from Industry New Zealand.

Industry New Zealand is the national economic development agency responsible for building a portfolio of world class businesses in New Zealand. Its Fast Forward programme involves inter-agency co-operation and partnership between Industry NZ, FoRST, Trade NZ, local Economic Development Agencies and the Chambers of Commerce. The core components of Fast Forward include: proactive nomination from partner agencies; ongoing case management by Industry New Zealand business development advisors and access to expert advisors. In July 2003, Industry New Zealand and Trade New Zealand will become one integrated government agency.

Vision Manawatu is the regional agency responsible for coordinating and facilitating the growth and development of the Manawatu. With 250 private sectors members the Palmerston North City Council, Manawatu District Council, Massey University and PowerCo also support the agency. In relation to FF VM role is to use its local knowledge and networks to identify who have the potential to grow and contribute wealth and jobs for the region.

Via New Zealand Trade and Enterprise