All Charged Up - REDARC Newsletter Spring 2023

ALL CHARGED UP REDARC NEWS - SPRING 2023

INTRODUCING THE USB CAR CHARGER AND GOBLOCK TRANSIT BAG. REDARC are thrilled to introduce our new GoBlock Transit Bag and USB Car Charger that can deliver up to 83W and charge your power-hungry devices on the go.

REDARC’s car charger allows you to take devices anywhere without worrying about battery life. It can fully charge a MacBook Pro 13.4” in under 2.5 hours and is ultracompact with a modern design. Fast charge all your devices on the go from an accessory socket, perfect for use with REDARC’s GoBlock. The dual port USB-C and USB-A design gives you flexibility to charge two devices at once and is compatible with a wide range of electronics.

Like all REDARC products, the USB Car Charger has been tested to meet stringent quality devices requirements, to survive in the harshest Australian conditions. This charger has been designed with thickened contacts to lock into the accessory socket firmly and charge electronic products continuously whilst driving. With 5 levels of protection, and a heat dissipation system, the REDARC Car Charger will safe guard your devices and maximise charging speed and efficiency on the move.

Another newly released REDARC product is the GoBlock Transit Bag, a protective, travelfriendly cover designed specifically for the REDARC GoBlock. It is made with ultra-durable polyester oxford material that provides extra protection for the GoBlock while out in the elements.

IN THIS ISSUE...

REDARC EXPANDS GLOBAL GROWTH WITH NORTH AMERICAN INVESTMENT IN FOUR KEY APPOINTMENTS

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REDARC HEAD TO SOUTH AFRICA TO VISIT MAJOR DISTRIBUTOR 4X4 MEGA WORLD 3 REDARC AWARDED BACK TO‑BACK SOUTH AUSTRALIAN EXPORTER OF THE YEAR 4 LUMINACT AND REDARC TO DELIVER NEXT GENERATION MOBILE RETRANSMISSION SYSTEMS TO THE ADF

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REDNETWORK MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 6 WORLD SKILLS AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

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REDARC ON THE ROAD

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Rubber feet protect with added durability, mitigating damage from impacts and rough surfaces. The GoBlock Transit Bag has handy front and side pockets, perfect for storing cables or devices while they’re being charged. Take your GoBlock’s durability to the next level with the GoBlock Transit Bag. For more information on the USB Car Charger USB Car Charger and GoBlock Transit Bag visit redarcelectronics.com/au/portable-power SPRING 2023 - 1

EXPORT UPDATE

REDARC is thrilled to welcome four new US based team members, Greg Gorski, Gary Langbo, Savannah Goodwin and Doug Larsen.

REDARC EXPANDS GLOBAL GROWTH WITH NORTH AMERICAN INVESTMENT IN FOUR KEY APPOINTMENTS. REDARC are proud to unveil a series of strategic appointments that mark a significant step in our company’s worldwide expansion. These key additions to the Sales and Marketing divisions underline REDARC’s unwavering commitment to solidifying its leadership position across the globe.

Gary Langbo - General Manager Sales North America

Assuming the position of Global Marketing Leader, Greg Gorski will play a crucial role in enhancing the company’s global brand presence. Greg is equipped with industry experience as the former Marketing Director at Dometic, his expertise in strategic brand planning and project management is sure to fuel REDARC’s ongoing growth.

Gary Langbo has been appointed as the General Manager of Sales – North America. With an impressive background in both brand marketing and sales management, he last served as the Vice President of Sales at Char-Broil. Gary will be pivotal in advancing REDARC’s multi‑channel sales strategies, further establishing the company’s market prominence in North America.

Doug Larsen - Global Website & eCommerce Manager

Joining as the North American Strategic Marketing Manager, Savannah Goodwin will draw upon her background as the former marketing manager at Polaris. Savannah’s demonstrated success in crafting compelling campaigns and her adeptness in market analysis and consumer engagement are poised to amplify REDARC’s marketing efforts, ensuring increased brand traction and business expansion.

Doug Larsen takes on the role of Global Website & eCommerce Manager, leveraging his experience as the Director of eCommerce and Digital at Digital River. Doug will develop data-driven e-commerce strategies to oversee online sales and enhance the purchasing experience for REDARC customers.

“These appointments signify an exciting chapter for REDARC as we continue our journey of global expansion and further investment in North America,” said Peter Favilla, Global President of REDARC. “Their diverse skillsets and industry experience will be instrumental in realizing our objectives, unquestionably contributing to the success of REDARC.”

Savannah Goodwin - North American Strategic Marketing Manager

Greg Gorski - Global Marketing Leader 2 - SPRING 2023

Anthony Kittel, CEO and Managing Director of REDARC Group says, “I would like to welcome Doug Larsen, Gary Langbo, Greg Gorski & Savannah Goodwin to the REDARC Global Customer & Growth Team. Our commitment in generating and supporting the right ideas, the right investment and the right talent demonstrates it is possible to not just survive, but thrive as a proudly family owned Australian manufacturing business. REDARC is not just a worldclass manufacturing facility; it’s an agile and innovative problem solver. Our side by side design, production and support capability gives our customers the confidence to explore life away from the grid. In a world of exponential mobility, discovery and exploration, we make products that put people in control of whatever situation they find themselves in. On the adventure of a lifetime, the difference between resounding success and spectacular failure is a fine line but with REDARC you can rest assured you have equipped yourself to go the distance. Through talented people joining our team, such as Doug, Gary, Greg & Savannah, they further our endeavours in achieving our mission and ensure we too put people in control, so they can go where they want, when they want, across Australia, across continents, and across the world!”

EXPORT UPDATE

We caught up with Craig Herriot to hear about the Technical & Sales Training that the REDARC team hosted at 4x4 Mega world, whilst in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa.

REDARC HEAD TO SOUTH AFRICA TO VISIT MAJOR DISTRIBUTOR 4X4 MEGA WORLD. REDARC were pleased to spend time with 4x4 Mega World CEO, Deon Venter, his team, dealers and OEM trailer manufacturers in South Africa. 4x4 Mega World are an exclusive REDARC distributor for South Africa and neighbouring SADC countries. We caught up with Craig Herriot, General Manager of International Sales to hear about the technical and sales training that Steve Moore, Training Manager and Craig hosted at 4x4 Mega World.

What did you enjoy most about your trip to South Africa?

The thrill of embarking on this adventure.

It marked not only our first visit to this stunning country, but also our first face-toface meeting with our distributor, 4x4 Mega World. It was nothing less than remarkable, as it also signified a significant step in REDARC’s global expansion.

What were the main products that REDARC focussed on in our presentations?

The training seminars focused primarily on REDARC’s power management product lineup, including Smart Battery Isolators (SBI’s), DC-DC Charger (BCDC) range, Manager30 for advanced battery management, and the Total Vehicle Management System (TVMS) Rogue and Prime for power distribution.

Lithium batteries and inverters were also featured, highlighting their efficiency in energy storage for South Africa’s unique daily load shedding events (i.e., electricity

black outs). Attendees were also given a sneak peek of upcoming product releases, generating anticipation for REDARC’s commitment to innovation in South Africa.

Why is it important to train people in person, when working internationally?

In-person training is pivotal for REDARC as it fosters stronger relationships, cultural understanding, and trust with global partners, such as 4x4 Mega World, dealers and OEM’s. Moreover, these sessions facilitate more effective knowledge transfer, critical in the technical field of power management. Immediate feedback, clarification, and hands-on learning reduce misinterpretations and errors while allowing us to understand their specific market needs.

Who were the dealers and manufacturers that REDARC visited, whilst we were over in South Africa?

We took the opportunity to also visit key 4x4 Mega World dealers and camper trailer manufacturers in both Johannesburg and Cape Town. Some of the world’s best camper trailer manufacturers are based in South Africa and sell their products not only there, but into Europe, UK, the Middle east, Australia and North America.

How will this open opportunities for REDARC in South Africa?

REDARC’s visit to South Africa promises significant future opportunities. It has

empowered 4x4 Mega World staff with technical knowledge, ensuring they can sell and install our products proficiently and provide excellent after-sales service.

4x4 Mega World’s local stockholding ensures prompt product availability. Their extensive distribution network and retail store presence in the region will also extend REDARC’s market reach, opening doors to new customer segments and strengthening the brand’s South African presence.

What are some of the major differences in the market between Australia and South Africa?

The 4x4 markets in Australia and South Africa have many similarities, such as enthusiastic off-road communities and a demand for durable, high-performing quality products. Like Australians, 4x4 owners often use their vehicles for extended trips and camping overnight in remote locations that require them to be self-sufficient on auxiliary battery power. We heard countless stories about lion attacks when camping in wildlife areas, a factor which does influence their need for reliable product preferences and safety considerations. They were quick to suggest to Steve and I, to not roll out our swags overnight and become ‘sausage rolls’ for the local prey!

For more information on 4x4 Mega World please visit 4x4megaworldonline.com

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EXPORT UPDATE

REDARC are delighted to announce that we were successful at winning the back‑to‑back South Australian Exporter of the Year Award.

REDARC are now off to the National finals in Canberra, in late November, to represent our great state of South Australia.

Anthony Kittel, CEO and Managing Director of REDARC Group says, “We were delighted to be announced as winner of the South Australian Exporter of the Year. This success provides a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment to our incredibly smart team whom innovate,

Tom Davies, General Manager of Thomas Foods International and Craig Herriot, REDARC’s General Manager Sales - EMEA, LATAM & Asia.

REDARC AWARDED BACK-TO-BACK SOUTH AUSTRALIAN EXPORTER OF THE YEAR AT PREMIER’S BUSINESS AND EXPORT AWARDS. On September 22nd, REDARC attended the Gala Awards Dinner for the South Australian Premier’s Business and Export Awards night at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

“The awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution our local businesses make to the social, environmental, and economic wellbeing of our community.” – Business SA REDARC are thrilled to announce that we were successful at winning the back-toback South Australian Exporter of the Year Awards. This award is proudly sponsored

by Thomas Foods International Established in 1988. Thank you to Business SA for

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hosting such a wonderful evening and to the Premier, Peter Malinauskas for the Premiers Export Awards.

The South Australian Premier’s Business and Export Awards proudly celebrates the achievement and success of extraordinary South Australian Businesses in the past 12 months and includes 13 export award categories, recognising excellence in the export of goods and services.

Congratulations to all the 2023 Export Award Winners, Prophecy International Pty Ltd, Rising Sun Pictures, Apxium, Fleet Space Technologies, Adelaide Consulting Group, Advance Clinical, Viterra, Wilco Technologies, MyVenue & AirWater Global.

design, manufacture and sell our world class portable power systems and connected vehicle solutions to global customers in the 4X4, RV/Caravan, Trucking, Mining, Defence and Space sectors. Going global is a marathon not a sprint and hence it is very rewarding to achieve back to back wins.

I would like to pass on my thanks and gratitude to our Australian customers who have supported us for the past 44 years and underpinned our growth enabling us to consider international expansion. Our harsh conditions in the outback ensure our products are built to perform and withstand the toughest conditions. Without the loyal support and encouragement by our local Auto Electrical Trade Installers we would not have been able to build such a solid foundation to our company and the platform to go global.

Our team look forward to representing South Australia at the National Awards in Canberra at the end of November. We also wish to pass on our congratulations to all of the SA Award winners and the National finalists from around the country and wish them every success in the final.”

DEFENCE UPDATE

REDARC Defence and Space are thrilled to announce that we have signed a contract to design and manufacture eighty-four next generation mobile retransmission systems for the Australian Defence Force, in partnership with Australian engineering company, Luminact.

power management technology provided

by REDARC that is both modular and expandable. The MRS can be configured by commanders to suit individual mission requirements and provides a range of tactical line-of-sight, as well as beyond line-ofsight communications options.

Kaylene Askew (Senior Partner) from Luminact and Scott Begbie, REDARC's General Manager Defence.

LUMINACT AND REDARC TO DELIVER NEXT GENERATION MOBILE RETRANSMISSION SYSTEMS TO THE ADF. Australian engineering company Luminact, in partnership with REDARC Defence and Space have signed a contract to design and manufacture eighty-four next generation mobile retransmission systems (MRS) for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Luminact Pty Ltd, an Australian-owned and operated provider of engineering services and solutions, has been awarded a contract to deliver eighty-four next generation Mobile Retransmission Systems for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Luminact, in partnership with electrical and power experts REDARC Defence and

Space, will design and manufacture the systems in Australia, bringing a wealth of experience in the land communications domain to the project, and enhancing local industry capability.

The Mobile Retransmission System (MRS) is a rapidly deployable suite of equipment to enable retransmission and flexible tactical communications in the battlespace. It includes a Primary Retransmission Subsystem (PRS), Secondary Communications Subsystem (SCS), and a bespoke Power Distribution Subsystem (PDS) featuring world-class

Luminact co-founder and director, Andrew Skinner said, “We are excited to be partnering with REDARC to delivery this important capability to the army. The MRS will provide a flexible and robust deployable communications system for the ADF, and we are proud to be delivering it with a very high level of Australian Industry Capability (AIC) content.”

REDARC Group, CEO & Managing Director Anthony Kittel said, “We are delighted to be a key partner with a fellow Australian owned and operated SME, Luminact to deliver next generation Mobile Retransmission Systems to the Australian Defence Force. The contract will utilise our REDARC Defence & Space team’s electrical and power expertise. We will design and manufacture the systems in Australia, bringing a wealth of experience in the land communications domain to the project, and enhancing local industry capability”.

The Acquisition and Support contracts were signed on 19 May 2023, and design, verification and delivery of the systems will be completed by 2025. Luminact will also support the MRS in-service for a period of five years.

Learn more about Luminact at luminact.com.au

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REDNETWORK UPDATE

In this month’s REDNetwork Member Spotlight, we spoke to Brendan Brown from Cohuna Auto-Electrical and Air Conditioning, based in Cohuna, Victoria.

REDNETWORK MEMBER SPOTLIGHT. How long have you been an auto electrician?

I’ve been an auto-elec for over 17 years now.

I started my apprenticeship in Koondrook, Victoria and spent several years in the Pilbara, before returning to Victoria with my family. I am the business owner and director with my wife Katie. We have two children who are aged 5 and 7 years old.

Tell us about your business?

Cohuna Auto-Electrical and Air Conditioning has been running for 7 years. Katie is the business manager and administrator, and we have three additional team members. Cohen and Nathan our 2nd year apprentices, and Sam our 4th year apprentice. We chose to build our own team of auto-elects and apprentices who can be moulded. We like to provide young people with opportunities for school-based apprenticeships and work experience opportunities. Sam is also a mature age apprentice, who is due to finish very soon.

Katie likes to make sure we do our part for the community, and we regularly support local sports club and sporting events.

The Cohuna community consists of the agricultural, farming and forestry industries.

We also get seasonal caravanners and tourers and have several earth and civil customers.

How long have you been installing REDARC products?

When I worked in Karratha, at Jolly Good Auto Electrics (who is also a REDNetwork 6 - SPRING 2023

member), REDARC was a prominent brand and a reliable one. When we took on our business, there was no doubt in what products would be the first to go on our shelves.

What is your favourite REDARC product?

after facing challenges like COVID-19. Some days we forget how far we’ve come!

What is the best thing about coming to work every day?

Banter with the boys and having a win on a tricky diagnosis.

My personal favourite product to use and install is the REDARC Tow-Pro Electric Brake Controller. It’s tried and tested and its operation is simple for the customer.

We absolutely recommend the Tow-Pro and BCDC above anything else on the market.

Out of your staff who is…

What is your favourite thing about being a part of the REDNetwork?

5. The life of the party? Sam

I’d have to say being a part of a network that benefits the customer, when “shit hits the fan”. Through having the Pilbara and travelling in remote locations, there’s nothing worse than having no one to reach out to when something goes wrong.

The REDNetwork allows customers to seek assistance in any location and get a resolution ASAP.

Auto electrical is a broad field these days, do you focus on a specific area?

What has been your greatest business achievement to date?

We started in 2017 not expecting too much. In 2019, were a finalist in the VACC Best Auto Electrical Small Business category. In 2022, we purchased new premises, with three times the space. After having a large show room built, as well as DIY renovations and concreting, we’ve upgraded our facilities, our equipment and it really was a tick in the box for us, especially

1. The practical joker? Me 2. The all-rounder? Webby 3. The calm under pressure? The wife!

4. The diehard 4x4 adventurer? Me 6. The perfectionist? Sam

There are two types of auto-elects. Fitters and fixers. I think it’s important to be able to provide both services. We pride ourselves on being able to supply and fit the best products and help our customers resolves issues in an array of machinery, vehicles, and equipment. We don’t limit ourselves.

If you could share a meal with four famous people, who would they be and why?

Oh gee… Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Tom Hardy, Anna Kendrick – be good to have a beer with them.

Learn more or get in contact with Cohuna Auto-Electrical and Air Conditioning at cohunaautoelect.com.au

COMMUNITY UPDATE

We caught up with Tim Chivers, REDARC’s Business Development Manager – Recreational Vehicles/ASM TL, to hear his thoughts on attending and judging the World Skills Australian National Championships in Melbourne, Australia.

REDARC SUPPORT WORLD SKILLS AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN MELBOURNE. What did you enjoy about attending the event?

It was great to be part of a world event!

Competitors were finalists from the regional competitions. the Pacific region and special guests from Korea. The Auto Electrical team shared plenty of laughs over the week and I really enjoyed the passion of the participants who were keen to help, eat together and create a great vibe.

What types of skills were on show?

Except for a few skills needing specialist equipment, most were under the one roof in Melbourne. This included several automotive trades, bricklaying, landscaping, butchery, healthcare, fashion, jewellery making and IT skills. At various times of the day, there were highlights that pulled the crowds. For the Auto Electrical, it was when the participant was able to find the fault and start the supercharged V6 on the work stand - it has quite a roar inside! It was also great to have the REDARC vehicle on display with all the gear inside.

Why is it important that REDARC support an event like this?

It is important we encourage and support the trade skills, REDARC supported the Auto Electrical section, one of over 60 skills competing. There were five tasks with a judge at each task, one of the tasks was to create a wiring diagram for a Manager30 with RedVision screen, a 350W inverter, a 50W solar panel, a Brake-Safe unit, and a sway control module to be fitted into a caravan. The second task was to install

these components onto a simulator board and wire it up. Competitors gained points on their positioning of the components, functionality, neatness, safety procedures and flair for their ability. Once completed, the students hooked them up to the REDARC vehicle simulator and checked their DC input, trailer lights and sway control inputs.

In addition, REDARC supported the training organisations and provided some excellent exposure for the thousands of school kids and other visitors who came through during the week.

What was it like being a judge in the show?

We had several meetings and emails leading up to the event, plus the bump in and set up. I got to know the other judges who were all keen to support each other, particularly the chief judge. I needed to be consistent, as I filled in the various aspects of the task I was judging. It was quite intense towards the end of our 2 hours and 35 minutes for each participant. The debrief at the end was important and I learnt a lot through the experience.

Can you tell us about the major results from the event?

Participants were scored on each task and the place winners with the most points were recognised at the closing ceremony. We had the opportunity to provide feedback and potential mentoring for a participant of our choice. Unfortunately, there were not enough countries with high Auto Electrical skill to make it into the International Finals in

France next year, but we are aiming to see what can be achieved in the following event.

After attending the event what were your three key take-aways?

Hard to limit it to three! First, it’s a great experience for everyone, including participants, judges, volunteers, and visitors. You will certainly get something out of it! Secondly, it’s crucial to encourage promotion of the event – especially for secondary school students and potential participants. Thirdly, it was fascinating to see the creativity and variation on how different participants tackled their jobs differently, with the same goal in mind. It brought out the strengths of each person and the diversity of each of their roles. It’s hard not to consider who might work well perhaps in a busy factory, on an aircraft or a roadside breakdown situation.

How do you think an event like this will change in the future?

Changes in technology will have a big impact on the event, particularly for the Auto Electrical field. It’s important our training centres are supported with new technology.

More of the skills may require programming installations or machinery to perform tasks, which can broaden some of the skills and create new opportunities too. REDARC will certainly have new products that can be part of the next event!

Learn more about the World Skills Expo at worldskills.org.au

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IN THE COMMUNITY

The REDARC team is out and about at trade shows around the world over the coming months.

REDARC ON THE ROAD. OCTOBER 6 – 8 - Overland Expo East, Oak Ridge Estates, Arrington, VA, USA

NOVEMBER 10 – 12 - Perth 4WD and Adventure Show, Perth, WA, AU

20 – 22 - Canberra Caravan Camping Outdoor Lifestyle Expo, ACT, AU 27 - 29 - Adelaide 4WD and Adventure Show, SA, AU 28 – 29 - Sika Show, NZ Hunting & Outdoor Expo, Mystery Creek, Hamilton, NZ 31 – 3 - SEMA Show, Las Vegas, NV, USA

VISIT REDARC.COM.AU TODAY Free Tech Advice - 1300REDARC (1300 733 272) REDARC Electronics ABN 77 136 785 092 power@redarc.com.au

Australia Phone (08) 8322 4848 Fax (08) 8387 2889

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

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

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