New Zealand, long known for its dairy industry, could soon be famous for another unlikely business – machinery health information systems which help in the early detection of mechanical fatigue and breakdown.

As well as offices in its home base of New Zealand, Commtest has offices in the UAE, China and the US. The UAE base was opened four years ago in Dubai. "Commtest is well on its way to becoming the world’s leading designer of machinery health information systems, and it has seen huge demand for the specialist vibrations analysis technology it offers," a company statement said." This technology is used to detect early precursors to machine failure allowing equipment to be repaired or replaced before an expensive failure occurs," it explained.

The company has the support of the New Zealand Trade and Enterprises’ Beachheads Programme, which helps New Zealand-based companies in the region. With key industrial markets in oil refineries, petroleum and manufacturing, Commtest says it has seen particular interest from companies based in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE and other GCC states.

Emad Bitar, commtest’s director for the Middle East and North Africa region and South Asia, says the company is delighted with the response our products have had in Saudi Arabia and Egypt and we are looking for new distributors and partners in other key GCC countries.