Custom design and innovation combine
Hummingbird Electronics was founded in 2010 by Electronic Engineer, Norman Ballard. Since then the company has been working with customers from the transport, heavy vehicle, mining and civil construction industries by delivering new and innovative solutions.
All Hummingbird products are designed in Williamtown by Hummingbird's team of electronics engineers. The company provides a full-service capability to conceptualise, design, test and manufacture products. Since inception, key customers have brought great ideas to Hummingbird, and the company has delivered new and exciting technologies. Critically, many solutions are designed to improve the safety of vehicle and mobile machine operators.
INNOVATION ETHOS
Hummingbird believes that the ability to be agile, proactive and responsive is critical to innovation success. This pursuit also means that Hummingbird ensure that their electronic products meet the requirements of the Australian regulatory environment and environmental conditions, and of those specified by their customers.
"Customer consultation is crucial and it begins with gaining a thorough understanding of the problem at hand," National Sales and Marketing Manager Mark Bruce said. "From this we can provide a comprehensive solution."
In June 2018, the company achieved certification to ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, demonstrating a consistent commitment to quality, transparency and customer satisfaction. It ensures Hummingbird is continually recognised internationally as one of the world's best-managed electronics manufacturing companies.
WHAT THEY DO
Hummingbird is in the business of designing products that use sensor technology to monitor vehicle and machine stability, distance, speed, pressure and power. Many products aim to improve operator safety by delivering audio and visual warnings, signals and alerts.
"Our bespoke solutions encompass all aspects of driver and mobile machine operator safety," Mr Bruce said. "It's this capability and innovation that has seen Hummingbird deliver unparalleled safety solutions to our target industries."
The company develops measuring and monitoring devices, such as battery monitors, data loggers CAN-Bus adapters, cabin pressure monitors and RF wireless monitors. Speed measurement devices include GPS speed alert systems utilising the latest in GPS technology. Distance measuring devices also utilise the latest in GPS technology to accurately display information relating to trips and distance. Hummingbird's vehicle stability monitoring devices include inclinometers and tilt switches, focused on improving safety, based on dual axis tilt and roll sensing of mobile machines.
INNOVATIVE EXAMPLE
The latest example of innovation can be seen in Hummingbird's Audio Alert System - an innovative design that enables safety warnings with a verbally specific question, instruction or warning. Imagine getting in your vehicle and hearing, 'Have you done your pre-checks?', 'Fasten seatbelt', 'Apply the handbrake' or 'Warning, oil pressure low.'
With this smart system, any safety message or warning can be tailored for the application using a voice pre-recording. Vehicle and machine operators can act swiftly having heard a very specific communication.
NEW ERA
In 2015, Hummingbird Electronics was purchased by advanced manufacturer, REDARC Electronics, which chose to retain the Hummingbird brand.
"REDARC and Hummingbird are highly complementary with comprehensive product portfolios, industry leading technological and innovative excellence with outstanding staff," Anthony Kittel, Group Company, Managing Director, said, "The Hummingbird team are exceptionally knowledgeable and continually build upon product innovation, quality and performance."
FUTURE
Hummingbird Electronics has found its niche in low-volume production, bespoke electronic design. Where it can be established that there is a market for a new product, it is designed and manufactured in Australia, using in-house and outsourced resources.
Products that become a standardised offering are then marketed directly to key customers within Australia and internationally.
By designing custom products specifically for individual customer needs, Hummingbird enhances relationships, builds existing intellectual property and expand its technology base.
Hummingbird Electronics is ready to make their customer's idea a reality.
Hummingbird Electronics is located at Unit 1.03, Building E, 1 Technology Place, Williamtown. For more information, ring 1300 155 541 (within Australia), email info@hmbe.com.au or visit www.hmbe.com.au.
