Production Overcomes Pandemic Challenges

Barrett Communications USA Corporation has delivered its first order of 4050 HF SDR transceivers to be manufactured in the US, the Australian parent company announced on 11 May.

This initial order – for a state government department – follows on from ongoing relationships that both Barrett Communications USA and Royal Communications (Barrett’s authorised US representative) have with many state and federal government departments.

Barrett CEO Andrew Burt commented that Barrett has “been able to maintain its operations and production at our two manufacturing facilities in New York state, USA and Western Australia during the COVID-19 global pandemic. It has been important for us and our customers that we maintain an operational business and continue to fulfil orders. As always, our employee health and safety has been our paramount focus: we have been working with our staff on realigning our current developments and manufacturing processes to ensure employee’s safety is upheld.”

Although the business has been operational, Barrett has experienced supply chain issues and logistical challenges, ranging from delays on inbound components to outbound finished product deliveries. “Many countries around the world have closed their borders, limiting goods both leaving and entering the country. The movement of battery packs, classified as ‘dangerous goods,’ has posed the most significant challenge with the reduced access to commercial freight forwarding services. We continue to work closely with our customers to both minimise and mitigate any potential delivery delays,” Burt added.