Leading Baggage Handling Specialist, Glidepath, Wins Nashville International Airport Contract

The US$32 million security project, due for completion in 2010, will see the privately owned New Zealand company with its North American manufacturing facility in Dallas, Texas, working alongside airport architects, Gresham, Smith and Partners, and local contractor Messer Construction Co., to design and build a technologically advanced new system for sorting and detecting explosive devices and compounds in checked baggage.

"This is a great win for Glidepath against world leading specialists," said Group Managing Director and Chairman, Ken Stevens. "We've got a very good reputation in the United States for the quality and reliability of our high technology systems which we design, build and support with after care service."

North America Chief Executive, Matt Williams said Glidepath, which has been operating in the United States market for 26 years, was recognised in North America and Mexico as a baggage handling specialist that delivers security solutions on schedule.

"We've recently doubled the manufacturing capacity at our Dallas plant and increased our corporate resources and capability to meet strong demand and emerging customer requirement," he said. "Our investment reflects our healthy order book and strong demand for automated airport baggage handling and security solutions to position us competitively for ongoing growth."

Glidepath has recently commenced the installation phase of a new baggage handling system at Reno-Tahoe International Airport, again working with architects Gresham, Smith and Partners, which is due to go live later in 2009.

The Auckland headquartered Glidepath Group, which has over 35 years of experience, has completed over 500 airport baggage handling systems in 61 countries. It provides end to end solutions from initial feasibility studies through to design, manufacture, installation, operations and maintenance. It also provides integrated turnkey project management for airport clients.

"Customised service delivery, operationally fit designs, secure control systems and constant innovation are our key competitive advantages," Group MD and Chairman, Mr Stevens said. "We're continuing to invest heavily in developing world leading technologies that are secure, operationally, energy and labour efficient as well as environmentally and ergonomically friendly."

Glidepath Group is pushing ahead with plans to expand and strengthen its established market presence in Australia, China, India, South Africa and the Middle East as well as North and South America and Mexico.