Porirua firm shut down months after overseas buyout

38 people will lose their jobs at Vega.
38 people will lose their jobs at Vega. Photo credit: Google Maps

After nearly 50 years in business, a Wellington marine lighting producer is being shut down just months after being bought out by a Canadian company.

38 people will lose their jobs at Vega's factory in Porirua when all New Zealand manufacture is transferred overseas, over the next nine to 12 months.

A manager says when he found out the news, it was a shock.

The purpose-built factory in Wellington includes a machine shop, development facilities and an environmental chamber which are used it to produce what it describes as "the most efficient and capable LED beacons on the market."

Vega was established in 1972 and has made port entry lights for harbours and airports around the world, including Paremata Harbour and Sydney International Airport. It's also supplied rotating beacons to the United States Coast guard.

It was bought by Canadian company Carmanah in August last year for $12 million.

The acquisition brings together a number of companies involved in the marine aids-to-navigation marker: Sabik Marine, Carmanah, Ekta, and Vega.

Carmanah says it "designs, develops, and distributes a portfolio of products focused on energy-optimized LED solutions for infrastructure." 

Newshub.