Engineering at the Core – Elexon’s path to zero defects and stronger partnerships

We sat down with John White,  Elexon’s Business Development Manager to hear how the team is raising the bar on delivery, innovation, and manufacturing excellence.

About the New Direction

Elexon has recently undergone some strategic changes—can you share what this new direction looks like and what prompted the shift?
We are going through a very positive period of change at Elexon. These changes build on our Elexon2Zero initiative, which aims for zero delays and zero returns. We have seen some solid improvements in our outgoing quality and recognised that to reach the next level, a restructure was needed. One of the key shifts has been placing a stronger focus on integrating engineering into our manufacturing processes. This alignment allows engineering to apply their expertise directly to production, resolving any recurring issues at the source permanently.

How has your approach to business development evolved to align with Elexon’s updated strategy and goals?
As part of our renewed focus on quality and delivery, there is a slight shift in emphasis from seeking new business to strengthening relationships with our existing clients. We want to ensure we are delivering on current projects with excellence, providing consistent quality and support. That said, we are still actively engaged with new opportunities where they align with our values and capabilities.

What are some of the key industries or sectors Elexon is now focusing on, and why?
We continue to serve a diverse customer base across aersospace, IoT, transport, agritech, and Defence. Our agritech partnerships, like the work we do with Allflex, where we designed and manufactured an RFID reader system from scratch, are especially exciting, as that product is now entering its third generation and is being exported to the US and Europe. We also remain committed to growing Australia’s sovereign capability by supporting defence applications. That remains a core focus for us and aligns with the vision of our ownership.

Current Projects

What are the most exciting projects currently underway at Elexon, and how do they reflect the company’s renewed focus?
There are quite a few! One of our long-term clients, Technobake, is undertaking a full redesign of their industrial ovens used by major retailers like Coles and Woolworths. We are working closely with them from the ground up to modernise the electronics and enhance usability.

We are also in early-stage discussions on a very exciting project out of an Australian university focused on detecting lightning events that could trigger bushfires. They have completed the feasibility work and we are now helping commercialise the product—making it robust, manufacturable, and ready for real-world deployment. That type of involvement, right at the proof-of-concept stage, is where we can add a lot of value.

Can you give us a glimpse into any customer partnerships or applications that are pushing the boundaries of innovation at Elexon?
The lightning detection project certainly fits that bill. Additionally, we have built a substantial library of IP over the years, and we are now having active conversations with some of the defence primes to explore how our IP can help fill technology gaps in their systems. It is a space we are deeply invested in, and there is a lot of potential.

Future Outlook

What do you see as the biggest growth opportunities for Elexon over the next 12 to 24 months?
Our immediate focus is on strengthening our relationships with existing customers and delivering exceptional results. However, we are also gearing up for growth. Our new manufacturing facility is twice the size of the previous one and equipped with cutting-edge machinery from SMT to formal coating and inspection. We now have a dedicated defence manufacturing room and are expanding capacity for industrial customers. This sets us up well for both organic growth and new opportunities, particularly into late 2026 and 2027.

Are there any emerging technologies or market trends that you believe Elexon is particularly well-positioned to take advantage of?
Absolutely. Our sister company, Elexon Mining, is currently redeveloping their marker-based technology used in cave mining for distance measurement and safety. This next-gen product will benefit from enhanced design-for-manufacture input, making it easier to produce and even more effective in the field. This collaboration is a great example of where engineering and manufacturing integration creates real competitive advantage.

How important is collaboration with customers, suppliers, or even industry groups for Elexon’s long-term success?
It is essential. We have a strong collaborative culture whether it is working with universities, like UniSC, where we provide project support and student engagement, or offering design-for-manufacture feedback to our customers. These partnerships allow us to create better products, reduce costs, and improve quality. We also value the networks and support we receive from groups like AIDN and SMCBA. Our involvement in initiatives such as PCB Connect reflects our commitment to strengthening Australia’s manufacturing ecosystem.

 

Personal Reflection

From your perspective as BDM, what excites you most about where Elexon is heading—and what would you say to potential clients or partners watching Elexon from the outside?
My background is in product development and embedded systems, and what excites me most is seeing Elexon doubling down on its strengths—engineering, manufacturing, and innovation. Over the years, I have worked across product development, finance, and operations in Australia and overseas, but what drew me back and keeps me here is the opportunity to work on meaningful, high-impact projects in Australian electronics.

To be honest, I was considering stepping back for a while, but the new direction at Elexon particularly the momentum behind the Elexon2Zero initiative made me want to stay and be part of what is ahead. We are building something great here, and I am looking forward to seeing where this next chapter takes us.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, John. It was a valuable look into Elexon’s direction and the work driving the changes.