Aptella announces a merger agreement between its New Zealand subsidiary company and Optical Services, the country’s exclusive Sokkia distributor. The agreement will deliver enhanced service and support for customers throughout both the North and South Islands.

Optical Services employees will join the Aptella team and continue to operate from their respective Auckland and Christchurch branches.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Optical Services team to Aptella,” said Martin Nix, Aptella CEO. “Optical Services has an excellent reputation in the industry and is one of the longest standing survey systems providers in the country. Combining our expertise and product portfolios across the two branches will enhance our service offering to customers nationwide.”

Aptella and Optical Services have worked closely together since an alliance agreement between them and Wellington-based Trig Instruments was announced in 2014. The alliance saw the three companies’ product and service capabilities shared between their respective branches.

The full range of Sokkia survey instruments, Carlson machine control solutions, MAVinci and Ascending Technologies Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), are available under the merger agreement. These are complimented by associated software solutions, ground penetrating radar, laser levelling tools and an array of laser and survey accessories.

Optical Services Founder and Director Alex Felgate first began working with Sokkia survey instruments in 1990 as a service technician for Sokkisha New Zealand. He and wife Vicky Felgate established Optical Services in May 2000 and in 2002 became the exclusive distributor for Sokkia instruments in New Zealand. They continue to operate from the same building, the first to be built on Constellation Drive (now a major arterial route), designed specifically for the supply and service of surveying instruments.

Employees Aaron Hollows, John Sainty and Roger Gibbs will continue in their respective operations, service and sales roles. Mr Felgate will also join Aptella’ Executive Leadership Team under his new title of New Zealand Business Manager.

“Merging our company with Aptella New Zealand opens up a wider product offering and shared expertise that will benefit our customers,” Mr Felgate said. “Working closely with Jamie Nelson and his team in Christchurch and having the support and know-how of the wider Aptella group in Australia is invaluable to ensure we deliver the best service.”

Media enquiries please contact:

Gina Velde
Marketing Communications Manager