Spidertracks Ltd

Spidertracks was formed in 2007 to take the world’s first truly portable satellite based tracking system to the international market. Spidertracks was developed to fill the gap in the market for an integrated GPS/satellite tracking system that wasn’t limited to the cellular phone network and coverage. Because our technology was leading edge, we chose to partner with the world’s most comprehensive satellite network – Iridium, to bring our clients an unparalleled package of technology and information delivery.

This partnership has attracted clients from across the globe who are looking for accurate flight, marine and vehicle tracking information to ensure the safety of their pilots and to increase the productivity of their businesses through improved tracking and planning.

The company evolved out of Sandbrook MacRae Ltd, which has been successfully innovating and manufacturing agricultural equipment for more than 15 years. The company is focused on long-term reliability, with intelligent computer design, manufacturing and distribution strategies using the latest technologies and tough hi-tech materials. It is committed to being a New Zealand development and manufacturing company that will continue to innovate to bring our clients even more cutting edge tracking solutions.

 

Our philosophy

Spidertracks Ltd is an innovative company dedicated to producing leading edge satellite tracking systems and hardware for aviation, marine and land-based transport.

We are a proud New Zealand company that provides our customers with outstanding and timely service. We believe in partnering with our suppliers and our clients to maximise the potential of all of our businesses. And as pilots we understand the needs and concerns of pilots and the aviation industry.

 

Who we are

Don Sandbrook - Director

Fifteen years ago Don Sandbrook developed an electronically controlled seed metering system that revolutionised the commercial horticultural market internationally. Now, he estimates two-thirds of the salad mix grown in North America alone goes through one of his seed metering systems.
Don has applied that same innovation and technical knowledge to the global tracking market.

A private helicopter pilot, Don saw a need for a satellite-based flight tracking system that overcame the gaps in the systems using GSM mobile phone networks.

“I wanted something simple. The existing options on the market were too expensive and too complicated – and the cellphone network doesn’t cover the globe. So I set about developing a smart, simple and cost effective unit that can be used by anyone anywhere.”

With spidertracks firmly established in the satellite tracking market, Don is already working on the next generation of tracking tools.

James McCarthy – Director

With a first class honours degree in engineering, James McCarthy brings youth and engineering discipline to the partnership. He started working for Sandbrook McCrae Limited in 2004 after graduating from Massey University, assisting with the seed spider technology. He returned in 2006 for the spidertracks project, developing the web interface that enables our clients to access their tracking data easily from anywhere in the world. In 2007 he took the opportunity to invest in his future and bought into the newly established company, spidertracks ltd.

Bruce Bartley - Director

Well-known central North Island, New Zealand, property developer and helicopter pilot Bruce Bartley is the third director and shareholder. Bruce started as a customer and became so impressed with the spidertracks system he invested in the company. “I was looking for a tracker for my Eurocopter, and this is one of the best built and most ingenious units I’ve seen,” he says.

“If it appealed to me, I was sure there were many others out there who would also appreciate it. The web-based access is excellent, and it seemed to me that this spidertracks company could really make a mark on the world aviation scene.”

With a professional engineering background and wide-ranging interests, Bruce brings thirty years of business experience to the board of spidertracks.

 

Our partners

Iridium Satellite

Iridium Satellite LLC is recognised as the world’s most comprehensive satellite network with unparalleled reach and service. Their system has more satellites than any other commercial constellation, which are constantly in view of every part of the Earth. With no service gaps, Iridium users can pick up and hold a strong communications signal from just about anywhere as long as there is a direct line of sight to the sky. With complete coverage of the Earth's oceans, airways and polar regions, Iridium delivers essential services to users who need communications access to and from remote areas where no other form of communication is available.

Through its gateway facilities in Hawaii, the United States Department of Defense relies on Iridium for global communications capabilities.

Spidertracks is a Value Added Reseller (VAR) of Iridium Satellite LLC.