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BCS History

Berill Control Systems Ltd. was established in 1993 by Andre Berge, Craig Hill and Richard Richards. They considered there to be a market niche for an automation controls design and integration business capable of servicing a range of diverse clients as most similar companies operating at the time were very focused on core NZ industries such as dairy and timber processing.

However, a number of business relationships and various initiatives developed over the ensuing years have enabled BCS to establish a global reputation within the airports market, becoming the leading supplier of airport baggage handling systems within the Oceania region. The intervening years have seen group turnover rise from just a few thousand dollars to many tens of millions, with employee numbers rising to over 230.

In late 2005, the company name was changed to BCS Group Ltd, with its business units BCS Automation Engineering, BCS Conveyor Solutions, BCS Infrastructure Support and BCS Sentech.

In 2008 the group changed from a functional structure to its current market focused structure by customer vertical with each new business unit (Airport Systems, Logistics Solutions, Industrial Software & Automation and Infrastructure Support) having all of the required skills/resources to deliver projects to the highest standards on a turnkey basis for its customers.

Core focus for the business in the coming years will be to expand and diversify our business within New Zealand and Australia as well as pursue more opportunities with the airports and logistics sector in North America and worldwide.

Historical Landmarks

  • 1993: Company founded (working head count 2).
  • 1994: Brisbane International Airport Baggage Handling System upgrade (sub-contract).
  • 1995: Auckland International Airport Baggage Handling System upgrade (sub-contract).
  • 1996: Purchased our first commercial premises in Phillips Court Albany.
  • 1997: Sydney Qantas Domestic Airport Baggage Handling System (our first major stand alone airport contract worth in excess of AU$1.3million). Service contracts negotiated to supplement our client services.
  • 1998: Purchased our next premises in Airborne Road Albany (number of personnel 12).
  • 1999: Sydney International Baggage Handling system (Stage 1) valued at over AU$6.2million in partnership with Vanerlande.
  • 2000: Sentech Software Ltd. Established to offer high level support and development using most of the major software suites.
    Brisbane Checked Baggage System – Stage 1. With increased statutory requirements for baggage to be screened for suspect materials, BCS specially developed software ensured that Brisbane was able to meet these emerging obligations. Service contract also negotiated.
    Sydney International Airport Baggage Handling – Stage 2. In this Olympic year this was a particularly high profile project which had to be completed in a very tight time-frame. Project Value AU$4million.
  • 2001: The appointment of Keith Morling, former Director of AP Morling Pty Ltd., and the formation of BCS Airports Group, thus establishing a mechanical division to design and manufacture our own conveyors.
    BCS Airport Support Group also established to offer on-going maintenance and support contracts to our clients.
    Qantas Sydney Group Check-in system project completed.
  • 2001: September 11th terrorist attack in New York. Many contracts cancelled as a result of the plummeting numbers travelling by air.
    BCS was able to weather this potentially catastrophic market downturn without even downsizing because of our ability to win projects outside of the airports environment and the sensible “minimal debt” financial strategies endorsed by our directors.
    Qantas Cairns Terminal upgrade project completed.
  • 2003: Moved Head Office into a new building complex in the Albany Industrial Centre (NZ head count 16).
    Melbourne International Airport value AU$5million. This was the first airport baggage system in Australasia to achieve 100% Checked Bag Screening. A service contract was also negotiated with this client.
    Qantas Perth Domestic Terminal Upgrade including X-ray baggage scanning machines.
  • 2004: Additional contracts awarded to BCS by Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney International Airports.
    Perth and Darwin International Airport extension/upgrades were commenced.
  • 2005: Offices established in Cairns Int Airport.
    Appointment of BCS Group CEO, Patrick Teo.
    Significant airport projects won - Sydney T3, Darwin, Cairns, various Melbourne projects, Hamilton International Domestic.
    Number of personnel - NZ based: 40. Group wide: 140+
    Company rebranding - BCS Group Ltd, BCS Automation Engineering, BCS Conveyor Solutions, BCS Infrastructure Support & BCS Sentech.
  • 2007: BCS wins Brisbane International Terminal BHS Upgrade project with value of $AUD 30m. Group wide staff increases to 200.Group HQ and software engineering moves into larger purpose built facility at Orbit Drive in Albany. BCS awarded largest freight contract in NZ for Courier Post Greenfields parcel distribution centre.
  • 2008: Group restructures for growth with change from functional structure to market focused structure. Group wide staff numbers 240+. BCS signs Relationship Framework agreement with Melbourne Airport for 5 years worth up to $AUD 50m.
  • 2008: Opening of the BCS North America project office in San Jose, California.

BCS' First Office Phillips Court, Albany.
BCS' First Office Phillips Court, Albany.

Office in Airbourne Rd, Albany.
Office in Airbourne Rd, Albany.

Corrinthian Drv, Albany. Office for BCS Group Ltd, BCS Automation Engineering and BCS Sentech up to 2007.
Corrinthian Drv, Albany.
Office for BCS Group Ltd,
BCS Automation Engineering
and BCS Sentech up to 2007.

BCS Australian HQ and manufacturing plant, Melbourne.
BCS Australian HQ and manufacturing plant, Melbourne.

BCS Group corporate HQ and software engineering,Albany.Auckland.NZ
BCS Group corporate HQ and software engineering,Albany,Auckland,NZ

BCS North America. San Jose, California
BCS North America. San Jose, California



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