Datapod gears up for global expansion following Eaton deal

Australian modular data centre manufacturer Datapod is gearing up for international expansion after forging a supply agreement with power management company Eaton Australia.

Canberra-headquartered Datapod recently secured its first US-based customer. The company already has a growing customer base in the Asia-Pacific and Europe. 

According to Companies and Markets, it is estimated that the annual global modular data centre market will be worth US$40.41 billion by 2018 and grow at a rate of 37.41% each year. 

“Since we started in 2007, Datapod has been an export-focused company,” said Managing Director Scott Carr. “After having spent time designing and developing a mature product platform for clients in Australia, we are now turning our attention to the United States.”

In Australia, Datapod has been providing advanced data centres facilities to a range of industries, including defence, education, infrastructure, communications and resources. Systems are built in the firm’s ACT-based manufacturing facilities before being shipped to customer sites for installation.

Streamlining the supply chain

In an effort to streamline its manufacturing, Datapod has entered into a supply agreement with Eaton Australia. Under the agreement, Datapod will implement Eaton power quality management equipment into its data centres. In the future, these will be augmented by Eaton power distribution and security products.

“When you are manufacturing a modular data centre, each time you begin a new project you find you have to raise purchase orders with 30 or 40 different component suppliers,” said Carr. 

Carr said that, as well as the range and quality of components available from Eaton, the company’s willingness to adapt was also attractive to Datapod. 

“With our global experience, we are keen to support Australian innovation in a global market,” said Gordon Makryllos, managing director ANZ, Eaton. 

“We understand the demands of modular data centres, which can sometimes be required to operate in harsh conditions and with variable external power supplies. We’re confident our power quality technology can help Datapod meet the particular needs of all its customers.”

Future growth   

As customer numbers in the US increase, Carr says Datapod will establish a distribution facility there to complete final fit-outs and quality assurance testing. Preassembly of Eaton components will be undertaken within Eaton’s manufacturing facilities worldwide.

“This advanced manufacturing approach is well established with global manufacturers, such as those operating in the car manufacturing industry,” he said. “It’s the same as a car manufacturer building the engine in one country and the chassis in another country and then shipping it all to the country of sale for final completion and distribution. Eaton’s components are globally available and globally supported, which is essential to our expansion plans.”