Arc of innovation.
In the 1970s, former ArcActive CTO Professor John Abrahamson was the first person to find and characterise Carbon Nano Tubes ("CNTs”). Carbon Nano Tubes exhibit remarkable electrical conductivity, and have exceptional tensile strength and thermal conductivity.
In 2007, John joined forces with ArcActive CEO Stuart McKenzie, and ArcActive was founded with the goal of developing a continuous process for arc-treating carbon fibre. The resulting technology, now patented as ArcCarbon, has been leveraged by the ArcActive team to improve the charge acceptance and longevity of lead acid batteries, finally unleashing the full capability of this ubiquitous technology.
“Lead [acid] batteries are by far the most important market, with greater than 70% market share of the rechargeable battery market."
Christophe Pillot, Avicenne Energy, 2020
Arc of innovation.
In the 1970s, former ArcActive CTO Professor John Abrahamson was the first person to find and characterise Carbon Nano Tubes ("CNTs”). Carbon Nano Tubes exhibit remarkable electrical conductivity, and have exceptional tensile strength and thermal conductivity.In 2007, John joined forces with ArcActive CEO Stuart McKenzie, and ArcActive was founded with the goal of developing a continuous process for arc-treating carbon fibre.The resulting technology, now patented as ArcCarbon, has been leveraged by the ArcActive team to improve the charge acceptance and longevity of lead acid batteries, finally unleashing the full capability of this ubiquitous technology.
“Lead [acid] batteries are by far the most important market, with greater than 70% market share of the rechargeable battery market."
Christophe Pillot, Avicenne Energy, 2020
Our Mission.
We strive to create low-cost decarbonisation through innovation.
That’s our ‘why’. It’s what gets us out of bed every morning, and it’s what drives our company forward each day. For almost 15 years, we’ve been re-engineering the lead acid battery industry.
Improving battery technology is a huge opportunity to reduce CO2 emissions, whether by enabling the electrification of vehicles or supporting the growing use of renewable energy.
We keep our environmental impact low.
While lithium-ion batteries are an important technology, lead acid batteries (LAB) have been widely deployed for well over 100 years, and the LAB industry shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, the lead acid battery is the most recycled consumer product in history.
Enough lead has already been extracted from the ground to ensure a constant supply of lead acid batteries. That’s why we believe that the quickest way to drive low-cost decarbonisation at scale is by re-engineering the lead acid battery industry.
Our Values.
Innovation
We take risks, ask
difficult questions and move quickly.
Authenticity
We keep our promises
and make data-driven decisions.
Perseverance
We’re determined and learn from our mistakes.
Collaboration
Taking inclusive approaches to help everyone win.
Sustainability
We take practical
steps to reduce environmental risk.
Our Leaders.
Stuart McKenzie
CEO & Managing Director
Prior to ArcActive, Stuart spent ten years as a partner at two venture capital companies, with a focus on investing in tech businesses. He received an MBA from Otago University in 2000.
Shane Christie
Technical Director
Shane graduated with a BEng (Hons) from the University of Canterbury as a Chemical Engineer and has been with ArcActive since the company made its first electrode.
Bruce Munro
Director & Board Chairman
Bruce is one of New Zealand’s most experienced directors. He is currently Deputy Chairman of the Board at Gallagher Group Limited and a former director at the NZ Wool Board.
Mike Chisholm
Director & Board Member
Mike has founded, led and sold two highly successful SaaS businesses and director of several technology businesses and the founder of the EduTech Nepal Foundation.
Steve Tucker
Director & Board Member
Steve has a background in financial accounting, management accounting and financial strategy. He currently serves as Executive Chairman at Gallagher Group Limited.
Phil Lennon
Director & Board Member
Phil was the founder and former General Manager of Apex Rental Cars, which he sold to Avis Budget Group. Phil previously held electronic engineering positions with Telecom.
Brendan McNeill
Director & Board Member
Over a forty-year career, Brendan has held various management positions with high-profile ICT businesses. He was the founding CEO and former chairman of the Digiweb Group of companies.
Our Partners
Justin Lobb
Business Development Manager
Justin was the CEO of Vodafone Retail NZ. With over thirty years in the local and global telecommunications and technology industry, Justin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role..
ArcActive HQ.
128B Waterloo Road, Hornby,
Christchurch 8042,
New Zealand.