Former Trade Commissioner appointed head of Group Sales at Facteon

John Cochrane joins the global experts building factories for the internet age


Global specialists in intelligent manufacturing, Facteon (formerly Fisher & Paykel Machinery), has appointed John Cochrane as the company’s new Group Sales Manager.

Facteon builds factories and machinery for the internet age and is trusted by some of the world’s biggest brands and businesses to design, implement and maintain their production plants.

With growing client bases in international markets spanning New Zealand, China and the US, John will be responsible for leading Facteon’s sales teams in New Zealand and China.

General Manager at Facteon, Dave Body, says he is thrilled to have John join the business.

“In addition to a strong engineering background, John’s substantial experience in China and senior management roles in our sector meant that he was the perfect fit for our business as we look to continue our growth both here and internationally.

“With John in the driver’s seat, I’m confident that we will be able to successfully implement scalable structures and systems in New Zealand, China, the US, and beyond to boost the already strong sales momentum we have seen to date.”

Before joining Facteon, John held the position of Head of Business Attraction at ATEED (Auckland Tourism Events & Economic Development group). Prior to this, he was the New Zealand Trade Commissioner for Southern China.

Growing up in Los Angeles, John started his career as a chemical engineer working in an R&D division of Xerox Corporation for nine years before moving to Christchurch to take up a role with Commtest Instruments.

Of his latest appointment, John explains that he is eager to showcase New Zealand’s technological manufacturing capabilities to a global audience.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to my engineering roots and working with a growing, talented team at Facteon. The business has proven experience in building intelligent machinery and factories in a number of key international markets and it’s a hugely exciting time in the sector – there are new developments, new partnerships, and new solutions around every corner.”

More than 150 staff are employed by Facteon in New Zealand and China, providing intelligent manufacturing solutions for household names including Fisher & Paykel, Haier, and GE Appliances.