VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3

eurofins
FOOD TESTING
AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
Champions of
science and safety

United Machinists
Machining Certainty
Pg. 67 Also in this issue SUNBATHER • ESP MEDICAL
 ED I TO R ’ S N OT ES
There are very few things more
important in the business world
than collaboration- between
Editor in Chief businesses, between staff, and
Morgan Kenyon between companies and their
community. Sharing ideas and
Research Directors resources promotes professional
Thomas Hiley development, improves flexibility
David Saldana and engagement, builds work
Alan Masaquel process foundations, works towards
Mike Luchetta the betterment of industries as a
whole, and helps drive innovation
Director of Production
for the future.
Jennifer Eisener
Some tips on successful
Director of Administration collaborative best practice:
Ana Forlin
• Provide rewards and incentives
Digital Strategist for proactive approaches to
Jon Bartlow communication
• Have company leadership set a
Creative Director
good example
Todd Calfee
• Define guidelines and
COO frameworks for collaboration
Alexander Wynne-Jones clearly
Moving into our Transportation
View, we feature the Fleet
Management Association of
Australia, Australian Construction
Products (ACP), and Construct
Traffic. Next is Health and Fitness
with Life Sciences Queensland,
The iQ Group Global (Australia),
and ESP Medical. And finally, we
conclude this issue with our Food
and Beverage sector. Here are three
companies working towards the
improvement of their respective
industries through collaboration
and innovation: the Australian
Institute of Food Science and
Technology, Alchemy Agencies, and
Eurofins Food Testing Australia.
That’s it from us for March. Be well,
stay safe, and as always… Enjoy the
Read!

Managing Director • Be flexible, encourage feedback,

Matthew Mitchell and adapt continuously to
changes as they arise
Executive Publisher / CEO • Approach from a variety of
Marcus VandenBrink angles; internally and via
external networks
CONTACT US
Collaborators Galore!
2422 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 820
Sanibel FL, 33957 In this issue, we feature successful
239.220.5554 collaborators doing their part to
better the lives of their networks
Email for all inquiries:
with industry bodies, local
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
info@businessviewmagazine.com
communities, and other businesses.
We begin with our Technology View,
USA which highlights the Australian

Canada
Information Security Association,
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

and the Internet of Things (IoT)

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

Caribbean Alliance Australia. Next is our focus

Oceania on Construction, which details

the story of Sunbather, Australia’s
pioneer in solar pool heating. Morgan Kenyon
Editor-in-Chief
WWW.BUSINESSVIEWOCEANIA.COM

1 2
 C ON T E N TS VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3

COVER EUROFINS FOOD TESTING AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

49 65
CONSTRUCT TRAFFIC ESP MEDICAL

2 EDITOR’S NOTES

5 OPENING LINES

TECHNOLOGY VIEW
11 AUSTRALIAN INFORMATION SECURITY
ASSOCIATION (AISA)
Fighting Back with Education and Empowerment

17 INTERNET OF THINGS ALLIANCE AUSTRALIA

Setting sights on the global stage

CONSTRUCTION VIEW TRANSPORTATION VIEW

25 SUNBATHER 35 AUSTRALASIAN FLEET MANAGEMENT
The Solar Pool Heating Experts ASSOCIATION (AFMA)
Navigating the complexities

41 AUSTRALIAN CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS

Investing in Safety

49 CONSTRUCT TRAFFIC

25
SUNBATHER
Providing Safe Roadways

HEALTH & FITNESS

59 LIFE SCIENCES QUEENSLAND

For the good of mankind

65 ESP MEDICAL
Your Plastics Team

FOOD & BEVERAGE

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77 AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FOOD SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY (AIFST )
Uniting Food Industry Professionals

83 ALCHEMY AGENCIES
Creating the Extraordinary
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

89 EUROFINS FOOD TESTING AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
Champions of science and safety

3 4
 significantly grown its healthcare AUM to
approximately $1.7 billion, by focusing on
healthcare real estate models of care that
are cost effective and deliver better patient
care for our high-quality operational partners.
We will continue to focus on the acquisition
of institutional-grade properties as well as
developing out our $900 million healthcare
pipeline.”

Centuria Capital Group has worked with

Australian investors, advisers, stakeholders,
and security holders with listed and unlisted
property funds and investment bonds
for 35 years. The company will act as the
tust administrator, property manager, and
development manager for the CPP, and has
identified additional property assets intended
for acquisition in the future.

For more information, visit the Centuria Capital

Group website: https://centuria.com.au/

Or, the Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investing

website: https://www.morganstanley.com/

Opening Lines
INSTITUTIONAL HEALTHCARE ESTABLISHMENT CENTURIA PRIME
PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCED, CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN MID-2022
Since 2019, Centuria has
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I significantly grown its healthcare
n a joint venture with Morgan Stanley Real CEO Jason Huljich says, “We are very pleased
Estate Investing, specialist investment to announce our partnership with MSREI,
managers Centuria Capital Group have which provides another opportunity to utilise AUM to approximately $1.7
announced the formation of their new our strong in-house healthcare real estate billion, by focusing on healthcare
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

institutional healthcare system, the Centuria capabilities and further broadens our access to
Prime Partnership (CPP). CPP is currently made additional capital sources.”
real estate models of care that are
up of three real estate assets: Adeney Private cost effective and deliver better
Hospital (Victoria), Westside Private Hospital Managing Director Andrew Hemming also
(Queensland), and Mater Private Hospital commented on the significance of the CPP
patient care for our high-quality
(Queensland). venture, sharing: “Since 2019, Centuria has operational partners
5 6
 OP E N I N G L I N E S
QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT RELEASES NEW ZERO
EMISSION VEHICLE STRATEGY
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
A
ustralia’s Queensland Government has
announced their Zero Emission Vehicle
Strategy for 2022-2032, detailing efforts
to increase uptake of electric vehicles in the
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
general population by introducing a $3,000
subsidy for new buyers. The strategy is funded
by an investment of $55 million ($45 million
dedicated to the subsidy and $10 million for
the development of charging infrastructure
across the state) and is accompanied by the Zero
7 8
Emission Vehicle Action Plan, for 2022-2024.
The Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy includes the
following targets:
• 50% of new passenger vehicle sales to be
zero emission by 2030
• 100% of new passenger vehicle sales to be
zero emission by 2036
• 100% of eligible Queensland Government
fleet passenger vehicles to be zero emission
by 2026
• Every new TransLink funded bus added to
the fleet to be zero emission- 2025 in SE
Queensland and 2025-2030 across regional
Queensland
TransLink is a division of Queensland’s
Queensland is one of the
sunniest and windiest places on
earth, and can become a renewable
energy superpower, creating a
sustainable jobs boom
Department of Transport and Main Roads. The
organisation seeks to create a single integrated
transport network accessible to everyone by
delivering exceptional public transport services,
ticketing, information, and infrastructure.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk
states, “We are going to make the cost of buying
electric cars just that little bit cheaper. My
government will provide a subsidy for anyone
buy an electric vehicle to the value of $58
thousand.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey
shared that the strategy will be a crucial
contributor to the establishment of the Sunshine
State as a future leader in renewable energy and
provide new industry incentives. “Not only does
this encourage people to buy electric vehicles;
it gives the automotive industry conference to
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
set up shop in Queensland. This strategy signals
a fundamental shift in our transport system.
Queensland is one of the sunniest and windiest
places on earth, and can become a renewable
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
energy superpower, creating a sustainable jobs
boom.”
For more information, visit: https://www.qld.
gov.au/transport/projects/electricvehicles/zero-
emission-strategy
 AUSTRALIAN INFORMATION SECURITY ASSOCIATION
(AISA)

technology
view

FIGHTING BACK WITH EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT

INTERNET OF THINGS ALLIANCE AUSTRALIA

(IOTAA)
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SETTING SIGHTS ON THE GLOBAL STAGE

9 10
 AUSTRALIAN
INFORMATION SECURITY
ASSOCIATION (AISA)
Fighting Back with Education and Empowerment

I
t’s no secret that cyber security is a hot topic these days. Current
statistics report that one in three Australians will be adversely
impacted by a significant cyber security incident. The Australian
Cyber Ssecurity Center (ACSC), run by the federal government, says
that a cybercrime is reported to them every six minutes.

The Australian Information Security Association (AISA) is doing

what they can to help. Founded in 1999, AISA is a nationally
recognised nonprofit organisation and charity. They are a
respected authority on information security in Australia, working to
educate both the general public and professionals in the business
sector about the risks and dangers of data theft and cyberattacks.
According to their mission statement, AISA aims to empower,
educate, and increase awareness regarding security practices and
systems.

Headquartered in New South Wales, the Australian Information

Security Association has a presence in every state and territory
around the country. Business View Oceania had the opportunity

AT A GLANCE
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AUSTRALIAN INFORMATION SECURITY
ASSOCIATION (AISA)
WHAT: Not-for-profit organisation focused on improving the education and
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

understanding of cyber security for industry professionals

WHERE: Headquartered in New South Wales

WEBSITE: http://aisa.org.au/

11 12
 AU S T RA L I A N I N F OR MAT ION SE C U R IT Y AS S OCI ATI ON (AI SA)
to speak with the Chairperson of AISA’s Board
of Directors, Mr. Damien Manuel, to learn more
about AISA and the future of cyber security in
Australia.
BVM: Let’s start with a bit of a history on the
association – what was the mindset when you
were founded and how it has evolved?
Manuel: “Well, AISA originally started through
a number of interested individuals in what
was called, back then, information security.
Over the last 21 years, it’s grown into a not-
for-profit charity that is focused on improving
the education and understanding of cyber
security in our community, businesses, and
across the industry sector. We also work to help
improve cyber security professionals in terms
of knowledge sharing, connecting with industry
resources, building networks, and expanding
their understanding. Cyber security is such a
diverse field- this makes our work especially
important.
“In terms of our staff, we have grown to six FTE.
AISA also has over 120 volunteers across the
country in addition to a board of 12, who are all
volunteers, as well.”
BVM: What have the biggest challenges been for
the association and for the industry?
Manuel: “I think the biggest challenge for
the industry is that everybody thinks of cyber
security as being something technical, but at
the end of the day, cyber security is just another
risk that businesses need to manage. That
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encompasses the culture within organisations
and the processes that might need to change
from a business perspective to ensure proper
security, and the technology that improves
efficiency. The misperception is that cyber
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
security is all about the technology when
it really is just managing another risk. It’s
important not to forget the people and process
aspects.”
BVM: How many members do you have and what
13
are the general benefits of membership?
Manuel: We have over 7,600 members. We have
people who are, for example, cyber security
professionals who we would term as paid, full
members. Then we have another tier, which is
what we call an associate member, which tends
to be students who are coming into the sector.
We also have a corporate partnership program,
where a company, for example, might want to
partner with the association. And as a result,
they can take advantage of membership for their
staff who might be in cybersecurity, law, risk
management, or technology.
“Members get access to our newsletter, our
branch events that occur across the country
every month, and our signature conference,
which occurs in Melbourne and is the largest
cyber security conference in the country.
“Members also get discounts on training through
a number of our partners. They can do training
through AISA, as well. And because we are a not-
for-profit, charity organisation, we keep the cost
of training extremely low and make it accessible.
Some of the other benefits that members get are
attending not just physical branch activities, but
also a cloud or virtual branch. So if you want to
find out something new or join what we call a
special interest group, you can meet like-minded
individuals discussing a particular topic area.”
BVM: Are there any significant AISA events
coming up?
Manuel: “We run a one-day conference in Perth,
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Brisbane, and South Australia, and we run a 3-day
conference in Canberra which is mainly focused
on government agencies and departments. Our
signature conference in Melbourne is set to be
held in October. We are designing the conference
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
around 7,000 delegates with about 20 streams
going concurrently, as well as keynote speakers.
We’ve got Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple,
and Erin Brockovich…. There’s something for
everyone, so our community can learn how
14
 AU S T RA L I A N I N F OR MAT ION SE C U R IT Y AS S OCI ATI ON (AI SA)
to become cyber resilient, which is especially
important in these turbulent times.”
BVM: What does the landscape look like for
the future of the industry, and how will AISA
continue to benefit members going forward?
Manuel: “As an association, we’re expanding
the membership base. We anticipate that we’ll
probably get to around about the 15,000 mark
within the next couple of years because of
the rapid changes that are occurring in cyber
security. We’re working with the Australian
Institute of Company Directors to produce
toolkits for company directors, which is sorely
needed. We’re producing research that is
looking at whether businesses are over or under
investing and what the risk aspect might be
from a cyber security perspective. We will be
expanding the conference in the future to make
it even better and more accessible for people in
the industry, but also for people outside of the
industry. In the future, we also expect that we’ll
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
15
have a lot of toolkits and templates and policy
documents that people will be able to download
freely off the website.
“From an industry perspective the number of
cyber security incidents, whether it’s a breach,
a data loss event, or an attack of some sort, are
going to continue to increase. And so there’ll
be more and more demand for people to
understand how to safely use the technology
that they’ve got to make sure that they don’t fall
victim to different scams or cyberattacks. As you
know, COVID forced a lot of businesses online
very rapidly; there’s a lot to be undertaken to
ensure that they’re safe and secure from an
attack perspective. We are going to continue
to see a rise of ransomware and scam attacks
against everyday citizens as well as businesses.
“The other thing I think we are going to start
to see is this concept of zero trust. It seems to
be the latest buzzword… zero trust is about
not trusting individuals and systems and
authenticating or continually revalidating their
access. A lot of the technology is not there yet
from a zero trust perspective because in order
for it to be really smart, it needs to have a lot
of analytics and an understanding of human
behavior. In the future, you will have AI biased
systems collecting a lot of data and making a
determination to automatically monitor and
identify how you interact with data and systems
in your day to day work, ensuring it is actually
you and not someone using your account- hence
a move towards greater behavioural and job
function understanding.
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
“I think you are going to see a lot of employers
struggle to attract and retain the talent they
need, and so they’ll be looking to implement
a lot more of what we call automation or
orchestration and a great use of AI, to have
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
systems doing things that people would
normally be doing. A number of organisations
may elect to maintain hybrid or working from
home (WFH) systems post COVID-19, just as a
way to attract the talent they need.”
16
 Internet of Things ALLIANCE
AUSTRALIA
(IOTAA)
Setting sights on the global stage

W
hat if there was a way for Australia to set itself up for
an economic and competitive advantage on the world’s
stage?

Internet of Things Alliance Australia (IoTAA), the premier

industry body in Australia representing Internet of Things, has
the solution. Internet of Things is a system of interconnected
computing devices that transfer data over a network without the
need for human involvement. That data can be then used to help
businesses, governments, and individuals to analyse their efforts
and find ways to operate more efficiently and economically. “Our
purpose is to accelerate the adoption of IoT for our economic and
social benefit,” says IoTAA CEO Frank Zeichner. “This is our purpose,
this is why we’re here.”

IoTAA was incorporated as a standalone association in July

AT A GLANCE
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INTERNET OF THINGS ALLIANCE AUSTRALIA
(IOTAA)
WHAT: An industry body representing IoT in Australia
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

WHERE: Headquartered in New South Wales

WEBSITE: https://iot.org.au/

17 18
 INTE R N E T O F T HINGS ALLIANC E AUSTRAL I A (I OTAA)
IoT is transforming the Australian food and agribusiness sector. IoTAA member, Goanna Ag’s GoField Plus monitors crop stress levels, measures
and forecasts water use and identifies optimum time to maximise yield from applied irrigations.
Image courtesy of Goanna Ag.
2016, following a study commissioned by the
Communications Alliance, which Zeichner
had completed with a colleague around the
opportunity for Australia in Internet of Things.
“The study came up with the observation that
there was no industry grouping or government
initiative that was there to help underpin our
adoption of IoT,” he explains. “The biggest
problem we saw was the issue across the
technology-domain divide. We have a whole lot
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
of vendors who know their technology, but know
nothing about their customer.”
Today, IoTAA aims to connect data, devices,
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
people, processes and things to the internet
as a way to help people make more informed
decisions and get the best outcomes. The
ultimate goal is to boost Australia’s future
success, productivity, competitiveness, jobs and
economy.
19
The Alliance has faced challenges in getting
people to adopt IoT solutions, but those
challenges are also why it’s so important that
the organisation exists. “The reason for the
challenges are a whole lot of interesting cultural
and organizational factors in Australia,” Zeichner
explains. “There’s complacency here. There’s
resistance to collaboration, which can be an
advantage in many ways but in other ways it’s
not. That independence also means there’s a lack
of sharing, which although fundamental in the
Internet of Things, runs contrary to ingrained
business practices and is not something we
naturally do.”
To face those challenges, the association has
plans to accelerate the adoption of IoT in
Australia through supporting and activating
collaborations, promoting and enabling
evidence-based policy and regulation, and
The Myriota Sense&Locate is a ready to deploy IoT solution for
sensor input with in-built GNSS tracking.With low power consump-
tion and enclosed antenna, it offers a maintenance free option for
monitoring in remote locations.
Image courtesy of Myriota
The GoannaAg GoRainSat is an automatic rain gauge connected to
the Myriota Network.It can send rainfall data from anywhere in the
world and operates for years without maintenance thanks to the
self-enclosed connectivity and power supply.
Image courtesy of Myriota
IoTAA CEO, Frank Zeichner
identifying strategic opportunities for economic
growth and social benefit. “Australians, I wouldn’t
say are early adopters, but we’re fantastic at
dealing with crises. We are late to the table, but
then we move like greased lightning,” Zeichner
says. “I’d like to bypass that and do a bit more
planning and a bit more leadership, a bit more
‘putting out there’ earlier.”
To do so, the IoTAA operates eight different
workstreams that break down the needs of
individual sectoral domains, including food
and agriculture, smart cities, water, energy,
manufacturing, transportation, health and
construction.
Zeichner cites the example of measuring lettuce
leaf wetness as a solution identified in the
food and agriculture workstream. If a retailer
requests 1000 heads of lettuce from its supplier,
it will just get 1000 heads of lettuce at random.
However, depending on how wet the leaves were
when they were picked, those same 1000 heads
of lettuce could end up rotten by the time they
hit the shelves. He explains, “So don’t say 1000
lettuces, say 1000 lettuces that will last two
weeks minimum on the shelf, and that means
you have to measure how wet the leaf is. That
will reduce wastage in the journey to the shelf
and eventually home and less food will end up
in the bin.”
It’s a really simple case of having data about
the products. Zeichner notes, “It’s used through
retail, it’s used through distribution, it’s used
at the farm and that’s an end-to-end thing you
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can do with IoT. So the farmers that do that
are preferred as the place to go because the
retailers now know that they can get lettuce that
will last longer, and farmers know they’re not
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
picking stuff that’s going to be wasted. It saves
on wastage, cost, and everything else.”
IoTAA has five “enabler” workstreams that break
down into collaboration, data use, cybersecurity,
interoperability, and start-ups. Each one of the
20
 INTE R N E T O F T HINGS ALLIANC E AUSTRAL I A (I OTAA)
sectoral workstreams has its own use cases
for which the Internet of Things technology
may be differently applied. But the technology
underpinning it is often quite similar. The
enablers are all about the common factors that
sit across everything.
Based out of Sydney, IoTAA has board members
across the country in New South Wales, Victoria,
and Queensland. Operations are run by a
small staff of three and supported by various
contractors, as well as the resources produced
by volunteers. “Our members pay to be members,
but our workstreams and the programs they run
are run by those members,” Zeichner says. “I’m
not the font of all knowledge – that would be
ridiculous. I am the orchestra conductor of how
we share, collaborate, expand, and do cross-
sectoral work. They are the producers of content.”
All reports and guides the association produces
are created by its membership, which numbers
500 participating organisations and nearly
1000 individual members. Being able to draw
from such a large pool of knowledge is one
of the keys to making the alliance work well.
Zeichner notes, “I think that makes us really
quite powerful. One of the dangers in industry
associations that have a big management
structure is that they start thinking they know
what they are doing.”
IoTAA membership comes in two tiers. The first
is Executive Council, which allow for greater
direct engagement. Then there are individual
Workstream Memberships, which operate on an
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annual fee.
Start-ups and students are offered membership
at reduced rates as a way to help support
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
those emerging onto the scene, as well as to
encourage new ideas. “That’s where the brains
are coming from; that’s where the innovation
is,” Zeichner says. “It’s not surprising, but old
practices would be pretty close to the reason
why we’re not advancing – with people just not
21
With Myriota connectivity, the Taggle Cockatoo provides water utilities
managers with timely consumption data from even the most remotely lo-
cated assets. The Cockatoo telemetry device supports data collection from
a range of common commercial and industrial protocols, enabling water
meters and a range of sensors, to be easily monitored in remote locations.
Image courtesy of Myriota
wanting to change their business processes.
But good application of IoT actually changes
workflow. Getting more efficient, being more
data-driven takes more than technology takes
real work. It’s hard, you have to rethink your
business.”
The Alliance works closely with various levels
of government, as well as a variety of sectoral
groups like Waterworks Services Alliance
Australia, the Smart Cities Council, Standards
Australia, and Communications Alliance to help
encourage connections and the adoption of IoT.
“We, by definition, have to be a collaborator of
collaborators because that’s the only way we can
bridge that technical/sectoral bridge,” Zeichner
says.
Aside from being good for business, Zeichner
believes IoT has the power to do good in the
world. He emphasises, “We absolutely must
not look, or be like, or act like Facebook, that
just introduces something and says whatever
happens, happens. We want to make sure that
it’s inclusive, that we design with and not for
people. That’s the transformation I’m looking for.”
But inclusion and understanding isn’t the only
thing IoT can do for good. It can also have a
huge impact on environmental sustainability.
“The whole idea that people are guessing as
they go needs to change. We need to actually be
measuring, to actually know what we are doing.
We need to understand the whole ecosystem
and the net effect of what we are doing,”
Zeichner says. “The way I explain it is: I have a
granddaughter who is four years old. I imagined
what she would say to me when she is 20. She
would be saying ‘why didn’t you know that you’re
completely wasting energy or wasting water
or breathing bad air?’ So, understanding our
planet and how we interact with it is going to be
something that IoT for good is about.”
The Internet of Things is already making a
difference in the world. A World Economic
Forum study found that 84 percent of 640 IoT
projects they reviewed had a sustainability
dividend, even though that was not prime reason
for the projects. “Isn’t it amazing?” Zeichner
muses. “Imagine if you actually designed for
sustainability as opposed to just having it as a
by-product? It might well be even better.”
For now, adoption of IoT has been slower in
Australia than expected, albeit accelerated in
some parts due to COVID, but Zeichner believes
that will change in the future. And that change
will make Australia stand out amongst the
global players. “One of the reasons we created
IoTAA was because we are progressively, slowly
and inexorably not accelerating at the rate of the
rest of the world, so our global position is slowly
eroding,” he says. “I’m really hoping that we start
moving. We stop the trend and we go the other
way. That’s my ambition. My vision is that being
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
more of a leader and not a follower we are in
control of our own destinies by choosing how we
do this and not wait for it to happen to us. That’s
what I want to do.”
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
22
 SWIMMING POOL AND SPA
ASSOCIATION

construction
view ONLINESARTICLE

SUNBATHER
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THE SOLAR POOL HEATING EXPERTS

23 24
 Sun bather The Pool Heating Experts

S
unbather has pioneered Australian solar
pool heating since their founding in 1974.
Following their introduction of solar
heating to Australia’s pool industry, the company
has since evolved to provide innovative,
environmentally conscious products to clients
around the country for environments ranging
from small backyard pools up to Olympic
swimming pools. Sunbather has branch offices
in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. Their large
network of dealers and agents around Australia
make them the country’s largest pool heating
and covers specialist. With energy, water, and
climate concerns in the national spotlight,
Sunbather is in a unique position to support
the growing demand for environmentally
responsible products.

Sunbather supplies pool heating products to

both domestic and commercial sectors that
include flexible strip solar, rigid solar panels,
gas heaters, and heat pumps. The business
also supplies industry leading pool covers and

AT A GLANCE
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SUNBATHER
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

WHAT: Industry pioneer leading Australia’s solar pool heating market

WHERE: Sunbather is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia

WEBSITE: https://www.sunbather.com.au/

25 26
 S U NBAT H ER
rollers; thermal blankets, underground rollers
(Downunders), automatic security covers, and
winter mesh covers. The team of approximately
80 has won a plethora of awards over the
last 48 years, making Sunbather Australia’s
most celebrated solar pool heating and covers
company. Recent highlights include eight gold
medals in Australia’s Swimming Pool and Spa
Association (SPASA) 2019 Awards of Excellence,
both at a State and National level. The company
also won the Business Excellence Award in the
2018 ARV Industry Awards.
Managing Director of Sunbather, Tom Boadle
joined the business 19 years ago with his
father, who founded Sunbather in 74’. He begins,
“Sunbather has been around for nearly half a
century now- a legacy which we are very proud
of. We were born out of the European energy
crisis of the 70’s to help supply Australian
pools with an economically sustainable energy
alternative to fossil fuels such as coal and gas,
and essentially started the solar pool heating
industry in Australia. Not many companies can
confidently state that they started an entire
industry in a country. Being unafraid to take risks
and innovate has always been at our core and
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
27
we have continued that innovative approach
ever since our foundation. We are always
looking to develop our current products and
create new ones that are exceptional in quality,
environmentally sustainable, energy efficient,
and cost effective. There’s a rich and passionate
history behind what we do and what we stand
for, backed by a clear set of values helping set
our course. Certainly, there have been ups and
downs along the way, but our current strength
in the market is a testament to our dedication
and commitment to innovation. ‘Innovate
or Detonate’ is a well coined phrase around
Sunbather and we believe it underpins all great
businesses. Success is very difficult with a ‘me
too’ approach to products and service.”
Sunbather aims to be the ultimate pool heating
company in Australia, Mr. Boadle says. The
company does have the capability to service
exports outside of Australia and New Zealand,
but keeps most of their business local. “We
are very aware of our niche and have a great
position in the Australian market right now. We
aim to be as strong as we can in Australia before
seriously looking overseas again- a prior attempt
to enter the US market back in 2006, just prior
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
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BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
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28
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Our collaboration with Sunbather perfectly
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where our CVX slats were a perfect match
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
with the hot days and cool nights.
Sunbather, acting as our sole distributor
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BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
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29
to the GFC in 2008, ended in disaster and was a
very challenging time for us. We had to pull out
of the US market after hanging in there for too
long hoping things would turn around. We lost
a lot of time and money, however learned an
incredible amount from the experience which
only set us in good stead moving forward. I’ve
found our business and people learn the most
when things are not going to plan. It brings us
together to reshape, reconsider, re-strategize, and
fight for our home turf.
“Around this time, we also decided to support
Australian manufacturing as much as we could,
returning all of our international equipment
to Australia. This gave us greater control over
innovation, quality, and our support of the local
economy. ‘We Make It Here’ is one of our core
philosophies. Aussie ingenuity is world class
when it has a platform to experiment and
it’s important to us that we support our local
economy and suppliers. We only look overseas
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Our excellent service, personalized approach,
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APN is well positioned to meet the dynamics
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for products that cannot be made in Australia
due to patents or specialist manufacturing
capabilities. Another core value for Sunbather
is to be highly conscious environmentally. Our
products are the epitome of energy saving in the
pool industry.”
Mr. Boadle continues, “We collect free energy
from the sun with our solar products, then
conserve that valuable energy with our pool
cover range. They are a perfect duo of products
to save our customers energy and money,
particularly in a time when energy and water are
becoming scarcer and more front of mind. Every
time we install a solar pool heating system, we
give end users the ability to harness free energy
from the sun to heat their pool at close to zero
cost. Our solar systems have virtually zero carbon
footprint, cost as little as $100 a year to run, and
have a 15-year warranty to back them. By adding
a pool cover we can more than double the
effective use of a swimming pool, which doubles
• RoHS
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VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
toughness
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
30
 S U NBAT H E R
the fun for Australian families who own a pool.
A pool cover is also the most effective water
savings device you can install in your home,
which many people are unaware of-saving up to
twice the water volume of your pool each year.
Pool cover savings are most recognisable within
the commercial pool sector, which is growing
rapidly in Australia. We quite often reduce a large
commercial pool’s energy bill from $200,000
down to $70,000 just by installing pool covers!”
Over the last quarter century, Sunbather has
collaborated with a number of partners and
industry bodies. The company is currently a
member of SPASA, Family Business Australia,
the Australian Industry Group, and Queensland
Building and Construction Commission. Mr.
Boadle shares his gratitude for those who
have contributed to Sunbathers’ growth.
“Being such an old business, we value our
supplier relationships as the lifeblood of our
organisation. They have been such a critical part
of our success along with support from industry
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VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
• Mechanical heating and chilling
• Hydronics and HVAC integration for home and space temperature control
• Aquatics and elite sport centres
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Proud suppliers of thermal heating
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BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
RHEEM THERMAL SYSTEMS GROUP INSTALL A
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31
bodies such as SPASA. Too often suppliers are
overlooked or seen as a source of cost savings.
For us it’s about the value through innovation,
service, and of course competitive pricing that
a supplier can deliver, which in turn gives
us an edge to stay ahead of the pack in the
marketplace. We can rely on our supplier network
when times are challenging, as they have been
for everybody for the past two years, and are
extremely grateful for the juggling act many of
our suppliers have had to perform to ensure we
received supply to service our customer base.”
Australia’s pool sector has experienced an
unprecedented spike in demand during the
COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Boadle elaborates, “Our
industry is one of the lucky few that benefitted
during lockdowns. With everyone spending
so much time at home, money usually spent
on travel has been redirected to the backyard
space- to pools in particular. I believe people are
really loving making their home environment
more enjoyable by investing their backyards. It’s
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great for their mental, physical, and emotional
wellbeing, and of course, it means that our
sector is continuing to grow.”
Mr. Boadle shares that Sunbather is excited for
the future of Australia’s pool heating industry,
especially when it comes to the development
of new technology around energy consumption
and retention. “Our industry is very buoyant
and optimistic, which naturally leads to greater
innovation, growth, ideas and customer value.
We as a business certainly share that optimism,
having just taken possession of a new 1500sqm
warehouse to accommodate our growing
manufacturing requirements in solar and pool
covers. It’s an exciting time for us and for the
rest of our wonderful industry.”
PREFERRED VENDORS/PARTNERS
n Covrex
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Covrex® is a manufacturer of automatic pool and spa covers distributed worldwide. Its product range
includes insulating slats, solar slats in polycarbonate and slats in PVC. The belgian company also supplies
custom made stainless steel drive systems for swimming pool covers or spas.
n APN Plastics Pty Ltd
www.apnplastics.com | admin@apnplastics.com
APN is an Australian manufacturing and Import-Distribution company focusing on strategic markets,
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
including the swimming pool industry. APN works closely with customers to develop suitable polymers
compounds to match specified requirements. APN has access to a broad range of PVC and Engineering
Polymers designed to meet the harsh environment and aesthetic qualities demanded in the pool industry.
n Rheem Thermal Systems Group
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
www.rheempoolheating.com.au | 1300 132 950 | info@rheempoolheating.com.au
n SIAX Computing Solutions
https://www.siax.net.au | 1300 799 928 | sales@siax.net.au
32
 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AUSTRALASIAN FLEET MANAGEMENT
ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA ASSOCIATION (AFMA)

transportation
view
ONLINESARTICLE NAVIGATING THE COMPLEXITIES

a
AUSTRALIAN CONSTRUCTION
PRODUCTS (ACP)

INVESTING IN SAFETY

a
CONSTRUCT
TRAFFIC
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

PROVIDING SAFE ROADWAYS
33 34
 AUSTRALASIAN Navigating the complexities

FLEET MANAGEMENT
T
he Australasian Fleet Management
Association (AfMA) is a member based,
not-for-profit peak industry body
throughout Australia, New Zealand and
South East Asia. AfMA’s membership base is
represented across all industries including
Federal, State and Local Government and is
responsible for the management of many
Fleet Management as a profession in
its own right, to provide knowledge,
information and resources to its members
and to lobby and advocate on behalf of the
fleet industry. Under that purview, AfMA
embraces the entire spectrum of the fleet
industry by forging an inclusive relationship
within the automotive industry, including
ASSOCIATION (AFMA) hundreds of thousands fleet vehicles. manufacturers, importers, distributors and
other suppliers. AfMA’s mission is both
The Association’s charter is to promote robust and meaningful: to assist members

AT A GLANCE
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
AUSTRALASIAN FLEET MANAGEMENT
ASSOCIATION (AFMA)
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

WHAT: A member-based, not-for-profit peak industry body

WHERE: Based in Melbourne, VIC

WEBSITE: https://ams.afma.org.au/

35 36
 AU ST RA L AS I A N F LE E T MANAGE ME NT AS S OCI ATI ON (AFMA)
with strategies, networks and tools to shape the
future of Fleet Management.
Business View Oceania spoke with AfMA
Executive Director Mace Hartley about the
value of the Association, industry insights and
challenges, and how AfMA will continue to be a
viable voice for its members in the future.
BVO: Can you give us an overview of AfMA and
why it was founded?
Hartley: “To begin with, Fleet Management
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
is very complex. You need to understand
procurement and remarketing, you need
to have some accounting skills to manage
budgeting and forecasting, you need to have an
understanding of policy development and HR.
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
You definitely need to understand work health
and safety, because the vehicle is a mobile
workplace. AfMA essentially developed because
of that complexity of the industry.
“We’re now in our 27th year – I’m the second
37
Executive Director, so I’ve been around for seven
years and my predecessor was here for 20 and
was part of the start-up. The Association now
has a staff of seven, including two part-timers.
Along with myself as Exec. Director, I have a
General Manager, a Relationship Manager, a full-
time writer in the Philippines, a part-time writer
here in Australia, a website graphic designer
in the Philippines and we recently employed a
person based in Sydney as an Industry Learning
& Development Specialist. We all work remotely
and keep in touch via Teams Meetings to
maintain continuity of relationship and I think
that’s the status of many people right now.”
BVO: Has the Association’s mission changed over
the years?
Hartley: “The mission statement hasn’t changed.
We’re still there to promote Fleet Management
as a true profession and to educate those
operating in Fleet Management. And importantly
– we are a Fleet Management association not
a Fleet Managers association. The difference is
that we’re not just communicating with Fleet
Managers, we’re communicating with everyone
in the Fleet Management train. You may be the
Fleet Manager responsible for millions of dollars
of assets, but have no control over the drivers
that often report to other frontline managers.
We’re here to help inform our members and
advocate on behalf of the industry. Those things
have not changed in the 27 years.
“What has changed is how we go about that
and our abilities to reach people and deliver the
content in a timely manner and in a location
that’s best for them. We host about 20 events
a year, including three or four Professional
Development Forums in each capital city, where
we connect people with educated speakers
on a variety of topics. And we host an annual
conference and exhibition, which for the last
15 years has been in Melbourne and in 2022
will be in Sydney for the first time. During that
conference, we hold educational sessions over
two days and host our networking awards dinner
where we present three industry awards with
much celebration.”
BVO: How has COVID impacted your
programmes?
Hartley: “COVID and technology has affected
our members but it’s also affected us at AfMA
and how we deliver. We started our webinar
series in mid-2020 after COVID began and we’ve
generally had an audience of 200 people on
each one over the last two years. Our members
are all over Australia, New Zealand, Southeast
Asia, and one in Mauritius, so the moment you
go to a webinar structure, you’re giving a broader
audience access to something that’s quite
meaningful. Typically, about 60 percent of people
who register show up – which is double the
industry best practice. So obviously we’re doing
something right.
“Last year, in 2021, instead of those topics being
fleet practitioner-based and supplier-based, we
actually created a personal development series
around emotional intelligence. That was good
for any person in an organisation regardless
of their seniority or their role. We had people
referring their family members to it, even their
children, because emotional intelligence is the
start of self-understanding but it also helps you
understand why other people react to certain
things you do and say. So that was an amazing
series. We had around 320 organisations tune in
and some organisations have built that series
into their learning and development plans for
the year – and it’s totally free. So COVID did have
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
a positive influence for us, in that regard.”
BVO: How would you describe your membership?
Hartley: “We have about 500 members – 30
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
percent of those are suppliers; 70 percent
are people who own or manage their fleet of
vehicles. Of those 70 percent fleet owners and
operators, it’s about 50 percent governments
of different sizes (Local, State, Federal) and the
other 50 percent are private enterprise and
38
 AU ST RA L AS I A N F LE E T MANAGE ME NT AS S OCI ATI ON (AFMA)
not-for-profit organisations and NGOs. It’s a very
diverse mix.
“We say that fleets are horizontal in a world of
vertical enterprise. Everything transport does
needs vehicles, but every other business you
can think of needs cars. Sometimes it’s just to
move salespeople, or deliver products – think of
pathology labs. Pretty much every business out
there has a fleet of vehicles. And fleets can be
quite diverse. Some of our members, such as the
CSIRO have cars, light commercial, heavy trucks,
special equipment, watercraft, helicopters… and
probably one of the strangest elements in the
fleet came from Brisbane City Council who have
a fleet of nine canines. So that’s very cool and
unusual.”
BVO: Can you talk about sustainability
challenges in the industry?
Hartley: “For many organisations, their transport
is the Holy Grail of where they’re trying to reduce
emissions. In Australia, we have a number of
zero emissions vehicles and now we’re focusing
on tailpipe emissions. That means hydrogen or
battery electric vehicles. Today we have a range
of those – Tesla being the most familiar name,
but all the major automotive manufacturers
have a couple. They’re more passenger vehicles,
however, in the last year there are some SUVs
being produced and many fleets are looking for
small SUVs because they are a little higher off
the ground and ergonomically better for drivers.
“What we haven’t seen is light commercial
electric vehicles, yet. There are several under
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
development, though, and that will be a
gamechanger in this country, given that the
bulk of government fleets are made up of light
commercial vehicles. Last year, we doubled the
number of EV sales from the year before but
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
we’re still less than 1 percent of new vehicle
sales.
“There’s also a big push here in Australia around
hydrogen, which is a gas and takes only a few
39
minutes to fill up the tank. Whereas, battery
electric might take 15-20 minutes at a fast
charger to get an 80 percent fill. That’s really
difficult when you’re trying to have your vehicles
on the road all the time. So in this country, we’re
going to see hydrogen used for heavy trucks and
buses where they’re moving all the time. Battery
electric will be mainly light passenger vehicles.”
BVO: Where do you see the industry going in the
next few years and how will AfMA continue to
benefit your members?
Hartley: “The industry is going through a
transformational change. We’re seeing older
people retire and younger people coming
through. That’s an exciting time but we’re also
seeing a lot of knowledge leaving the industry.
The excitement comes from the fact that
younger people are more versatile in their views
about how they might go about their job and
embracing technology.
“Fleet Managers are middle management, not
C-Level, and they’re responsible for everything
but have no authority. So the future from an
association point of view… we’ve got a task force
looking at introducing Continuing Professional
Development and developing some statuses
– like an accountant becoming a CPA, for
example – that would help recognize people’s
commitment to the industry and the Fleet
Management profession in general.
“As part of our advocacy work, AfMA is on the
steering committee of the National Road Safety
Partnership Program (NRSPP). That’s funded by
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
government grants and it looks to take university
research and studies and translate that into real
world data that can be adopted and used by
fleets to develop policies.
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
“All in all, the future looks very positive for Fleet
Management. A lot of excitement ahead!”
40
 Australian Construction
Products (ACP)
I N V E S T I N G
T
he importance of road safety cannot
be overstated. During the 12 months
ending January 2022, there were
1,134 road deaths in Australia – a 2.3%
increase compared with the same period
AT A GLANCE 12 months earlier. Guardrails are one of the
most important safety systems currently
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
employed to help reduce this number,
AUSTRALIAN CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS (ACP) preventing vehicles from colliding with
objects behind the rail, and controlling the
trajectory of the vehicle should a collision
WHAT: A leading manufacturer and distributor of steel and civil roading
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
prove unavoidable.
barriers
Australian Construction Products (ACP) is
WHERE: Sydney, New South Wales
one of Australia’s leading manufacturers
WEBSITE: http://www.acprod.com.au/ and suppliers of guardrail and roadside
41
I N S A F E T Y
safety products, having been in operation
since 2000. The company offers a full suite
of innovative solutions in line with the
latest crash-test requirements. Part of the
Jaybro Group since September 2021, ACP
now forms the largest civil infrastructure
supply company in the country.
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
“ACP has grown significantly in the two
decades or so that have passed since
its founding,” says Wesam Refahi, the
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
company’s Product Manager. “We’ve built
up a very robust road safety barrier product
range serving both the temporary and
permanent barrier markets. As well as
our own proprietary products, we’ve also
42
 AU S T RA L I A N C O NST R UCT ION P ROD UCTS (ACP)

been involved in research and development meet the new standards of testing. This has led
with other companies – both in Australia and to significant safety improvements, particularly
overseas.” as vehicles have become a lot heavier and larger
than they were when the previous standards
ACP is continuously working to come up with were created. The new MASH testing has
better and safer products, with regulatory shifts instigated a raft of new product development as
often guiding this process. One such shift came part of an ongoing process.”
in 2015 when the Australian and New Zealand
Standard for Safety Barriers and Associated This ongoing process is aided by the deployment
Devices was developed to incorporate the of the latest technology whenever ACP is
Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) pursuing the development of new products.
standard. “More of our internal systems are immersed
in online platforms, through ERP and CRM
General Manager, Zalman Paris, shares, “It’s a systems,” adds Will Truong, state Sales Manager
real privilege running a business like ACP, as for Queensland and the Northern Territory.
we are at the forefront of making roads and the “Our support and supply chain teams are more
general built infrastructure environment safer. efficient in performing functions and retrieving
For the team that have worked or are working data – we’re able to adopt an almost just-in-time
at ACP over the last few years, we have had the process to keep our stock lean and maintain
fortunate luck to herald a new standard into our customer service. Our sales teams are more
place, that being MASH 2016. This new Standard market-aware when facing customers, and have
was adopted in Australia and New Zealand more meaningful conversations on the back of
around the end of 2018 and there has been a
progressive roll out of new barriers over the last
four years with various sunset clauses on old
standard products coming to an end and the new
ones commencing from a design and construct
perspective .”

Paris indicates that this has been a real disrupt

to the industry and it has seen these new tested
items come in and replace the old and, in some
cases, non tested items. Ultimately resulting in
a lower cost and safer roads. He notes, “We talk Galvanized
barrier rope
about the triple bottom line and in this case the
MASH standard has made the roads safer for
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
the community. It has generally come at a lower
cost to the asset owners or they have got more
for safer roads
barrier for their money and its simplified the
manufacturing process in many cases for ACP. Its
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

been a Win Win Win for all concerned.” Bridon-Bekaert The Ropes Group are the world’s century. We are also the company behind the majority of
leading supplier of steel wire ropes. Our facility in flexible road safety barrier rope in Australia having supplied
From 2018 onwards, road authorities around Newcastle NSW is Australia’s only manufacturer of steel over 20,000 km over the last 10 years. BlueStrand barrier
Australia started to mandate and adopt MASH- wire ropes and has been supplying ropes for almost a rope is 100% manufactured in Australia.

tested products. Refahi explains, “That forced the

market to retest or upgrade its product range to Go to www.bridon-bekaert.com/en-au and get in touch with your local Bluestrand® expert.

43 44
 AU ST RA L I A N C ONST R UCT ION P ROD UCTS (ACP)
real, live information.”
However, despite ACP’s commitment to cutting-
edge technology, that hasn’t prevented the
company from experiencing challenges –
particularly over the last two years. As with any
company, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
has been unavoidable. “Supply has been the
number one challenge for us over the last
couple of years,” Refahi reports. “There’s also
been material shortages, container shortages,
and freight challenges. In terms of supply, raw
materials have taken the biggest hit, not just for
our own products, but also those that are made
and imported from overseas that we then supply
in Australia. That’s delayed our supply chain and
the delivery of material to customers.”
Meeting these challenges – whether related
to COVID or not – has been made easier by the
support of ACP’s extensive partner network. “In
terms of our U.S. product range, for example,
we have had a long relationship with Lindsay
Transportation Solutions, with whom we’ve been
collaborating for a number of years now. We’ve
also done a lot of product testing with Holmes
Solutions in New Zealand. They are another
company that we’ve worked with quite closely to
test our products,” Refahi adds.
However, collaboration only represents one of
ACP’s core values. Another of the company’s
major strengths concerns anticipating market
needs and increasing the standards of its
products to ensure they are constantly being
met. The company is also extremely proud to
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
make Australian products. “The majority of our
guardrail products are made in Australia and
made from Australian BlueScope steel,” Refahi
says.” And the products that we license from the
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
U.S. are, of course, approved here in Australia
too.”
In addition, given the products that ACP
manufactures, it should come as no surprise
that health and safety is also a core concern.
45
As is sustainability. ACP recycles as much scrap
material as possible, all its office lighting has
been upgraded to LEDs, and the company is
using plastic PET strapping in all its warehouses.
These values, whether they concern safety or
sustainability, represent a major part of ACP’s
corporate culture.
“We have a small team of 30 staff nationally, and
project a lean and agile, small-business feel,”
Truong notes. “Yet, being a part of the Jaybro
Group, we enjoy the benefits of a large corporate
profile with the structures and policies that go
with it. And with Jaybro being voted one of 2021
Australia’s Best Workplaces, it feels like we enjoy
the best aspects of a small business culture, with
the backing and support of a large corporate
juggernaut behind us.”
Although now part of the Jaybro Group, as
Truong says, that doesn’t mean ACP can be
disregarded as just another company. It works
hard to differentiate itself from the competition
by prioritizing customer service. “We are not
the biggest player in the market – possibly the
second – but we are strong in terms of customer
service in that we obviously like to meet
customer demands whenever we can,” Refahi
acknowledges.
In fact, ACP has a strong appreciation of
consultation generally, whether it’s with
the company’s customers or other industry
stakeholders. ACP is keen to work with local
governments, designers, and other companies,
where it is relevant to do so. These consultations
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
often lead to new product development, which
necessarily requires additional investment
– something that ACP is more than happy to
supply.
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
“We’re investing in more capability to expand
our engineering design capabilities, to come up
with more variations from the standard guardrail
design,” Truong continues. “This is in line with
the stricter MASH crash-test requirements,
46
 AU S T RA L I A N C O NST R UCT ION P ROD UCTS (ACP)

but also helps address the more complex boosting employee engagement. We want to
project parameters that road authorities face continue to be a great place to work!”
in designing these new roads, including small
shoulder and verge widths, more traffic with ACP’s ongoing investment is not only designed
larger vehicles, more service lines and culverts. to create additional internal benefits, however.
We’re trying to come up with more solutions Working within road safety, the company
to make life easier for the road authorities and understands the importance of its products and
their appointed engineers.” the safety standards that they meet. Looking
ahead to the future, the company will continue
This investment is, at least in part, driven by an to explore the latest technologies and cutting-
understanding that road safety standards are edge R&D processes in order to create new
constantly evolving. Over the next five years, ACP products and improve existing ones. “When
aims to be the number one choice for all things we help manufacture or license a product that
guardrail. The company is committed to adding performs better and more safely on the roads,
to its range of innovative engineering solutions that’s just a win-win for everyone,” Refahi says.
on the back of the capital investment that it’s
making today. “From a company perspective, it’s
important we achieve that return on invested
capital to ensure future innovation,” Truong
says. “We’ll continue to invest in our people,
promoting training and development, providing
robust incentives and succession plans, and

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n Bridon-Bekaert: The Ropes Group
www.Bridon-Bekaert.com
We offer BlueStrand barrier rope which is manufactured from 100% Australian made materials and we also
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VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

47 48
 Construct Traffic Providing Safe
Roadways
F
ormed in 2007, Construct Traffic has a
proven track record of excellence that
details their work toward improving the
traffic control and work site safety industry
across Australia. Established in Melbourne
as founders’ response to market demand for
professional, experienced traffic management
services, the company fosters a responsive,
detail-oriented attitude that ensures safety and
quality come before all else. Construct Traffic has
utilised their leadership’s 20+ years of industry
experience to evolve from a team of just 35 to
well over 500.

Construct Traffic offers expertise to commercial,

utility, and local government clients for long and
short-term traffic management, traffic control,
pedestrian management, labour hire, equipment
hire (trailer mounted arrow boards, B and C class
VMX boards, solar powered and ‘E-Stop’ portable
traffic signals, ‘Portaboom’ boom gate systems,
Armourzone barries, concrete barriers, road
work signs and devices, and fully outfitted truck
mounted attenuators), and plans and permits
provision (hazard and risk assessment, traffic
control advice, TGS, TCP, and TMP acquisition,

AT A GLANCE
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VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
CONSTRUCT TRAFFIC
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

WHAT: Provider of road safety and traffic control services throughout
Melbourne, Australia

WHERE: Construct Traffic is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia

WEBSITE: https://www.constructtraffic.com.au/
49 50
 CON S T R U CT T RAF F IC
council and main road authority submissions,
and police permit acquisition where required).
The team also runs specialised courses in first
aid, traffic management, traffic control, and
white card acquisition. Construct Traffic seeks
to provide a comprehensive solution to clients’
needs across the traffic management space.
Construct Traffic has a modern fleet of over
200 utility vehicles, small trucks, and truck
mounted attenuator vehicles spread throughout
Victoria. Vehicles are comprehensively outfitted
with safety and efficiency boosting technology,
including dual battery systems, reverse
cameras and alarms, low-light and night work
lights, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and GPS
tracking systems. The entire fleet is branded for
recognition and ease of contact.
In their mission statement, Construct Traffic
says: “As Australia’s fastest growing traffic
management company, Construct Traffic ensure
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
51
certified traffic control officers have experience
and are professional. Their services cater for any
situation from basic slow/stop routines to major
road reconstruction operations, with crew an
equipment tailored to meet specific needs. Traffic
management professionals are responsible
for the efficient provision of safety and risk
management and to facilities the effective flow
Yo u r E q u i p m e n t H i r e S p e c i a l i s t s
of traffic through road and construction projects,
Construct Traffic is committed to maintaining
the safest workplace environments for both
our staff and our clients, while ensuring safe
road conditions to the motoring public. They
have a dedicated program to ensure that the
Safest, most professional service is maintained.
Construct Traffic tracks essential details of all
projects, onsite staff, and allocated resources.
They are thus able to deliver a quality service
consistently and effectively, never losing track of
each project’s specific requirements.”
Michael Bergonzo is CEO of Construct Traffic.
PORTABLE TOILETS • VMS BOARDS • CROWD CONTROL BARRIERS • LIGHT TOWERS • SCISSOR LIFTS
Passionate, motivated and dedicated
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Liberty Equipment Hire was founded in 2015. The director, Richie Heathcote has over 10 years
experience in traffic control/management and the related hire industry. Liberty Equipment Hire offers hire
quality, safe and reliable equipment at competitive prices.
We supply equipment to an array of clients from traffic control companies for road and rail works, to local
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
businesses for advertising purposes. We also support local councils in crowd control and event
management, for festivals and events. We have a passion to satisfy our clients. We offer 24 hour friendly
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BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
BERWICK, 3806, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA | 0419 205 404 | WWW.LIBERTYEQUIPMENTHIRE.COM.AU
52
 CONS TRUCT TRAFFI C

u r E q u iLiberty
p mfounded
eEquipment
nt H i r e Specialists
Hire was
in 2015.

The Director, Richie Heathcote has over

18 years experience in the related Traffic
Control/Hire industries. In an industry
where equipment quality can vary, we
pride ourselves on always providing
Quality equipment and Quality service.
We can assist Traffic Control companies
with our VMS and Arrow boards, or
TOILETS • VMS assist
BOARDS Local
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support events companies and Builders
Passionate, motivated and dedicated
across equipment
Victoria with hireour Portable Toilet
specialists.
fleet and newly in 2021 we now can
y Equipment Hire was founded in 2015. The director, Richie Heathcote has over 10 years
ience in traffic also provideand
control/management Scissor
the relatedLifts for Liberty
hire industry. Builders,
Equipment Hire offers hire
y, safe and reliable equipment at competitive prices.
Electricians and anyone else that requires
pply equipment to elevation tofrom
an array of clients complete their works.
traffic control companies for road and rail works, to local
esses for advertising purposes. We also support local councils in crowd control and event “Construct Traffic is a proud leader in traffic discrepancies our there surrounding what our
gement, for festivals and events. We have a passion to satisfy our clients. We offer 24 hour friendly
rofessional support to all our clients.
control and site safety. Our field crew members work entails, how much it pays, and the skills
Ask today how we can help you. are professional, fully certified, and able to adapt required to do it well. It’s definitely not standing
to the demanding and ever-changing nature around with a sign. Our staff put their lives on
“When I started Liberty Equipment of Australia’s modern road infrastructure. Our the line every day to keep road users safe, and
Hire, I worked out quite quickly that
ICK, 3806, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA | 0419 205 404 | WWW.LIBERTYEQUIPMENTHIRE.COM.AU company culture is all about safety, quality, that’s a big deal for us, but it isn’t necessarily
quality and service was lacking in the and professionalism. We have a track record common knowledge. Public education has never
Hire industry therefore we made it of the highest quality in Victoria, and are one been more important. Industry bodies like the
our aim to ensure we always provide of the fastest growing traffic management Traffic Management Association of Australia
quality equipment to our clients & companies in the country. We have the tools, the (TMAA) have a huge role to play in this, and
we operate 24 hours a day to ensure experience, the skill, and the attitude to tackle we are forever grateful for their work in raising
we are always ready for your call. jobs of all sizes and service a range of different awareness and improving our industry standards-
requirements; we have successfully worked on traffic management tends to have a reputation
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
- Richie Heathcote projects such as the VicRoads Asphalt Programs, for being unprofessional, disorganised, and even
Liberty Equipment Hire South Melbourne’s Park Street Upgrade, and unsafe. We want to change that for the benefit
“More than just Hire” major tram upgrades.” of our staff, clients, partners, and of course the
...... road users that our work supports.” Construct
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

Construct Traffic’s dedication to the betterment
For more information, of their industry is noble, but it hasn’t been an
please visit our website easy road. Mr. Bergonzo shares some challenges
that traffic managers face on a daily basis. “The
www.libertyequipmenthire.com.au biggest challenge for our industry is finding
the right staff for the job. There are many
53
Traffic is also a member of the Civil Contractors
Federation and the Australian Payroll
Association.
Construct Traffic has invested heavily into
comprehensive onboarding software and human
54
 CON S T R U CT T RAF F IC

resources training to ensure their due diligence as a small business, and while we have grown
for staff development. The company has also significantly since then, we still hold the same
worked over the last few years to move to a values dear to our hearts. It’s important to us
paperless operations model, making use of that we retain our strong sense of what is right,
digital technology to boost on-site accuracy, no matter how big or how busy we get. So,
improve time management, and do their part while we do want to expand to service more of
for the environment. Present on LinkedIn, Australia eventually, we aren’t going about it
Facebook, and Instagram, the team remains half-cocked. It will be a gradual, organic growth
customer-facing and enjoys interacting with that ensures we stay true to our principles. Our
the general public alongside clients. Available focus will very much remain on safety and high-
on the Construct Traffic website are four quality service.”
employee highlights- Frank, Barbara, Darren, and
Glenys’s stories detail Construct Traffic’s work
flexibility, positive and inclusive atmosphere,
career progression, management support, and
opportunity to work outdoors as major benefits
of working with the company.

Future goals for Construct Traffic include

expansion into other states and territories, and
improvements to rural and regional service
capabilities. Mr. Bergonzo concludes, “We started

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n LIBERTY EQUIPMENT HIRE
www.libertyequipmenthire.com.au | 0419 205 404
Liberty Equipment Hire is an industry leader in providing quality equipment and quality service at
competitive prices.
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Ask today how we can help you.
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
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55 56
 LIFE SCIENCES
QUEENSLAND

health &
fitness
FOR THE GOOD OF MANKIND

a
BIOMELBOURNE
NETWORK

ONLINESARTICLE

ESP
MEDICAL
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3

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BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

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YOUR PLASTICS TEAM

57 58
 Life Sciences Queensland For the good of mankind

W
AT A GLANCE ith the mutation of COVID-19 into of revolutionising medicine for some of the
a global crisis, the whole of the life commonest and costliest conditions, but it’s also
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3

sciences industry was catapulted
LIFE SCIENCES QUEENSLAND into the mainstream and into the spotlight.
Departing from the traditional competitive
ethos to accelerate biomedical R&D and drive
WHAT: An Australia peak body supporting and promoting the Queensland life sciences
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
defining its emergent and collective identity
as an industry with the potential to guide the
health innovation, sustainability, and climate
resilience agendas forward.

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

ecosystem the fastest novel vaccine in history, life sciences
companies responded to the pandemic with Representing over 160 member entities from
WHERE: Headquarters in Toowong strong commitment and political will to act as their headquarters in Toowong, Life Sciences
one interest group for the good of mankind. Queensland (LSQ) is making waves in the
WEBSITE: http://www.lsq.com.au/ sector by working with stakeholders to create a
Not only is life sciences now in the process dynamic and internationally viable life sciences
59 60
 L I FE S C I E N C E S QUE E NSLAND
industry in the state. An Australian peak body
providing innovation advocate, growth, research,
development, and other programs with the aim
of identifying new business opportunities and
revving up business growth, LSQ is self-fulfilling
its own narrative by virtue of being that powerful
amplifier of the Queensland life sciences
ecosystem.
“The mission is to feed, fuel, and heal the citizens
of the world,” states LSQ Chair Dr. Christine
Williams. “It’s that triumvirate of feeding to save
cultures, fueling using renewable, clean energy,
and healing through biomedical innovation.”
Previously, LSQ was known as Queensland
Clinical Trials Network, an umbrella organisation
primarily focused on human health and the drug
development pipeline. “In 2011, we reached
out to the then Premier, Anna Bligh, as we
saw the need to support the emerging sectors
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
such as agricultural technology and industrial
biotechnology, especially in the regions,” remarks
CEO Clare Blain. “The government at the time,
along with our foundation’s supporters, was our
main funding mechanism, and that support has
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
continued over the past 10 or so years.”
Blain reports that the need is still there and
confirms LSQ’s vision for life sciences hasn’t
changed that much since they rebranded. “The
61
main difference is that in the last few years,
we’ve really put a focus on building up the
regional Queensland side of things,” she says.
“We interface with a number of regional councils
in that regard. With Christine on board as the
latest Chair, we’re actually going to revisit our
strategy and work out the best way LSQ can truly
support the sector and start delivering some real
outcomes.”
Because outcomes also have to hold out
against the challenges of our ever-changing
world, included in the scope of LSQ’s work are
sustainability and adaptability issues that are
key to those long-term successes. “It’s about
making sure that the government does see
the importance of the sector and continues to
support all of the previous investments over the
past 20 odd years,” Blain continues. “Because
many of those investments are just now starting
to pay real dividends with the likes of Ellume,
Vaxxas, WearOptimo, and even in the case of
James Dale, with his bio-fortified bananas and
the Del Monte deal he did last year.”
Dale, a distinguished professor, and his team
of researchers at Queensland University of
Technology (QUT) successfully developed a
line of Cavendish bananas resistant to Panama
disease tropical race 4 (TR4). The breakthrough
recently led to a multi-million partnership with
the U.S.-based international fresh fruit and
vegetable dealer.
“LSQ needs traction to help the sector get over
its ‘baby steps’ phase,” Williams declares. “In the
early days, a lot of our attention was placed on
the research end, but what we see now as very
important is building the industry to a more
viable level. To get a real sustainable number
of people here working in it so that people can
come to Queensland and know that if they don’t
like the job they’ve come to, there’s another one
here they can move to.” She gives the example of
Microba, a home-grown Brisbane-based biotech
startup, which is growing “quite substantially”
and adding jobs as a result.
“Unfortunately, to grow at this stage usually
requires taking a skilled person from another
company,” Williams admits. “One of the questions
we ask ourselves at LSQ is how do we build
these skill sets so that we’ve actually got more
people able to take the jobs of the growing
companies in Queensland?”
Currently, Queensland is home to more than
250 life sciences organisations, 85 core biotech
companies, and over 100 bio-tech related
research organisations. Still, LSQ would love to
see the state become that life sciences hub for
all of Asia Pacific.
“We’re just so passionate about the industry and
we want to make sure that the organisations
that are here can remain here and don’t either
go down south or, more importantly, offshore,
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
because we’ll lose those skills and that
ecosystem that’s necessary to create more jobs,
more companies, and really build the sector
here,” asserts Blain. “A lot of the big industry is
down south but I really feel like the innovation
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
is coming out of Queensland. And in order to
become that hub, we really need to showcase
what’s happening here.”
Another puzzle left to solve is how to ensure
skills in the regions are able to be supported.
62
 L I FE S C I E N C E S QUE E NSLAND
“We already have a future food hub that’s
forming up in Mackay,” Blain remarks. “We need
to be able to support them in growing that
community, to build up regional jobs and give
people those opportunities to stay local.” To that
end, LSQ arms itself with hard data about the
work their corporate members are doing. They’re
also diligent about broadcasting those successes
via their podcast and website, both of which
are designed to set the scene of capabilities in
Queensland.
“Once you do gain traction, the other piece is
to loudly share those accomplishments,” Blain
says. “We’ve got a podcast series that’s going on
three seasons’ worth of episodes highlighting
various members. We also have case studies
on our website that showcase just the general
innovation that’s coming out of Queensland.”
“Storytelling of the successes that we have is
really important to inspire people and encourage
them to keep trying,” echoes Williams. “That’s
part of the rationale behind our focus on the
case studies and the podcast – to show how
many people are out there. I’ve personally shared
them with some friends who have absolutely
been blown away and had no idea that was
happening in Queensland. More people need
to know about it. So, it’s about how we can
sell it, send our message out more broadly, to
inspire people, especially young people, who are
generally already motivated to want to change
the world.”
In the wake of COP26, where global governments
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
met to negotiate critical measures to prevent
runaway climate change and biodiversity loss,
LSQ has also added its voice to those calling
for ambitious targets to save the planet we call
home.
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
“We’ve had a pandemic and in less than two
years, we’ve seen a vaccine being created that
no one believed could be created, through
collaboration across the world,” Williams
63
says. “How can we have a similar approach to
decarbonising the world? The COP26 targets
have set some pilot programs out there and
in Queensland particularly with the Brisbane
Olympic Games going to be carbon positive,
there’s a particular challenge to decarbonise
even faster. So it’s what can we do in a sector?
In the agricultural sector – what can we do to
make sure that practices are being used that are
more carbon-friendly? In the energy sector – are
there technologies that we could be working
on to come up with lower carbon fuels? The
biomedical side has been enormously successful,
but we need to bring this energy now to the
other two sectors to see how we can help them
and that decarbonisation agenda.”
The future is certainly very different from
what it was a couple of years ago, but Williams
insists she’s a great believer of “having a look
at yourself” after a few years of operation to see
how LSQ is measuring up to its objectives. “We
need to really take inventory and work out how
we can be a better association for our members,
more relevant, and more focused,” she shares.
“We’re going through a strategy process at the
moment, coming up with how we’re going to
change ourselves. Part of that is looking at the
constitution and our membership structures. The
other part is really trying to understand what
we ought to look like to be best suited to go
forward. Do we still say a size of three? Or do we
try and be ambitious and grow and be able to
properly tackle those COP26 issues?”
“We’re entering into our teenage years as an
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
organisation and it’s time for us to grow up and
start delivering some real positive things for
the industry here in Queensland,” Blain says,
summing up the emotion. “Our future, forward
thinking isn’t just the next one or two years –
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
it’s actually the next 10 years and beyond. So,
I’m really excited to start with these strategic
sessions and work out where this industry is
going to be headed.”
64
 ESP
plastics products. ESP Medical was also able to
utilise the pharmaceutical manufacture division
of ES Plastics, which has been operating for the
past 20 years under Director Heather Allen’s
management. The ability to use the quality
systems and infrastructure within this division,
such as GMP clean rooms and full traceability
requirements, was a perfect steppingstone into
the manufacturing requirements of medical
products.

MEDICAL
ESP Medical offers a comprehensive contract
manufacturing service that begins with
concept design moves into product design,
design for manufacture (ensuring all products
are fit for efficient full-scale manufacturing
prior to tooling), in-house, and production
manufacturing (injection moulding, blow
Smart Solutions for moulding, thermoplastic elastomer moulding,
insert moulding, over moulding, and GMP

Tough Conditions silicone moulding), before concluding with post

production support (inventory management,
regulatory support, labelling, packaging,

E
stablished in 2020 as a division of parent assembly, third-party printing management,
company ES Plastics, ESP Medical is a New and electronics support). The company is
Zealand owned and operated medical also responsible for the design, manufacture,
plastics product developer and manufacturer. development, and distribution of their
Parent company ES Plastics has been in the RESPO2NSE ventilator, which was created as a
manufacturing game for over 30 years. In ‘safety net’ for New Zealand’s healthcare system
response to the ever-increasing demand in the height of the pandemic. The RESPO2NSE
for medical supplies alongside nationwide ventilator is currently being commercialised in
lockdowns, the company invested their assets Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia as a compact yet
and experience into the establishment of flexible device suitable for emergency, intensive,
ESP Medical as a specialised division. That and transport care.
investment worked to boost New Zealand’s
manufacture of medical supplies including
AT A GLANCE
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devices and helped to ease significant pressure
felt by healthcare systems around the country
during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. ESP MEDICAL
Operating out of Hamilton, New Zealand, the
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

team of five at ESP Medical has utilised ES WHAT: Intelligent medical device design and manufacture
Plastics’ facilities and supporting staff over
the last 24 months to build a business unit WHERE: ESP Medical is headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand
dedicated to the design, manufacture, and
WEBSITE: https://espmedical.co.nz/
continued development of high-quality medical

65 66
 WE KNOW YOU
CAN’T DELIVER,

IF YOU D O N ’ T H AV E
A L L THE PA RT S

United Machinists produce thousands Our clients use us because we deliver

of medical components every month. certainty. Certainty of quality and
From low volume high value laboratory on-time delivery, and certainty that
equipment, to high volume tightly we’ll have their back when they need
tolerance d ( 6 micron ) pros the tic s. something urgently.

M A C H I N I N G
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
C E R TA I N T Y CO N TAC T: SA R A H R A MSAY,
CEO. UNITED MACHINISTS,
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BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

15-23 THOM A S BURNS STREE T,
DUNEDIN 9016, NEW ZEAL AND
PHONE: 03 477 3043
UNITEDMACHINISTS.CO.NZ

ISO 9001:2015

67 68
 U NI TE D MAC H I NISTS ESP M ED I CAL

Business Manager Hillary Sharp shares ESP Currently, the RESPO2NSE ventilator is being

When the world’s Medical’s evolution over the last two years. “We
were created as a branch of ES Plastics when
commercialised in developing countries that
lack basic critical care devices, as a support
stockpiling components like our Managing Director, Jeff Sharp, got together
with two neighbours of his, who were both
for national healthcare systems. Miss Sharp
explains, “An important thing to remember is
toilet paper – you need to know doctors, to discuss New Zealand’s shortage of
medical supplies. Conversations started small
that a lot of the countries we service didn’t
have sufficient ventilators or the infrastructure
you’re in the priority queue. and centred around PPE products, but Jeff
quickly realised that we had the manufacturing
to support them, even before COVID. As an
example, many of the countries in Sub Saharan
Manufacturing has a lot of moving and design capabilities to provide a more Africa have ventilator numbers that you can
parts – in a pandemic it can feel like high-tech solution for critical care. And so, the count on one hand. Unfortunately, the current
those parts are all moving in opposite Sarah Ramsay, CEO United Machinists
directions. concept for the RESPO2NSE ventilator was born, infrastructures in these locations are unable
and that remains our main area of business. to support many modern medical devices,
In New Zealand and Australia our manufacturers have client production links and client KPI reporting. It’s pretty unbelievable how fast the last 24 so we adapted our device to suit the use
found themselves second best to the rest of the world months has gone for us, and the level of growth environment and were able to support that
stockpiling components, a mentality akin to panic We’ve stepped up to client’s needs by offering
buying of toilet paper. For example who could have production capacity planning, forward stocking of raw we have achieved. We also acquired our ISO with our RESPO2NSE product. But it’s not just
predicted such global shortages in micro-chips, some materials, additional rapid prototyping capacity and 13485 manufacturing certification, which allows the pandemic- these markets have an ongoing
of our customers have faced up to 24 month lead- in late 2022 we’ll be launching our own medical and us to contract manufacture for other medical need for these products, so we are making sure
times! aerospace grade anodizing line.
designers and companies in niche areas of the that the RESPO2NSE ventilator can continue
United Machinists hasn’t We’re proud of being a second-generation family industry.” to provide accessible healthcare to a variety of
been left unscathed by business with the opportunity to engineer the futures
supply chain issues either – of our people. Whilst robotic automation and continual
steel pricing can fluctuate advancements in additive manufacturing promise
by up to 40% quarterly, to transform labour productivity - they’ll never fully
aluminum lead times are replace it.
touted to hit 12 months and
surface finishing providers To address the short labour
are bottle-necked. market we’ve created a
workplace our employees love,
Not to mention freight and we’ve gone out to the
providers are so stretched Custom client packaging schools and polytechnics to
solution attract the best and brightest
that they’re breaking stuff
– we know, we’ve arguably apprentice talent.
developed the most beautiful bullet proof custom
designed component packaging imaginable as a At the end of the day we know
result! that our clients can’t deliver if
they don’t have all the parts.
As a second-generation family owned machine Precision medical That’s why it’s hard coded into
shop in one of the Southernmost manufacturing components our values and sign-written onto
our walls – “it starts with us for
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
areas of the world – we’ve had to adapt and pivot
our way of operating. our clients to change the world”.

In 2020 we completed the expansion of our WRITER:

environmentally controlled machine shop purposely
designed for the medical and aerospace industries. We Sarah Ramsay, CEO
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

can now machine and inspect thousands of medical United Machinists
components every week – to tolerances as low as 6
micron. sarah@unitedmachinists.co.nz
+64 21 552 240
In such a volatile world we’ve focused on delivering www.unitedmachinists.co.nz
certainty – we’ve brought in specialist delivery
expertise and new digital systems, such as real-time

69 70
 E S P M ED I CA L
developing environments moving forward.”
ESP Medical fosters core values that include
efficiency, quality, innovation, and fairness.
Staff work as a team, maintaining consistent
communication that creates an environment
where new concepts and ideas are heard and
appreciated. Shifting into the medical industry
as an emergency care supplier in such a short
period of time was no easy feat, however. The
team was able to manage the move thanks to
their ability access facilities, experience, and
networking opportunities through ES Plastics.
“Being backed by ES Plastics has really been
key to our development. Being able to start
with such a strong manufacturing base, on-
site tooling, capable designers, engineers, and
warehousing… Everything we need to provide
a service from concept to post-production
support has been made available to us from
the very beginning,” Miss Sharp says. “There is
a significant difference between the medical
industry we supply and the sectors that ES
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
Business Manager Hillary Sharp
71
Plastics has traditionally served, especially
when it comes to regulatory and quality control
systems. Due to the volatile nature of the
pandemic, we manufactured our RESPO2NSE
ventilator very, very quickly- we had a prototype
within two weeks- but then we had to wrap our
head around the fact that regulatory processes
for products such as our medical device can
really take anywhere from 12 to 24 months. So
we were able to take a lot of experience from
the three decades that ES Plastics has within
their industry, but there were certainly some
new challenges and experiences that we had to
address and adapt to.”
Alongside ES Plastics, ESP Medical would like
to thank suppliers Palmer Design and United
Machinists, sister company Milktech NZ, and New
Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) for their
contributions to ESP Medical’s success over the
last two years. Miss Sharp concludes, “Palmer
Design has rapidly 3D printed a lot of prototypes
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
Managing Director, Jeff Sharp
72
 E S P M ED I CA L

for us, and United Machinists worked day and

night to help us create machined components
for our RESPO2NSE ventilator. Milktech NZ PREFERRED VENDORS/PARTNERS
provided us with repurposing opportunities
with electronics from technology used in n United Machinists
their dairy sheds- it was a great foundation to https://www.unitedmachinists.co.nz
United Machinists precision CNC critical components for high tech industries such as aerospace, medical,
build our prototypes on. We also want to say
marine and cinematography. They offer their customers real-time live schedules of production progress,
a big thankyou to NZTE, who have helped us customised production automation and fully automated lights out manufacturing up to 5 axis.
immensely with the commercialisation of our
Quality Management product.” ESP Medical also extends their thanks
n ORA innovations
Regulatory Affairs to Dr. Martin Harvey and Dr. Giles Chanwai, who
https://www.orainnovations.com.au
Product Development were involved as Clinical leads throughout the
project.
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VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
With a wealth of experience in Implementing, Auditing
and Managing Quality Management Systems, ORA
innovations has led a number of Medical Devices
Moving forward, ESP Medical will continue to
Companies and their Suppliers to achieve their run research and development programs that
ISO13485 Certification, CE Marking their Devices and
placing them on different Markets Worldwide. support further innovation in medical plastics,
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

provide contract manufacturing opportunities
Please contact us: +61 (0)424 267 309
kbadin@oragroup.com.au to other members of the healthcare sector, and
kevin@orainnovations.com.au build the company as a self-sufficient entity
working towards the development of medical
www.orainnovations.com.au technologies for use around the world.

73 74
 AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FOOD
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (AIFST)

food &
beverage
UNITING FOOD INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

a
ALCHEMY
AGENCIES

CREATING THE EXTRAORDINARY

EUROFINS FOOD TESTING AUSTRALIA

PTY LTD
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CHAMPIONS OF SCIENCE AND SAFETY

75 76
 Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST)
Uniting Food Industry
Professionals In the
Science of Feeding Our
Future
T
he Australian Institute of Food Science
and Technology (AIFST) was founded in
1967 as Australia’s peak industry body for
professionals in the food sector. The Institute
supports food science, technology, engineering,
innovation, product development, nutrition, and
food safety professionals, as well as leaders in
private sectors and academia. AIFST states: “We
unite food industry professionals in the science
of feeding our future. Our mission is to advance
and inspire all food sector professionals through
education, collaboration, and recognition, to
champion a robust, innovative, science-based
Australian food industry to meet future food
needs.” The organisation operates according to
key pillars Grow, Learn, Connect, and Champion,
which in turn define core values surrounding the
advancement and nurturing of AIFST members

AT A GLANCE
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AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FOOD SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY (AIFST)
WHAT: Peak industry body for food industry professionals across Australia
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

WHERE: AIFST is headquartered in Sydney, Australia.

WEBSITE: https://aifst.asn.au/

77 78
 AU S T RA L I A N I N ST IT UT E OF F OOD SC IENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (AI FS T)
and stakeholders, developing their passion for
the Australian food industry, supporting them to
effectively operate within a global environment.
AIFST provides a suit of member-specific services
to all food industry professionals and affiliates
in associated sectors. Memberships span
across Student, Graduate, Member, Professional
Member, and Fellow tiers. Members of the
Institute enjoy benefits that include access to
members-only sections of the AIFST website,
continuing professional development programs
(CPD), workshops, webinars, mentoring, and
subscriptions to the journal food australia,
BiteSize newsletter, and FoodTech Bites technical
newsletter, and profiling opportunities for
research, projects, and business development.
AIFST memberships are inclusive of the
AIFST branches and special interest groups
and offer special rates for the AIFST annual
convention and events. Above all, AIFST fosters
a knowledgeable, passionate network of like-
minded professionals who are committed to
bettering the national agri-food sector now, to
support the future.
Fiona Fleming is CEO at AIFST. “Our organisation
is the member-driven foundation on which
Australia’s food professionals are building their
industry’s future. We keep our members informed
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
79
and educated on current trends, advocate for
them, and encourage the active advancement
of the industry as a whole. We want Australia to
lead the world in sustainability, food security,
innovation, and more, and we want our members’
jobs to be recognised as the professional careers
that they are. Our network is one built on trust,
community, and like-mindedness. I am proud to
be a part of an Institute that supports a sector so
vital to the growth, health, and development of
our country.”
The association regularly collaborates with a
number of associated industry bodies, including
the Australian Institute of Packaging, Australian
Food Engineers Association, Food Innovation
Australia, Engineers Australia, the Institution
of Chemical Engineers in Australia, Institute of
Food Technologists, the Allergen Bureau, and
sister association New Zealand Industry of Food
Science and Technology. AIFST has utilised
this network to evolve alongside the food
industry market and provide continued support
for members that is tailored to their needs as
industry developments arise. The Institute keeps
in regular contact with members to keep them
updated on industry changes via their website,
social media, two monthly newsletters, the
quarterly food australia journal, and regular in-
person and hybrid events.
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BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
80
 AU S T RA L I A N I N ST IT UT E OF F OOD SC IENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (AI FS T)
Mrs. Fleming shares some challenges currently
affecting AIFST’s members. “We have had to
work really hard to educate the public on the
importance of food scientists and technologists
and the work that they do. Our members are
key from paddock to plate and hold value in
a number of other industries. We identify our
members as key players working in the science
of feeding our future- it is crucial that the vital
nature of their work is recognised and respected,
so that their assets may continue to grow and
develop for the betterment of all those they
support.”
AIFST would like to highlight their upcoming
event, the AIFST22 Convention. Due to be
held in Melbourne on the 23rd and 24th of
August, the convention is focussed this year
on: Food Science- Creating the future through
collaboration and innovation. Registrations open
in April, Mrs. Fleming explains. “We are really
excited for AIFST22, given that we haven’t been
able to hold events in person for a good long
while thanks to COVID. The convention will
feature an exhibition as well as a comprehensive
program. Over two days with plenary and three
concurrent session streams, the convention will
feature more than 50 scientific and food industry
speakers from across the agri-food sector.
Food safety will feature strongly, alongside
advances in health and nutrition, sensory and
consumer science, food security and resilience,
sustainability, and packaging. Innovation and
collaboration will be a constant theme. AIFST
will also recognise excellence in the food
industry at our Annual Awards ceremony. We
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
are offering partnerships including gold, silver,
and bronze packages, exhibition booths, social
functions and networking, young professionals/
mentoring breakfast, catering, program and
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
content, and convention collateral partners.”
AIFST’s strategic plan for 2021-2023 identifies a
distinct vision, yearly priorities, and a clear plan
of implementation, all according to their four
81
key pillars. Institute President Duncan McDonald
released: “The AIFST continues to navigate and
adapt to both market and societal changes
that continue to challenge all organisations.
I am excited along with the AIFST Board and
our CEO, Fiona Fleming, to be focused on
continuing to build the AIFST community by
adapting and delivering services and outcomes
that our members value. It is important that we
continue to adapt the Institute to be one that
is recognised as the ‘leading choice across the
food science field’ and that our members can be
proud of.”
Moving forward according to their 2021-
2023 strategic plan, AIFST will dedicate their
resources to building their membership base,
developing the association as a sustainable
organisation, attract the next generation of food
technologists by engaging young people and
spreading awareness of potential careers in the
food sector. They are committed to providing a
range of learning and professional development
opportunities to food industry professionals
for the development of sector knowledge as
a whole, as well as events and networking
opportunities to foster further collaboration
between industry bodies, members, and affiliate
sectors. AIFST will continue to promote, build,
develop, and unite their industry in the years to
come, to support all involved in food science
and technology as they ensure the quality, safety,
diversity, efficiency, and sustainability of products
that thousands of Australians eat every day.
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BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
82
 ALCHEMY
AGENCIES
Creating the Extraordinary

A
lchemy Agencies has aided members of the specialty chemical and food
science industries in their creation of the extraordinary for over 25 years.
Initially founded in New Zealand in 1996, the company expanded its reach
into Australia with Alchemy Australia in 2006, and has since established support
in a variety of sectors. As a group, Alchemy Agencies now supports clients across
Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, citing a focus on long-term,
mutually beneficial relationships that are built on quality care, communication,
and dedication. Above all, Alchemy Agencies encourages excitement, fun, and
enthusiasm in their business environments, fostering a deep and passionate
understanding of markets, technologies, and clients alike.

Alchemy Agencies imports and distributes specialty chemicals and food

ingredients in support of sectors that include: personal and home care (traditional
technologies and new, innovative natural ingredients), roading (emulsifiers, warm
mix additives, adhesion agents, odour control, viscosity modifiers, polymer oil,
and more), leather and textiles (processing technologies for carpets, automotives,

AT A GLANCE
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ALCHEMY AGENCIES
WHAT: Distributor of specialty chemicals and food ingredients to clients in
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands

WHERE: Alchemy Agencies is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, and

Auckland, New Zealand

WEBSITE: https://alchemyagencies.com/

83 84
 A LCH EMY AG E NC IE S
technical textiles, furniture, footwear, and
fashion) agriculture and timber treatment
(crop protection, wood treatment, pest
control, adjuvants, and fertilisers), healthcare
(nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and animal
health), food and beverage (dairy, condiments,
confectionary, dessert, snack, bakery, wellness,
fortification, and more), plastics, foam, and
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rubber (polymer materials and development
support, foam production and formulation
support, rubber processing and improving
agents) and coatings, adhesives, and sealants
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
(rheology modifiers, emulsion polymerisations,
dispersants, and solvents).
Dr. Cheryl Taylor, Director of Alchemy
Agencies Australia, introduces the company
as a passionate group of individuals working
85
together to service the creation of products that
are truly special. She begins, “We are a highly
qualified team doing work that matters. We
work in some very niche markets that require
incredibly specific ingredients and excellent
technical support. We pride ourselves on fast
turnaround times despite the uniqueness of a
lot of those ingredients. Our global and local
networks of suppliers, partners, and clients
allows us to deliver on orders whether they be
large, small, or somewhere in between. Our team
members are knowledgeable, responsive, and
enthusiastic. They all have bachelor’s degrees,
and many are PhD/Masters qualified, so our skill
in technical support really is second to none.”
Alchemy Agencies has always been owned by
employee shareholders; an active involvement
structure that will continue to be supported
by the company’s constitution for years to
come. This approach helps to keep market
stakeholders involved and educated on the
importance of having high-quality speciality
ingredients and the distributors to support
them, Dr. Taylor explains. “Given that we provide
quite a niche service, it has been difficult at
times to ensure our clients understand what it
is that we do and remain educated as ingredient
technologies develop in their industry. We
always have something new to bring to the
table, which is one of our biggest points of
difference, but it also means we invest a little
more time deepening our clients’ understanding
and making sure they feel comfortable in their
technical knowledge to help them growth their
business.”
Supporting the clean and green ingredient
movement is also front of mind at Alchemy
Agencies. Supply partners employ ethical
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BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
Dr. Cheryl Taylor, Director of Alchemy Agencies
86
 A LC H E MY AG E NC IE S
practices in environmental, cultural, social,
and economic sustainability, Dr. Taylor says.
“We work with suppliers that are part of the
Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (SEDEX), which
is a leading ethical trade group that connects
suppliers to support responsible operation
in every sense of the word- that includes
ethical sourcing of supply, meeting compliance
regulations, and things like protecting local
communities and their workers. They’re a
massive group that has been around for over
15 years. So, we are really happy to work with
suppliers that are part of their network.” In
addition to their work with members of SEDEX,
Alchemy Agencies collaborates with a number
of leading innovators and industry bodies
across the world. They include the Australian
Institute of Food Science and Technology, the
Dairy Industry Association of Australia, and the
ACO (Australian Certified Organic) Certification
program.
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
87
Alchemy Agencies would also like to thank
key innovative suppliers alongside their wider
supplier network. Dr. Taylor shares, “We have an
extensive network of chemical and ingredient
suppliers from around the world. Without them,
there would be no us. We work with a company
in Germany called Stern Ingredients provide
functional vitamin, mineral, and botanical
extract premixes. We’ve got quite a lot of
interest in that area moving forward; thanks to
the pandemic people now are looking to food
as a force to help boost their immune system.
Also officed in Germany is PB Leiner. They
supply gelatine and collagen, which again, have
great applications in food, health, and wellness
sectors. Over in Belgium is Handary, a company
we work with to provide natural preservatives.
BioNeutra is based in Canada, and they supply
VitaFiber IMO a natural sweetener and fibre in
one. Also a key partner is New Bellus, located in
Taiwan, who provide a wide probiotic range and
fermented powders from mushrooms, fruits and
vegetable for health and well-being. So there
are a lot of key players we work with to provide
natural alternatives to those more traditional,
synthetic ingredients.”
Other international suppliers working to
provide natural alternatives through Alchemy
Agencies include Ingredion, New Bellus, and
Scelta Inside. Dr. Taylor continues, “We rely
on technology pretty heavily for the smooth
running of our distribution, so our software
partners Business Central and Sugar CRM is
incredibly important to us. We regularly invest
in the best website integration, social media
marketing, and communications technology to
PREFERRED VENDORS/PARTNERS
n BioNeutra North America
bioneutra.ca | +1 780 466 1481
n New Bellus Enterprise
newbellus.com | service@newbellus.com.tw
ensure our management remains efficient across
our Australian and New Zealand offices. And of
course, our long-term client partnerships mean
everything to us. We owe a massive thanks to
everybody involved in our success over the past
quarter-century.”
Looking to the future, Alchemy Agencies plans
to expand their supplier and partner network
even further and increase their involvement in
growing areas of the food and beverage industry.
Alchemy Australia will fuel their growth by
adding to their team over the next five years,
Dr. Taylor says. “We are always looking for new
suppliers of innovative ingredients. In Australia,
we are particularly interested in the plant-based
and vegan space, which has seen massive growth
over the last few years. To support that venture,
we will invest in a larger staff base, particularly
in the customer relations and Business
Development departments to keep up with
client requirements and to assess innovative
new ingredients for our continued evolution.
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BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
88
 eurofins
FOOD TESTING
AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
Champions of science and safety

E
urofins is Testing for Life. Eurofins is the global leader in food,
environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing
and in agroscience contract research services. It is also
one of the market leaders in testing and laboratory services for
genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, biopharma contract
development and manufacturing, advanced material sciences
and has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and
molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic
products.

With 58,000 staff across a network of over 1000 independent

companies in 54 countries and operating 900 laboratories,
Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods for
evaluating the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin and

AT A GLANCE
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EUROFINS FOOD TESTING AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

WHAT:

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

Leader in food, environment, agroscience, pharmaceutical and
cosmetic products testing

WHERE: Headquartered in Melbourne, with eight sites across Australia

WEBSITE: http://www.eurofins.com.au/

89 90
 E U RO F I N S F O O D T E ST ING AUST RALIA PTY LTD

purity of biological substances and products, The scope of food testing is very broad, both
as well as for innovative clinical diagnostics. in terms of the industries and the services
In Australia and New Zealand, Eurofins has that Eurofins laboratories in Australia provide.
over 1,000 talented staff members focused Industries served by their laboratories cover
on Food and Water Testing; Environment small to large dairy, meat, beverage, processed
Testing; Agroscience Services and Agro Testing; and fresh foods as well as pet food. All of these
BioPharma Product Testing; Cosmetics Testing industries have requirements to check the safety
and Technologies. of their food, plus some additional requirements.
In the safety realm that means checking that
Sarah Thevenet, Regional Director Eurofins there is no pathogen, like salmonella or listeria,
Australia New Zealand, recounts, “We entered in the food that may lead to food recalls, an
Australia almost ten years ago, at first with event which carries serious risks for a food
an acquisition, and since then we’ve been manufacturer. So the Eurofins teams test the
actively growing. On the food side, we entered customers’ food where the results are necessary
a reasonably mature market – and we knew for food safety, regulatory and customer
it would be an exciting challenge to impact a compliance prior to releasing their products into
market that had been relatively stable. The way the market.
we approached it was to try and understand
what needs were not being properly answered There are also labelling requirements. Mrs
in the food industry, or that we thought could be Thevenet clarifies, “Look at the nutritional
answered better. Some of that is about bringing information panel that you have on a bag of
more advanced technology and investing in chips, for instance. This information needs to be
solutions that allow us to provide better results
quicker, and sometimes cheaper.”

Being aware of the challenges in the industry,

Eurofins companies in Australia are trying
to bring some of the solutions the Eurofins
network is using across the world to food For over 25 years, Novachem has supported the food
manufacturers in Australia. With its largest and environmental analysis industry with reference standards
and superior service. We stand behind every material we sell.
laboratory headquartered in Melbourne, the
Eurofins network has eight laboratory sites Every vial, every test, guaranteed.
throughout Australia. The Melbourne facility We purchase from the highest quality suppliers
has 8,000 square metres of laboratory space. A available anywhere in the world and ensure that you
similar laboratory was just completed in Sydney can rely on what you receive.

in February, with Brisbane and Perth next on the

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Superior Standards is not just a byline.
list for upgrade and expansion. In addition to It is the way we do business. In service, in quality of
materials, in everything we do.
these large campuses, the Eurofins companies
are constantly expanding their network of That’s why you trust us.
laboratories to be close to their clients. Mrs Thank you for your business over the past
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

Thevenet explains, “This is because some testing 25 years. We are sure the next 25 will be
requires short turnaround times, or can be just as amazing.

challenged by delays in logistics. When testing Novachem Pty Ltd

for bacteria in food, for example, you don’t want
1800 668 224
your meat or milk sample to be travelling across www.novachem.com.au
Sarah Thevenet, Regional Director
the country. So proximity is important.”
91 92
 E U RO F I N S F O O D T E ST ING AUST RALIA PTY LTD
checked – how much sodium, how much fat is
in your food, so we do the chemistry testing for
clients. Beyond that there is the whole question
of authenticity – is your honey, 100% real honey?
Is your basmati rice, real basmati rice? This
can be fairly advanced and extremely complex
testing, like DNA fingerprinting or isotopic
identification. We go from very basic, high-
volume testing that ensures your milk or your
meat is not going to make you sick as a result
of pathogenic bacteria, to advanced testing to
detect whether manuka honey is being marketed
fraudulently.”
From the other side, Eurofins laboratories
in Australia also test for pesticides in food
produce, and randomly check products on
behalf of retailers – the same food that the
food processors would get tested themselves.
Through the supply chain, everybody has an
interest in making sure that food is safe and
really is what it is supposed to be.
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BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
93
Having such a strong global network covering a
broad industry spectrum is what differentiates
the Eurofins laboratories from others in the
market. “We are by far the global leader in
testing food – that’s a big strength,” says Mrs
Thevenet. “Some of the testing we do is basic
and customers expect that it be done quickly
and in close proximity to their operations.
Then there are also specialty services and
troubleshooting, which can sometimes require
very advanced solutions and not all of these
solutions exist in Australia, but they do exist
in the global Eurofins network, for example in
centres of excellence in Europe, Asia and the
U.S. So being able to bring these services to our
clients in Australia, in addition to what we can
do locally is of great value. ”
Eurofins Food Testing teams around the world
deliver scientific services and their job is,
basically, to find information inside food. To
do this, technology is absolutely paramount.
According to Mrs Thevenet, “Technology is
always changing and evolving, which means
we can provide more accurate information to
our customers and some of this can be quite
revolutionary. An example would be how
traditional microbiology for food safety is
going through a major change by moving to
DNA based analysis, and everybody now knows
about PCR testing through its use for COVID-19
testing, and DNA sequencing. This is just one
aspect of innovation in food testing. Technology
is extremely important for us and we spend a
lot of time investing to find better solutions and
working with our key suppliers who are very
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
valuable to us on that front.”
Testing for Life is the mission of all Eurofins
companies, and everything that Eurofins
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA
companies and colleagues do is to contribute
to the health and safety of the world. That
strong element of the network’s culture makes
it attractive for staff recruitment and retention.
Another big aspect is that the Eurofins network
follows a de-centralised model. Eurofins is,
94
 E U RO F I N S F O O D T E ST ING AUST RALIA PTY LTD

by choice, not a typical centralised laboratory segment. Not just because we want to be bigger
group. Instead, it is, by design, a hub of but because the innovation and technology
entrepreneurship. Each laboratory is usually an aspects of our business are extremely capital
independent company led by an entrepreneur, intensive. What the Eurofins network prides
who is empowered to make their own decisions itself on, and which has been a key differentiator
in their own company and optimise their own for us, is that we tend to invest more than our
services. peers and we put more of a focus on innovative
technology than most traditional laboratories do.
Mrs Thevenet admits, “This is how in Australia But this approach requires scale. The situation
we have grown so fast. As a leader, I readily give is somewhat circular because this increased
responsibilities to people who want them, and investment allows us to offer more solutions,
let them try. We grant freedom to operate, so and when we are ahead, we attract more growth,
staff and leaders are empowered to get things putting us in a situation to invest more. That’s
moving. Our decisions are taken locally and really the sweet spot that we are looking to be
that feeling of empowerment is often cited as a in. We are definitely investing for more growth.”
key aspect of our culture. It’s also good for our
clients because it means that when they have an
issue or want to discuss strategy, they are talking
to the decision-maker locally.”

When it comes to marketing, Eurofins teams in

Australia often feel that they could do a better
job at communicating about the great things
they do. As Mrs Thevenet puts it, “Fundamentally,
we tend to be the quiet nerdy scientists of
the food industry.” That being said, Eurofins PREFERRED VENDORS/PARTNERS
Australia has jumped on the opportunity of
online marketing, actively using social media n Novachem Pty Ltd
and webinars – something COVID-19 has really 1 800 668 224 | www.novachem.com.au
Novachem’s products enhance, protect and assist life around us. Our vision is to provide life giving,
forced them to learn faster. “We need to spread
enhancing and protecting products to scientists, technicians and researchers to develop, deliver, maintain
the knowledge and the science,” Mrs Thevenet and discover life changing products. Through our efforts, we hope to create a better world in which we can
adds, “and that’s something our customers value. all thrive.
They are buying science from us, and being
able to rely on partners that can help them n Agilent Technologies
understand their technical challenges and teach
them new technology is key, and we fulfill that
COMMERCIAL BUILDING https://www.agilent.com
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Agilent Technologies is a global leader in the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets,
role. And that’s a form of indirect marketing.” MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION delivering insight and innovation that advance the quality of life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes
instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers’ most
Looking to the future, Eurofins companies have challenging questions. The company generated revenue of $6.32 billion in fiscal 2021 and employs 17,000
Specialising in Commercial people worldwide.
grand plans in both Australia and New Zealand. Construction & Fit Outs
BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA

They are still in an intense investment phase,
being a more recent player in the country. Mrs n South East Services Pty Ltd
Q U A L I T Y • P R O F E S S I O N A L Brock Knowles: 0488 205 199
Thevenet emphasises, “The entire Eurofins
network of companies has an approach in all
the geographies where it operates to aim for accounts@southeastservices.net.au
leadership positions in any given market or 0488 205 199
95 96
USA n Canada n Caribbean n Oceania

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