Knox Business Life, No 48, November 2011 (plus The Cartridge Family)
Tasty Trucks, a worthy business model
While 15,000 people a day use Tasty Trucks across Melbourne, many
hundreds more benefit from their donation of food to the homeless every
week.
For the past 15 years, Tasty Trucks has been donating vast quantities of
sandwiches, rolls, pies, salad packs, cakes and other freshly prepared meals
— to St Vincent de Paul Society's soup vans, which go out every night to feed
Melbourne's homeless.
Colin Lear established Tasty Trucks in 1989 and since then they have been
providing morning tea and lunch to factory and office workers, arriving on time
each day and providing a fast and friendly service.
'We have around 64 specially designed and built vans and because we want
to ensure the last places visited still have a good selection of food, we know
there is always a variety of good quality unsold hot and cold food,' Colin said.
Five years ago, Tasty Trucks developed a franchise model for the business
with a dozen trucks now operated by franchise owners. More are expected to
take on a Tasty Trucks 'Vanchise' when it is relaunched over the coming
months.
These business owners, mostly women, join a team of more than 150 people
at Tasty Trucks who work at the Ferntree Gully and Tullamarine depots
preparing the meals and loading the vans.
'We believe that 80 vans will give us complete coverage of Melbourne's
industrial estates and we are on track to achieve that target by the end of
2012.'
Environmentally friendly
A feature of the vans is to utilise the energy from the engine to heat water that
keeps the ovens hot. The fan forced ovens also have a gas assisted burner.
The vans and the refrigeration system run on propane gas, which is one of the
cleanest fuels available. This makes for a very energy efficient and
environmentally clean vehicle.
Using the knowledge Colin and his team gained in developing their vans,
Tasty Trucks has also been instrumental in helping St Vincent's design and
build their soup vans which fully comply with the requirements of food
handling laws.
The community also benefits from Tasty Trucks in another important way with
employees volunteering as part of a monthly roster system to help out in the
soup vans.
Tasty Trucks utilises many services from local Knox businesses including
fibreglass and stainless steel components, sign writing, bread and frozen food
suppliers, and vehicle refrigeration.
www.tastytrucks.com.au
www.vinnies.org.au/soup-vans-vic
395
[caption for photo: TastyTrucks_Fleet-Colin Lear-2 or TastyTrucks_Colin
Lear-1]
Colin Lear's successful business provides substantial contributions to
Melbourne's homeless.
Swags of awards for Backpack Bed
Knox-based Swags for Homeless has won the world's largest product design
award: the German 2011 Red Dot 'Best of the Best' for their Backpack Bed™.
Competing against 4433 entries from 60 countries, Swags for Homeless is the
first Australian recipient and first charity globally to be awarded the highest
Red Dot award honour since the awards inception in 1955. Past winners
include Rolls Royce, Apple Inc. and Mercedes Benz.
Swags for Homeless, is a non-profit charity founded by Tony Clark that is
helping Australia's street-sleeping homeless with its unique rolled-up bed that
provides protection from wind, rain and mosquitoes and can be used as a fully
functioning backpack. For Australia's 100,000 plus homeless people, the fire
retardant and comfortable Backpack Bed provides welcome relief.
Other awards in 2011 include two accolades at July's Australian International
Design Awards (AIDA): The Sydney Powerhouse Museum selected the
Backpack Bed as the top product design among all AIDA finalists with the
additional honour of being acquired into the Museum's permanent collection;
and the AIDA's gold logo Design Award in the Sport and Leisure category.
Following commencement of production in 2009, Swags for Homeless
partners with more than 100 charities throughout Australia to distribute lifesaving emergency relief Backpack Beds to homeless people who are turned
away from shelters.
With community support, Swags for Homeless has manufactured 3,000
Backpack Beds over the past 12 months. Considerable interest and orders
arrive daily from all parts of the globe.
www.swags.org.au
[caption for photo: SWAG-AIDA-5975694927_1e766aa314_b-large]
Founder of Swags for Homeless, Tony Clark, with co-designer wife, Lisa Clark
and one of their latest awards.
[caption for photo: SWAG-Red Dot museumherosm-hr]
Thousands of the Backpack Beds have been distributed around the world.
Sigma's HQ now in Knox
Sigma Company Limited has recently consolidated and relocated its Victorian
warehouse operations to a new site in Rowville, which has also become
Sigma's new national head office.
Sigma is a wholesaler and distributor of pharmacy and consumer products,
and owns the pharmacy brands Amcal, Amcal Max and Guardian.
Distribution centres formerly in Laverton and Clayton and offices that were in
Croydon and Clayton are now operating from the one location.
The office building and adjacent warehouse have undergone a complete
refurbishment and are designed for maximum efficiency for its 400
employees. The facilities offer state-of-the-art features in all aspects of design
including a fully equipped staff café.
Mark Hooper, CEO of Sigma, said Rowville was selected for its new corporate
head office and central distribution centre because of the availability of
superior transport infrastructure with easy access to Melbourne's freeways,
the ability to consolidate all the Melbourne distribution centres on one site and
provision of a more spacious facility to accommodate the needs of
employees.
'The numerous benefits to Sigma in combining its various Melbourne
operations include improved productivity and staff morale due to open and
collaborative work spaces, and the synergies offered by having all
departments in the one location,' Mr Hooper said.
'Knox City Council has offered great support by providing a range of
information to enable Sigma to facilitate planning and refurbishment of its new
facilities. The Council also provided important local information in the form of
a welcome pack for Sigma employees, with details that included bus routes,
shopping, running and bike tracks.'
Sigma has distribution centres in every Australian state and employs 900 staff
nationally.
[caption for photo: Sigma-Rowville front office 2.jpg]
Sigma's new head office is now in Rowville.
WEG doubles space in upgrade
Growth by WEG Australia, suppliers of electric motors and drives, has meant
moving to a new facility that has doubled its storage capacity and office area.
In late May, the company relocated from Dalmore Drive to Lakeview Drive in
the Caribbean Business Park, Scoresby.
Managing Director of WEG, Romo Herzog, said additional office space and a
larger and higher warehouse would enable the company to more easily
manage the vast number of pallets of motors and drives that go through the
warehouse.
'To support our valued customers, our modern office facilities will
accommodate an increasing engineering, sales and marketing team,' said
Romo.
The major industries where WEG motors and drives are installed are mining,
oil and gas, pulp and paper, chemical, food, farm and agricultural and general
manufacturing.
'Everything that relies on movement, such as pumps, fans, conveyors, usually
needs an electric motor with the drives providing the ability to change the
speed and improve efficiency. A significant part of our sales goes through the
manufacturers of those types of equipment.'
WEG's growth has seen the level of employees increase from 16 in 2000 to
70 in 2011, 38 of whom are based in Scoresby.
This year, WEG Australia is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Brazilian
parent company. WEG looks forward to continued growth with its customers.
[caption for photo: WEG-P8270024]
In WEG's new warehouse are Robert Contreras, Lead Warehouse Hand and
Romo Herzog, Managing Director.
100% growth in five years
Russell Corporation in Caribbean Business Park, Scoresby, is on the move.
But it's only shifting around the corner from Dalmore Drive to Lakeview Drive.
'This business park is fantastic; it's attractive with lovely surrounds and
greenery, and has access to two highways right on our doorstep,' said Chris
Lambert, Managing Director of Russell.
'With a doubling of business over the past five years, we needed larger
premises and were fortunate to find a perfect location in the same estate.'
Russell has experienced most of its growth from new business segments and
also its Russell Athletic Apparel brand, which was founded in 1902. This line
of sports lifestyle apparel is designed and developed at the head office in
Scoresby.
An increase in facilities of more than 30 per cent also accommodates the
manufacture of Sherrin footballs. The Sherrin business was founded in 1879
and continues to employ 25 people who hand-make this official AFL leather
football.
Spalding, another Russell brand, is the official NBA and NBL basketball brand
and also has a rich heritage in sports being established in 1876.
Russell employs 65 people at its Scoresby facility and attributes its growth to
locally designed ranges and local manufacturing (Sherrin) versus competitors
that sell mainly globally designed products.
'We also believe that our extraordinary service to all our customers, suppliers
and other partners, contributes to the company's success,' Mr Lambert added.
236
[caption for photo: Russell-DSC05413]
Chris Lambert is looking forward to moving into Russell's new facility in
Caribbean Business Park.
Linde solves space problems
With Linde Material Handling 'bursting at the seams' at its state office in
Wellington Road, Rowville, they had no option but to move.
Wanting to stay in the same area so that employees weren't inconvenienced
with additional travel time to work, Linde found the ideal location at Dalmore
Drive in Caribbean Business Park.
The business moved in August and now has a warehouse of 3500 square
metres and office space of 1500 square metres, which is a 40 per cent
increase.
The company is a foremost maker of lift and warehouse trucks and a major
manufacturer of hydrostatic drives that are used in construction, farming and
forest machinery.
The company's 235 staff nationally and 49 in Victoria provide sales of
equipment, forklift hire, fleet management and servicing.
Linde launched the first forklift truck with a hydrostatic drive in 1960, called the
Hubtrac. Its latest generation of hydrostatic drives launched in 2002 does not
have a mechanical reduction stage, which provides an increased power
density.
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[caption for photo: LindeMH-17.jpg]
One of Linde's large-capacity forklift trucks.
$10.3M KIOSC on track for 2012 opening
As part of the 'Principal for a Day' program, Victorian Minister for Higher
Education and Skills, Peter Hall MLC, recently attended a site meeting and
had a tour of the new KIOSC Trade Training Centre currently under
construction.
KIOSC is located at the Wantirna Campus of Swinburne University of
Technology (SUT) where the $10.3 million high tech learning centre will be
located.
With a focus on environmentally sustainable skills and technologies, KIOSC
will provide a learning environment where secondary students can make more
informed decisions about their future, build their skills for employment and
improve their career prospects.
A joint initiative of Swinburne and seven secondary schools in Knox, KIOSC
students will be able to study a range of VETiS programs including
engineering, electrotechnology, renewable energy, integrated technologies,
laboratory skills, and printing and graphic arts.
Opening in April 2012, the facility will also include an interactive discovery
centre and simulation theatre promoting industry sectors and career
pathways.
Businesses looking to support or become involved with KIOSC can contact
Angela Valentine on 0400 093 692.
www.kiosc.vic.edu.au
198
[caption for photo: KIOSC Minister 6.jpg]
Geoff Dart, State Construction Manager for Harris HMC Builders, Fiona
Graham, Executive Director of School for Sustainable Futures SUT, Peter Hall
MLC and Gusty Martin, Principal of Scoresby Secondary College discuss the
progression of KIOSC's new facility.
Knox envirotech cluster study
Of the more than 13,000 businesses based in Knox, at least 1 per cent (120)
is part of the envirotech sector.
These are businesses with a commitment to addressing environmental
issues, either through the way they work, or the product or service they
provide.
Because Knox has a healthy advanced manufacturing and a highly skilled
resident workforce, it's no surprise that envirotech enterprises are well
represented in the region.
These businesses design and manufacture energy efficient building products,
water pumps, car parts and recycled paper and plastic products. They provide
environmental testing services and waste removal and recycling.
The envirotech sector is a rapidly growing part of Australia’s economy.
Currently worth around $22 billion, it is growing at 7 per cent per annum and
is expected to double in size by 2020.
Knox City Council is keen to ensure the municipality shares in this growth and
its Economic Development Team is currently developing a plan to help the
sector thrive in Knox.
Interviews with the managers of established envirotech enterprises and the
results from an online survey have highlighted the potential to grow as the
market for envirotech products and services expands. Opportunities exist in
manufacturing, construction, waste and water treatment and professional
services.
By using the information gathered through the study, the Council can prioritise
actions that will assist the sector. Already it is clear that helping to improve
business networks, showcasing envirotech products and services and
continuing to improve the quality of commercial and industrial parks are
essential if the industry is to succeed.
For more information on this project, please contact Kate Harris at Knox City
Council on 9298 8000.
273
Innovate and grow with SEMIP
SEMIP - The South East Melbourne Innovation Precinct initiative is a unique
partnership involving the Victorian State Government, CSIRO, Monash
University, Australian Synchrotron, Small Technologies Cluster and Local
Government Municipalities of Greater Dandenong, Kingston, Knox and
Monash working in consultation with industry.
By building on existing strengths and networks, the SEMIP initiative aims to
improve connections between businesses and between businesses and
researchers, providing potential for significant long term job creation in the
South East Melbourne region.
Focused on high-end growth sectors including chemicals, polymers,
machinery and equipment, applications in transport, health, construction and
the environment, the precinct aims to energise the south east by creating a
high profile innovation business and knowledge hub.
The precinct is home to a number of unique research platforms. Clayton is the
CSIRO’s largest site in Australia employing 1,100 researchers. The Australian
Synchrotron is a national facility also located in Clayton and around the corner
from the synchrotron is the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication currently
operating the largest purpose-built clean room complex in the Southern
Hemisphere.
A current example of industry and science working together is the project to
develop a Bionic Eye lead by a research team at Monash University. The
project has two industry partners: Grey Innovation, a company specialising in
technology commercialisation; and MiniFAB, based in the Small Technologies
Cluster at Scoresby.
SEMIP concluded a very busy year with the 2011 SEMIP Innovation
Showcase in June, which attracted delegates from a range of organisations
around the region and featured speakers from companies such as
Kennovations, Invetech, MiniFAB and Siemens. This diverse offering of
knowledge and experience among delegates and presenters was highly
valuable to attendees who were looking for ways to further their business
potential through innovation and collaboration.
A calendar of events has been finalised for 2011-2012. The focus will
continue to be on opening up the unique infrastructure in the region and
building industry connections. Planning for Innovation Showcase 2012 is
already underway.
Jürgen Schneider, Regional General Manager for Siemens Australia is
Deputy Chair of the SEMIP Steering Committee. At Siemens, Jürgen is
heavily involved in business development across the sectors of industry,
energy and healthcare.
'In today’s competitive market, businesses should always look at how they
can innovate to grow and improve their organisation. Being involved with
SEMIP and attending their events is an ideal and affordable way to do so,' Mr
Schneider said.
To learn more about SEMIP, go to www.semip.org.au or email
michelle.humphreys@semip.org.au
408
[caption for photo: Jürgen Schneider SEMIP.jpg]
Jürgen Schneider is the new Deputy Chair of SEMIP.
Get the treatment in Knox
endota spa is an Australian success story that has arrived in Knox owned and
operated under franchise by Claudia and Frank Ciorciari.
.
Although endota spa Knox is their first business together, Frank is an
experienced businessman running Café Sapore in Chadstone and Sette Bello
restaurant in Glen Waverley.
Claudia's background in retail, hospitality and account management, positions
her well to manage endota spa in Knox, which is located in Knox City and
offers treatments including massage, spa body treatments, facials, waxing,
manicures, pedicures, spray tan and spa treatment packages.
The new business employs six therapists, including one remedial therapist
with a provider number, so patients can claim on health insurance.
According to Claudia, 'Knox groups will be well catered for, from group spa
treatments to corporate retreats and couple packages.
'Exclusive to Knox businesses, we are pleased to offer them 'Mid-week
Magic'. This means for any booking from Monday to Wednesday all half hour
treatments are upgraded to one hour,' she said.
www.endotadayspa.com.au/knox
256 words
[caption for photo: endota spa knox image002.jpg]
Melissa O'Connor, Remedial Massage Therapist, Claudia Ciorciari, Spa
Director and Sarah McAndrew, Spa Beauty Therapist make you feel welcome
at the new endota spa Knox.
One battery for six machines wins award for STIHL
STIHL has taken out a Best in Category-Consumer Award for its 36 volt
modular cordless power tool range at the Australian International Design
Awards (AIDA).
Held in Melbourne in July, AIDA acknowledged the design of the STIHL
range, which consists of a chainsaw, two grass trimmers, a leaf blower and
two hedge trimmers. All machines utilise the one battery with the option of
rapid or standard chargers available. In the future, the range will increase to
cover other categories of outdoor power equipment.
Unlike conventional electric motors, STIHL cordless tools are fitted with
brushless motors as standard, which eliminates the need to replace carbon
brushes and makes the motor maintenance free.
Because all STIHL cordless products are low in noise, it allows the operator to
use the equipment early or late at night, as well as in noise sensitive areas
such as hospitals.
About STIHL
STIHL Pty Ltd was the first subsidiary company established by the STIHL
Group outside Europe, and is currently the sixth largest in annual turnover,
employing around a hundred staff.
The company is headquartered in Victoria with its central distribution centre in
Knoxfield and state offices in NSW, QLD, SA and WA.
227 words
[caption for photo: STIHL Australia Cordless range]
A STIHL chainsaw that is part of its award-winning 36 volt modular power tool
range.
Nominations now open for 2012 MSE awards
The south east region has an economic and urban structure that encapsulates
almost 1.5 million people, supporting over 530,000 jobs.
Melbourne's South East (MSE) is a regional economic development alliance
of ten local councils, utility companies, and state and federal government
departments. Its mission is to build a collaborative and cooperative approach
to economic development in Melbourne's South East, which delivers
prosperity for the next generation within the framework of the Regional
Economic Strategy for Melbourne’s South East (2009-2030).
Melbourne's South East Business Awards provide an opportunity to recognise
business achievement, foster business to business networking and contribute
to regional economic growth. MSE recognises those businesses that have
made a valuable contribution to the south east region economy by
acknowledging their success and achievements at the Melbourne's South
East Business Awards, Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation Evening.
To enter the awards, download a nomination form that will soon be available
from www.knoxbusinessdirect.com.au. The information on this form, along
with a review undertaken by the MSE Awards Assessment Committee will
assist in the judging and selection of award category winners.
The 2012 categories are:
Business of the Year Overall Business Excellence
Large Enterprise Award (over 100 employees)
Medium Enterprise Award (21–99 employees)
Small Business Award (20 and under employees)
Home Based Business Award
Environmental and Sustainability Award
Chair's Award - Business Growth and Development
Further enquiries can be made to Will Gerhard, Business & Economic
Development, City of Whitehorse. Tel: 9262 6453. Email:
will.gerhard@whitehorse.vic.gov.au
Nominations close on 31 December 2011.
246
Winning an award helps you grow!
The Cartridge Family, winner of the 2011 Melbourne South East Business
Award for the Best Home Based Business, has left home and moved into a
new office and factory in Rushdale Street, Knoxfield.
The Cartridge Family supplies ink, toner and printers to businesses across
Australia. The business prides itself on providing excellent service and a
prompt supply to its growing number of clients.
Director Danielle Storey said, 'Winning the award brought us to the attention
of many new local customers who wanted to pick up from us. At home that
was difficult. Now we have wonderful premises where they can. We highly
recommend entering local and national awards to help your business grow.'
www.thecartridgefamily.com.au
113
[no caption for photo: ]
Essential safety measures for safe buildings
The Building Regulations 2006 identifies the maintenance of Essential Safety
Measures in a building as critical matter for the safety of the occupants.
All commercial, industrial, institutional and some residential buildings have
Essential Safety Measures.
Common Essential Safety Measures can include but are not limited to:




Fire fighting equipment, such as extinguishers, hydrants, hose reels and the mains
water supply to the hydrants and hose reels;
Electrical appliances such as exit signs and emergency lights;
Ventilation systems both natural and mechanical;
Emergency exit items such as doors, door furniture and paths of travel within and
external of the building.
There are many other Essential Safety Measures that can form part of a
building and must be maintained. Council has free copies of the Building
Commission Essential Safety Measures Manual that can be collected from
Council's offices at 511 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South.
It is the owner's responsibility to maintain these measures, although the
occupier is required to ensure that all exits and paths of travel are maintained
at all times. Businesses that have not identified and put in place a regime for
maintaining the Essential Safety Measures in their building may be liable to
substantial fines.
Each year, the owner or their representative of a building is required to
produce a report that specifies all measures that have been maintained and
lists the names of any person or company that undertook the maintenance.
For more information on Essential Safety Measures contact Council's Building
Services on 9298 8125.
247
[no caption for photo: Building Comm Safety Manual 1-1]
SMEs wanted for ATO pilot
In September 2011, the Australian Tax Office launched a three month trial of
the Small Business Tax Forum, creating a unique opportunity for small
businesses to interact directly with senior ATO staff, share experiences and
views, and also hear from other small businesses facing similar tax
challenges.
Businesses interested in participating in this pilot community, should first
contact Tony Watkins on (08) 7422 2518 or tony.watkins@ato.gov.au
66
Thank you
Thanks to all those Knox organisations who participated in the online survey
and personal interviews. We have been delighted with the response rate, and
are grateful for the feedback you’ve given.
We are now going through what you have told us and putting together a
strategy to improve the communication and delivery of the services we
provide to the Knox business community. This information can be viewed at
www.knoxbusinessdirect.com.au
If you do have questions about the process or would like to contribute in any
way please contact Kate Harris on 9298 8000.
110
Melbourne's most liveable suburb?
While Melbourne is the best city in the world in which to live, according to the
latest Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Survey*, Knox is
certainly one of its most liveable suburbs because:


of its low unemployment rate 1.2% less than the Melbourne average. In
March 2011, the ABS estimated Knox's unemployment was 3.8%
compared to Metropolitan Melbourne's 4.9%; and
journey to work data from the 2006 Census reveals that 40.7% of Knox
residents worked in Knox. This compares to 28.8% of Monash
residents who work within Monash.
For the remainder of Knox residents, the majority don't travel far with 13.3% of
Knox residents working in Yarra Ranges, 8.7% in Maroondah, 7% in Casey,
5.1% in Whitehorse and 5% in Monash.
Cr Darren Pearce, Chair, Knox Economic Development Committee said it is
desirable for residents to work in the municipality because they have the
convenience of working close to home with reduced travel time and less
reliance on motor vehicles, and have more time to spend with their families.
'As a Council we want to create an environment where it is as attractive as
possible for business to relocate, invest and develop new commercial and
industrial properties that will create the jobs,' said Cr Pearce.
'Successes to date include the new Innovation Centre at VCAMM and
ongoing development in the Caribbean Business Park. And while it is in the
early phase, Stamford Business Estate is opening up for commercial and
industrial development, which will provide an attractive location to base a
business.
'Councils are constrained in what they can do in terms of directly creating
employment. Business invests and locates on a whole range of financial and
economic considerations, so what we do as a Council is create the planning
and investment environment that will attract quality businesses.'
* In a ranking of 140 cities around the world, Melbourne was given a score of
97.5%.
340 words
[include photo of Cr Pearce]
[include a graph or photo of Carribean Bus ParkIND 22-08-2010 Carribean
Industrial Estate-1-sml]
Caption: Caribbean Business Park.
Saving energy saves $40,000 a year
Knox City Council has cut energy use by up to 35 per cent across two key
facilities — Knox Leisureworks and Knox Civic Centre and in the process put
a considerable dent in its annual electricity bill.
It's all part of the Council's Greenhouse Action Plan, which has seen
innovative solutions to the energy challenge by implementing many industry
firsts.
The initiatives include:
* A grid-interactive photovoltaic system with battery back-up at Knox
Leisureworks. This locally designed and built inverter forms part of a
standalone solar photovoltaic (PV) system that allows for 3-phase power to all
administration areas.
* A roof-mounted solar pre-heating system over almost 1,400 square metres
to supplement heating to the warm water, 50 metre pools and other uses,
which is estimated to save around 30 per cent of natural gas.
* Passive cooling measures such as heat reflective paints (from Astec Paints,
Bayswater), managed lighting controls, tinting of north and west facing
windows and removing heat from the Civic Centre's central Atrium using solar
powered heat extraction fans.
* Double glazed windows and extra roof insulation and installation of energy
efficient T8 to T5 lights.
* Installation of voltage optimising units called The Ark, an advanced
transformer that balances the voltage across the three phases and filters
harmonics.
The savings in energy correspond to a financial saving of around $40,000 per
annum, resulting in an average payback of around five years.
244
[caption for photo: Knox Leisureworks solar panels n paint]
The roof of Knox Leisureworks has been treated with heat reflective paint and
boasts solar panels and solar water heaters.
First businesses for Stamford Business Estate
Three local businesses have announced they will be moving to Stamford
Business Estate in Rowville and taking advantage of its excellent location and
surrounding green parkland and wetlands.
Javac, Matthews Australasia and Design To You, will be moving to the estate
in Enterprise Drive, which is zoned Business 3 and located within the
Scoresby-Rowville Employment Precinct (SREP).
The purpose of this zone is to encourage the integrated development of
offices and manufacturing industries and associated commercial and
industrial uses.
Knox City Council has identified SREP as an important asset with the precinct
envisioned to become a 'specialist activity centre' focussing on research and
development, industry and technology, warehousing and distribution and
office uses.
The SREP policy works with Council's zoning to uphold the quality of the
workforce, amenity and businesses within the Rowville area.
Javac
After 40 years located in Rushdale Street, Knoxfield, Javac is looking forward
to moving into new, upgraded premises that provide 40 per cent more space.
The new offices and manufacturing facilities will allow Javac to gain more
efficiency in its processes, which can complement new technologies that are
currently available.
Javac manufactures high-vacuum pumps, recovery and charging machines
for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry as well as supplying vacuum
pumps and scientific equipment to medical and research facilities.
Matthews Australasia
Matthews, which has been at its current location for nearly 20 years, will
amalgamate two properties and its three businesses into the one larger
complex of around 3,000 square metres in 2013.
The businesses are:
* Matthews Intelligent Identification is the Australian leader in product
identification and product traceability solutions, which incorporate coding and
labelling equipment;
* iQVision is the first national vision-inspection solutions company providing
reliable and robust solutions to Australian manufacturers, implementing
objective quality assurance and enhancing process control; and
* Matthews Safety Products has a wide range of high quality spill containment
and management solutions from New Pig US.
Designs To You
Designs To You is moving less than one kilometre away in May 2012 to its
new building of 2,200 square metres, which will allow the company to expand
its offices and warehouse.
A supplier of high quality, affordable and fashionable corporate wear, Designs
To You garments are designed and made in Australia.
Tony and Maria Grossi, who both own and run the business, chose Stamford
Business Estate because they live in the Knox area and want to stay close to
home. They also appreciate the green surrounds and are looking forward to
sitting in their new boardroom, which will overlook the wetland.
440
[caption for photo: Stamford Park Estate-IND 22-08-2010- 8.jpg]
Stamford Business Estate has excellent exposure to major roadways and is
within walking distance of Stud Park Shopping Centre.
Did you know?
Rowville was named after the Row family, who built and occupied the historic
Stamford House. The 19th century Stamford House adjoins Stamford
Business Estate and is considered an integral part of Rowville and its history.
38
Morse a finalist in engineering award
Morse Air Systems in Ferntree Gully has won a Commendation for one of its
products at the prestigious Victorian Engineering Excellence Awards in the
Product Design and Manufacturing category for 2011.
An Australian owned and operated company, Morse has 30 years experience
in the design and manufacture of industrial fans with its expertise extending to
the design, engineering and installation of air handling and ventilation
systems.
Morse fans and systems are used across a broad range of industry including
the mining, energy, food, packaging, steel and transport industries.
Approximately 25 per cent of its products are for export markets and are sold
to a wide range of other equipment manufacturers in the heat treatment and
surface finishing industry, as well as end users. Customers such as
BlueScope Steel and ALCOA, rely on Morse to repair their fans and keep their
operations running smoothly.
The submission for the Engineering Award comprised a series of new kiln
cooling fans, engineered and manufactured by Morse, that more than doubled
the amount of cooling air compared to the existing fans and reduced the noise
levels from approximately 100 to 78 dB at one metre. It achieved this while
using the same power consumption.
The direct benefit to the customer was to eliminate an environmental and
occupational hazard, contribute to increasing the kiln life from 12 to 15 months
and producing significant cost savings.
Morse has 15 employees and moved to Knox 20 years ago to be close to
local manufacturing services and infrastructure. Its key supply partners
include New Touch Laser and Precision Balancing. Stadium Signs is used for
all its outdoor advertising and signage.
www.morseairsystems.com.au
271
[caption for photo: Morse-ImgP3705.jpg]
Factory testing a Morse fan assembly are (L to R) Chris Morse and Michael
Morse from Morse Air Systems, Robin Bowe from Cement Australia and
Stuart Crowley, also from Morse.
Eastern Women on the Go
This year’s forum, held in August at Knox Civic Centre, attracted almost 100
people who heard about the successful business journeys of three Knoxbased women. The morning also included exhibitors from a variety of
businesses with networking the top priority.
Ellese Templeton is a Funeral Director and established Templeton Family
Funerals at age 24, following a passion she had for the industry from a very
young age. Ellese believes that if you want something, you need to go and get
it and should never give up a dream.
Kelly Pollock and her husband Wayne established Paul Sadler Swimland
Rowville and faced many challenges of starting a business — working long
hours, managing growth and meeting the expectations of the Paul Sadler
group, sacrificing everything except business and family. Kelly explained that
you must always plan to achieve your best outcomes in business and be
willing to shift when required.
Jane Riley runs Set 4 Life and is a speaker, trainer and inspirational
consultant to individuals and businesses and regularly runs interactive
workshops. Jane also encourages women to get excited by life and start a
bucket list. She said it's great fun and allows your imagination to get excited.
Dates for next year’s events are:
Maroondah City Council – Wednesday, 14 March
Yarra Ranges Council – Thursday, 7 June
Knox City Council – Thursday, 30 August
321
[caption for photo: Eastern Women on the Go Bus Forum 19 Aug11 057]
Jane, Ellese and Kelly following their presentations.
2012 annual conference
Expressions of interest are invited to attend Knox City Council's annual
economic development conference on 4 May 2012.
The theme of this year's conference is expected to be 'Business Success
Under Carbon Constraint'.
The event is invitation only so please make your interest known to the
Economic Development team by calling Kate Harris on 9298 8000.
59
Helen joins Knox team
Helen Ruddell has joined the Knox Economic Development team as Senior
Program Manager. Supported by a lengthy career working for large
businesses in the private sector, Helen has been working at Yarra City
Council for seven years helping to ensure that municipality maintains and
grows its prosperous and unique economy.
As a Knox resident, Helen is looking forward to being part of the team at Knox
Council working with the business community to ensure the City of Knox
continues as an internationally competitive, inclusive and dynamic economy.
85
[no caption for photo: STFF 22-09-2011 Helen Ruddell 5]
Won an award?
Calling all award winners! Tell us about your business successes and
achievements.
Knox City Council is pleased to highlight and promote these to the wider
business community through Knox Business Life. Please provide a brief
outline of your achievements via email to eco.dev@knox.vic.gov.au
Event suggestions welcome
Knox Council's Economic Development unit runs and hosts more than 50
events every year. Is there something different that you'd like to attend?
Please send event suggestions to Kate Harris at eco.dev@knox.vic.gov.au
TWO-YEAR DEGREE
Swinburne University of Technology's Wantirna campus in 2012 is introducing
a new suite of associate degrees.
An associate degree is a two-year university degree that gives students a
unique combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, helping them
stand out to employers when they graduate.
For students interested in continuing their studies, these degrees can fast
track their way into a relevant bachelor degree, receiving credit for what they
have already learned.
The Wantirna campus also offers traditional TAFE programs, ranging from
apprenticeships to advanced diplomas in the areas of business, engineering
and technology, horticulture and environment, and ICT.
It is home to the National Centre for Sustainability, which works in partnership
with industry, government and the community to support the development of
sustainable practices, as well as the Knox Innovation, Opportunity and
Sustainability Centre (KIOSC), currently under construction (see story on
page 5).
www.swinburne.edu.au/future
STOP PRESS-ECOTECH WINS
Ecotech has won the Victorian Export Award for Innovation Excellence at the
2011 Governor of Victoria Export Awards. It also received a commendation in
the Small to Medium Manufacturer Award category.
Ecotech has been exporting its environmental monitoring instruments and
systems, which are made in Knoxfield, to more than 60 countries for over 30
years.
The company has become one of the world's leading designers of ambient air
and emission monitoring systems. It also operates the largest network of
monitoring systems in the southern hemisphere.
The year 2010-11 was one of record sales and exports for Ecotech, which
saw a global uptake in its atmospheric research instrumentation. This was an
impressive achievement considering the high Australian dollar.
[Caption for photo:]
James Agius receives Ecotech's Award from the Governor of Victoria, Alex
Chernov.
2012 annual conference
Expressions of interest are invited to attend Knox City Council's annual
economic development conference on 4 May 2012.
The theme of this year's conference is expected to be 'Business Success
Under Carbon Constraint'.
The event is invitation only so please make your interest known to the
Economic Development team by calling Kate Harris on 9298 8000.
59
Story not included:
Interim Business Solutions, Kirsty Wilson
I’m not sure if this counts but I thought I’d send it through after reading the call
out for Business Success, you may be short on content and it’s great news for
the little known ‘Virtual Industry’.
I’m the owner and founder of Interim Business Solutions and have been
operating since the end of 2005. My business provides virtual assistance and
social media support services.
Whilst based in Boronia, I service clients nationally and internationally as well
as using subcontractor VAs from all over.
My recent successes include –
·
2011 Telstra Business Awards Nominee
·
2011 Thomas Leonard International Virtual Assistant of Distinction
Award Nominee
·
Steering Committee Member for the Alliance for Virtual Businesses –
Australian Chapter (It’s only recently been launched under the US global
banner)
·
I recently sold 2000 copies of my ‘Social Media Set Up Guide’ to
Business Victoria which was included in all the show bags at the ‘Small
Business BIG Marketing' event on the 25 August.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me should you wish to learn more.
Regards
KIRSTY WILSON