member profile
|
alu glass
&
goldfields glass
Remote? Not Us!
If you think outback Western Australia is a challenging place in which
to run a glazing business, think again! Windows magazine speaks to two
highly successful AWA members in Kalgoorlie-Boulder about life out west.
K
algoorlie-Boulder, formed when the
two townships merged in 1989, is
a bustling goldmining municipality
almost 600 kilometres east of Perth. With
a population of 30,000 living in 12,500
private dwellings, the city is a melting pot of
international mining industry professionals,
tourism operators, food and accommodation
experts and a solid bank of tradespeople
who pride themselves on self-sufficiency and
entrepreneurial independence.
For glass and glazing professionals, the area
is a commercial mecca stretched out over a
massive territory.
Warren and Bonnie Gellard from Alu Glass,
West Kalgoorlie, started trading in 1981 and
now provide a diverse glazing service from
their sizeable factory and showroom.
According to Warren, the business has
evolved to tackle most domestic and
commercial glazing tasks required in the
area, including aluminium windows, doors,
security screens and doors, sliding shower
doors, wardrobe doors, as well as a 24-hour
repair and installation service.
With 18 staff, including four members who
have been with the company for over 20
years, the team boasts more than a century
of combined experience.
4 Australian Window Association Autumn 2015
Everything in the west functions on a huge
scale. “Alu Glass services a very large area
from Wiluna and Meekathara to the north
and all the communities to the east up to
1,000 kilometres away,” Warren says. Such
distances require great logistical support
and cooperation in what can be a harsh
environment. “All our bulk materials and
glass shipments are transported by road. Alu
Glass has a large client list, many of whom
have been with us for in excess of 20 years,”
he says.
So, how does the company remain updated
about technical and regulatory changes in a
fast-moving industry? Warren says the AWA
and suppliers play a key role in keeping the
business updated about new trends, while
modern communication technologies help
the company stay connected with eastern
states and receive relevant communications
about new Standards and products.
In business terms, a good rapport with
customers and partners across the full
supply chain not only keeps the company
afloat, but it also encourages firm and lasting
loyalties.
Proven Commitment
Goldfields Glass, operating since 2004 in the
suburb of Boulder, also enjoys a strong and
diverse customer base.
“The business was purchased eleven years
ago from Rodgers Glass & Security,” says
spokesperson Tom Waldeck, “and it has
since diversified.”
Six staff, including two casual employees,
deliver a comprehensive range of security
doors and windows, including residential
offerings such as glass sliding doors and
windows, awning windows and single
and double hung windows. Commercial
shopfronts are another specialty.
The business also handles glazing and
reglazing work, including framed, semi-