connections sept/oct 2012 – sample
DESCRIPTION
The Official Magazine of the Specialised Textiles AssociationTRANSCRIPT
SPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSOCIATION INC. Vol 12 No 5September • October 2012
STA member newS | induSTry TrAining | memberS in The SpoTlighT | rTos
The wrap race: vinyl films on the fast track
Marine SpecialShowcasing members’ boating covers and structures
Members’ insights into marine trimmingTextiles fabrication training by TAFE
Marine trimming workshopscompeNsaTioN aNd elasTiciTy
in structures
sTrucTure fabrics to create the future
For more information on Shann Australia see page 44
SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2012 · 1
CONNECTIONS magazine is published on behalf of the Specialised Textiles Association Inc. by CommStrat Limited.
Publisher CommStrat
editor Nicola [email protected]
design & Production Annette [email protected]
national sales Manager Yuri MamistvalovPhone: 03 8534 [email protected]
contributors Lawrence De Paoli,Janice Kleinschmidt, Beatrice Moonen, Chris Nolan, Ruwini Perera, Melissa Vine and Kent Williamson.
coMMstrat ABN 31 008 434 802
Level 8, 574 St Kilda RdMelbourne Vic 3004www.commstrat.com.au
sPecialised textiles associationSuite 201, 22 St Kilda Road,St Kilda 3182 VICPhone: 03 9521 2114Local call: 1300 555 787Fax: 03 9521 2116www.specialisedtextiles.com.au
Disclaimer: Except where specifically stated, the opinions and material published in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or the STA Council.
contents
subscriPtions to subscribe to Connections for just $75 inc gst annually contact ruth spiegel [email protected]
A S S O C I A T I O N
association Matters2 Report by STA President 4 STA office update32 State and Committee reports41 STA welcomes new members
neWs corner8 The business landscape42 Member news
Marine Matters11 Ebb and flow The world of marine trimming 16 Excellence in marine Showcasing superb marine
themed structures
26 Textile Fabrication Certificate III Trainer Lawrence De Paoli on marine
and motor trimming
28 Up-skilling in marine textiles Serge Ferrari and Innova International
stage specialist workshops
sPecial Features34 Compensation and
Elastic moduli Chris Nolan’s insights into architectural
fabrics
38 The wrap race: Vinyl films on the transportation fast track
Vinyl films are helping vehicles meet at the “finish” line
sPotlight on MeMbers44 Shann and HVG Members’ products and services
training and eVents48 Industry events and RTOs
2 · CONNECTIONS
From the sta office
Past vs present
I recently met up with an ex-ACASPA/STA
member and mentioned to him that I was the
incumbent President of STA. He explained
the reasons why he chose not to renew his
association membership. I felt that things may
have been different back in those days, and
outlined the range of programs and initiatives
undertaken in recent times and about all the
work in progress. His eyebrows were raised,
his surprise and new interest was evident – he
had no idea of what the ‘new look’ STA was
up to; the goals we have been kicking and
what was in the pipeline. This ex-member
expressed particular interest in the merits of
the Young Leaders’ Program, the association’s
Accreditation Program, and latest training
initiative and funding from the NWDF. I am
pleased to say that this ex-member is now
keen to rejoin the organisation.
Boosting awareness – and committee activity
The challenge that I now have is to increase
awareness among our membership and
the wider industry. The aim is to continue to
inform all about where we are going, why
we are doing it and how we are doing it. As
I mentioned earlier, the COM has a very
full agenda. New sub-committees are being
formed to assist and make recommendations
to the COM on a range of different issues.
These sub-committees follow in the footsteps
of the very successful Fabric Structures
Committee headed up by Beatrice Moonen.
As I mentioned during our member
sessions, the COM is guided by the strategic
plan that was developed based on findings
from the survey conducted two years ago by
the University of Ballarat.
The bottom line is we are developing the
organisation and making it more relevant. In
general, I have no doubt that we are heading
in the right direction; the amount of comments
and the feedback that we receive is testament
to that. However we – the COM – do not have
all the answers and we encourage all members
to have their say. Get involved, come to
member sessions, raise issues and speak your
piece publicly or to Ana or myself. You only get
out of the organisation what you put into it.
As you know, I am always urging member
companies to get more employees involved in
our wonderful organisation. We now have even
more reasons for this. The Young Leaders'
initiative is an excellent example of how and
why you should encourage your people to
get involved. The new training initiatives and
the potential for more funding – hence more
training – is another. I would suggest that
rather than think about the cost you consider
all the short- and long-term benefits to our
industry and textile fabrication in Australia.
Again, I urge you to encourage your
employees to attend STA member sessions
and to ensure you have enough copies of our
association publication Connections. Provide
the STA office with your employees’ email
contact details so they can receive STA’s
electronic newsletters and updates.
We all want our organisation to be as vibrant,
relevant and effective as possible, so I would
urge one and all to rally to the cause and get
all staff involved.
Finally, a reminder that we still have some
positions available on the various sub-
committees. Please encourage your staff to
nominate, and give them a little time and
encouragement to participate.
STAMATTERS
“I am always urging member companies to get more employees involved in our wonderful organisation. We now have even more
reasons for this. The Young Leaders' initiative is an excellent example … [as is] the new training initiative and the potential for more funding … consider all the short- and long-term benefits to
our industry and textile fabrication in Australia.”
Insights from the President of the Specialised Textiles Association – Lance St Hill
Much has been happening during the
past eight weeks, since I last prepared a
report for Connections magazine. In early
July in Melbourne the Specialised Textiles
Association’s Council of Management (COM)
spent a full day in a face-to-face meeting,
predominately to be briefed and to approve
the progress to date in development of the
Accreditation Program.
Following that STA Office Manager Ana
Drougas and I, along with our consultant
Mary Simcic and COM members, conducted
whirlwind member information sessions in
State capitals. We subsequently held COM
phone meetings to progress the agenda of
the combined STA/BMAA Trade Show and
Convention taking place in June 2013. And
in late August we have another Super Expo
meeting, this time at the Expo venue on the
Gold Coast.
This list of association meetings and activities
does, I hope, convey the focus and dedication
of the association’s elected officers on behalf of
the organisation and indeed the industry as a
whole. This COM certainly has a lot on its plate
for the year and each of the elected officers
is working hard on the various tasks that they
have been delegated.
N AT I O N A L D I ST R I B U TO R S O F I N D U ST R I A L & CO M M E R C I A L T E X T I L E S
Ricky Richards (Sales) Pty Ltd 16 Park Road Homebush NSW 2140 Phone: 02 9735 3333 Fax: 02 9735 3311 www.rickyrichards.com.au
Contact our team today to find your fabric solution!
For 30 years Ricky Richards has assisted fabricators across Australia with solutions for a
multitude of fabric applications. Our extensive product portfolio, technical expertise and
friendly, efficient staff ensures that Ricky Richards offers the highest quality of service
available to customers today.
Tarpaulins
AwningsShade Sails
PVC
SignsMarquees Fencing
Canvas
Annexes
Marine
Blinds
Motor
Tension Structures
Sports Equipment
TentsWindow Furnishing
Luggage
PolyethyleneGround Covers
Cotton Modules
Covers
Swags
Dam Liners
Jumping Castles Interior and Exterior
Structure and Membrane
Awnings
Hay Stack Covers
Backpacks
Fencing
Roller Blinds
Panel BlindsBags
NylonBanners
Grain Covers
Truck Side Curtains
fabric solutions foraustralian applications
RR ACASPA ad 2012.indd 1 16/02/12 3:01 PM
4 · CONNECTIONS
Member meetings and advancing Accreditation
Kicking off in late July in Adelaide, we recently
ran a series of meeting for members in Perth,
Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.
The main intent of the meetings was
to update members on the association’s
Accreditation program, and provide the
opportunity for all members to help shape the
program by providing input, comment and
suggestions.
The Council of Management agrees that
it is important that our members embrace
accreditation and become involved because it
focuses on the industry at large and is for the
benefit of members.
Accreditation also paves the way for the
association to set up industry standards and
to recognise businesses that are performing
work in a professional manner.
specialised textiles association Looking forward Office report by Ana Drougas, Association Manager
What it does not represent is an opportunity
for the association to finger-point at those
who are lacking in certain areas. It is not
about excluding anyone; instead it is focused
on raising awareness and presenting a
professional industry.
Overall I would describe the Accreditation
program as about identifying gaps in the
industry – in our member base initially – in
which we can assist businesses to come up to
the next level.
For example we would help someone who
is an installer but lacks trade licenses by
sending them in the right direction.
During the association member meetings we
talked about whether Accreditation should be
compulsory, open only to members, or to all in
the industry. And we also discussed a ‘business
in a box’ plan that encompasses a business
plan and financial accounting methods.
The Accreditation update was very well
received at the sessions and attracted
much positive feedback, with some saying
the program was welcome and overdue.
We are still working through the finer
details and members are being contacted
by our consultant and taken through the
questionnaire as part of a pilot program.
We are looking to roll out Stage One, a
basic level that enables us to benchmark the
industry, before year’s end.
Strategic Plan
At the recent member meetings President
Lance St Hill addressed the direction of the
association, in particular our long-standing
aim to establish industry Accreditation;
and our intention to provide pathways for
younger members that fosters growth and
increases awareness of the industry.
STAMATTERS
During our member meetings we talked about a ‘business in
a box’ plan
Super Expo 2013 – June 5 to 7, Gold Coast Plans are progressing for next year’s Expo
which we are running in conjunction with the
Blind Manufacturers Association of Australia.
The date is set and the Gold Coast Convention
and Exhibition Centre booked. We have now
assigned a project manager to progress the
event.
Importantly, we will be running our
respective association events without
compromising each other’s traditions, with the
Gala dinner and our Awards dinner still taking
pride of place.
Registrations will be received under the
event name which is Super Expo 2013 and the
trade expo along with all the events will be
open to all in the industry.
The Young Leaders Challenge (2011)At the 2012 Expo STA members were in awe
of the achievements of the Young Leaders
Groups.
So successful were the endeavours that
a Committee has now been established to
advance plans for commercialising the winning
relief shelter. Leading the charge are Bob
Cahill, Glenn Barlow, Jamie Howard, Robert
Bull and Leisa Manning.
Sydney – (02) 9669 3333 • newcaStle – (02) 4957 7766 • Melbourne – (03) 9545 5588briSbane – (07) 3387 8500 • adelaide – (08) 8260 1055 • Perth – (08) 9376 2666
darwin – (08) 8981 1555 • www.NolanUDA.com.au
We’ve always got you covered!
• Blinds & Awnings • Covers & Tarpaulins • Marquee & Tenting • Banners & Billboards • Shade Sails & Structures
• Architectural Fabrics • Motor & Marine • Solar Protection • Sporting Equipment
• Fasteners, Fittings & Accessories
Looking for a supplier to solve your industrial fabrics requirements...
the answer is
6 · CONNECTIONS
STAMATTERS
An application for a design patent will be lodged
on the YLC 2012 winning entry and the licensing
rights will belong to the association. Members will
be able to access and use the design plans.
And the next Challenge …
The 2012 Young Leaders Challenge takes place on
the weekend of 13-14 October. Many members have
already expressed interest and we hope to soon
confirm the venue which is likely to be a conference
centre in Sydney.
Following our criteria on the nature of this
year’s challenge ‘to in some way give back to
the community’ (such as in the environmental or
humanitarian sphere) we have received many
sound, practical suggestions. For his part, 2011 team
leader Jamie Howard has suggested the two teams
be given a different community project and each
judged individually.
Specialist Committees
During the round of member sessions held in
February, it became clear that many members
wanted more involvement in association matters.
Timing is good as we are currently establishing
several committees; among them Accreditation;
Editorial, Training and a Young Leaders' Committee.
We have already established the Fabric Structures
Committee which is ably led by Beatrice Moonen.
The association’s July meetings held across the
nation presented the ideal opportunity to advance
the formation of specialist committees, with several
members expressing interest.
The NWDF
National Workforce Development Fund
We were successful in our mission to secure funding
for Certificate II in Blinds, Awnings and Shade Sail
Installation and we have since been working in
conjunction with TAFE to deliver the training. We will
soon see our first batch of graduate trainees.
Winding the clock back to March this year when
we lodged the submission we needed 50 EOIs
(expressions of interest) but we actually received
126, which indicates the strength of interest.
The Certificate II training is unique because
it brings together three different (and normally
competing) college training providers to deliver
the one course, but for reasons of efficacy it will be
managed by one TAFE with one registration for the
course that will be overseen by just one college.
Shade structures in NSW can only be installed by
those who are licensed by the Office of Fair Trade
and although it was not overly difficult for people
to obtain the necessary certificate, the process
was regarded somewhat cumbersome as textile
fabrication took place in one venue and installation
training another. Now these have been combined.
Importantly for our industry, Certificate II training
recognises prior learning (RPL) which until now has
been lacking. Many of our long-standing industry
experts – some of whom have clocked up 30 or 40
years’ experience – are master craftsmen yet their
skills are not formally recognised.
Under new arrangement industry specialists will
be able to obtain credits for experience and at the
same time obtain funds for training.
Because there is an opportunity to apply
for more government funding we encourage
members to approach the STA office with
suggestions for training enhancements to
benefit the industry.
STA COuNCIL Of MANAgEMENT
SPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSoCIATIoN INC.Suite 201, 22 St Kilda RdSt Kilda, Vic 3182 Ph: (03) 9521 2114Local Call: 1300 555 787Facsimile: (03) 9521 2116Email: [email protected]
Web: www.specialisedtextiles.com.au
ASSoCIATIoN MANAGERana drougas Email: [email protected]
PRESIDENT lance st hill Fabric Solutions Australia Pty Ltd PO Box 6283 Yatala DC Qld 4207 Mobile: 0400 103 534 Ph: (07) 3807 0200 Fax: (07) 3807 8217 Email: [email protected]
CoUNCILLoRSKent WilliamsonRoyal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)25 Dawson Street Brunswick, Vic 3056Ph: (03) 9925 9182 Fax: (03) 9925 9129Email: [email protected] www.rmit.edu.au
gary smithCampbell & Heeps5/125 Highbury Rd, Burwood, Vic 3125 Mobile: 0419 311 899Ph: (03) 98086911Fax: (03) 9808 3148 Email: [email protected]
tom gastin Pattons—Textile Fabrication80 McDougall St, Kirribilli, NSW, 2061 Mobile: 0414 952 007 Ph: (02) 9955 2563 or 1300 799 980 Fax: (02) 9959 3158 Email: [email protected]
david burtonRicky Richards16 Park Road, Homebush NSW 2140Ph: 02 9735 3333Fax: 02 9735 3311Email: [email protected]
Jamie howardTotal Shade Solutions4 Aldinga St, Brendale QldPh: 07 3889 7200 Fax: 07 3889 8865Email: [email protected]
ConneCtions MAGAzINEAdvertising submissions: [email protected]: 03 8534 5008
Editorial: Nicola [email protected]
Because there is an opportunity to apply for
more government funding we encourage members
to approach the STA office with suggestions for training enhancements to
benefit the industry.”
STA Committee L to R: Kent Williamson of RMIT, Tom Gastin of Pattons, David Burton of Ricky Richards, Lance St Hill (President) of fabric Solutions Australia, Jamie Howard of Total Shade Solutions and Gary Smith of Campbell and Heeps.
Untitled-2 1 1/03/2012 2:31:14 PM
8 · CONNECTIONS
business neWs
the world of business Building blocks for a stronger manufacturing sectorIn mid August Ai Group Chief Executive Innes
Willox handed the Government The Smarter
Manufacturing for A Smarter Australia Report
which highlights the role manufacturing can
play in building a stronger, balanced and
more resilient economy.
In a nutshell the Report proposes that
Australia capitalises on its considerable
strengths and builds new sources of strength
to position the sector to take advantage of
emerging opportunities.
"Its recommendations go to policies around
innovation; making research organisations
more business facing; skilling and education;
energy and climate policy; procurement …
lifting management capabilities; and trade,”
said Australian Industry Group Chief Executive
Innes Willox, “ ... this is about building a
stronger manufacturing sector and a balanced
and more resilient national economy.”
Over a number of years the Ai Group has
called for a reduction in the company tax rate
to 25%, and Innes Willox believes the Business
Tax Working Group (BTWG) Discussion Paper
lays the foundation for an informed debate
around business tax reform.
"Reducing the tax burden on business
income should be a major priority for
all sides of politics as it would promote
investment, encourage direct investment
from abroad and boost productivity. This is
particularly important for non-mining trade
exposed sectors in the current economic
environment,” he said.
Business trends Late last year the SME Association of
Australia’s Chief Executive Officer Dr
Caroline Hong said "the introduction of the
Carbon Tax which would see an increase in
green conscious businesses and customers
as the awareness of emissions and carbon
outputs grows.” And while many SMEs may
not be directly impacted by the carbon tax,
there may be a flow-on effect of costs from
big businesses to small businesses," she said.
Spelling out the likely trends for small
to medium enterprises (SMEs) this year,
Hong also listed social media, saying it
will challenge the way SMEs do business
and increasingly be an important part of a
competitive strategy, and “present SMEs with
more and more opportunities for economical
ways of interacting with customers and
conducting business transactions themselves”.
Social commerce - where Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) and mobile
technology come together with social
networks to prompt consumers to download
apps, pay with their mobile phone or check
out deals - will become more commonplace.
Also, businesses will find new ways of
lowering costs and attracting customers
through innovative products and ideas
such as pop-up shops, creative apps, shared
office space and cloud computing.
What’s in store?According to the latest Dun & Bradstreet
National Business Expectations Survey,
expectations among Australian firms have
soared to levels not seen in almost a decade,
with over half of businesses anticipating
an increase in sales during the upcoming
December quarter,
The survey revealed businesses also plan to
replenish stock levels and increase staff numbers,
but lingering pressures such as the high dollar
will likely weigh on business outlook, with more
than a quarter (29%) of retailers expecting
the high Australian dollar to have a significant
negative impact on operations.
Almost half (46%) of retailers expect online
competition to have a large adverse affect on
business performance, and "There is a growing
awareness among retailers they are operating
in a rapidly changing environment, where
consumers exercise far greater power than they
used to. Access to price comparison websites
and cheaper overseas alternatives will continue
to impact margins," CEO Gareth Jones said.
There were indications the outlook may
not remain upbeat, as plans for capital
investment remained flat across sectors and
fewer executives expect to seek credit to
finance expansion. Likewise, close to 100 per
cent of retail firms have no plans to finance
capital investment in the coming months,
demonstrating lingering uncertainties.
Countering the ‘soaring expectations’
found by the Dun & Bradstreet survey was
KPMG’s annual Private Companies Survey
which indicates the economic slowdown was
worrying private companies. Around a third
experienced a fall in both revenue and profit
over the previous 12 months and 44% are
experiencing skills shortages, down from 55
percent in 2011.
Almost two thirds of the companies have
plans to introduce new digital communication
channels this year.
Businesses listed key challenges as
continuing global uncertainty, impaired
consumer confidence and skill shortages. That
said, almost nine in ten were “moderately or
well prepared” to meet the challenges ahead
and a similar percentage forecasted revenue
growth for 2012-13.
Specialised Textiles AssociationSuite 201, 22 St Kilda Road, St Kilda Vic 3182
Phone 03 9521 2114 n Fax 03 9521 2116 www.specialisedtextiles.com.au
Manufacturers, installers and suppliers. Together we cover the world.
A S S O C I A T I O N
Specialised Textiles Association Inc.
Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Road, St Kilda Vic 3182Phone 03 9521 2114 n Local Call 1300 555 787
Fax 03 9521 2116 n [email protected] 83 594 171 330 n Registration Number A0010895W
www.specialisedtextiles.com.au
MAM8925
Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th October 2012 Novotel, Brighton Beach, NSW
We are looking for our industry’s younger leaders under the age of 35.
This is a learning experience that will enhance the careers of our young talent.
Are you or do you know a young leader in our industry?
Register your interest to attend now
Contact Mina on 03 9521 2114 or email [email protected] by Tuesday 25th September
2nd National ConferenceYoung LeAdeRSS P e C I A L I S e d T e X T I L e S A S S O C I A T I O N
STA Young Achiever Advert (August12).indd 1 23/08/12 12:39 PM
10 · CONNECTIONS
business neWs
Carbon impact The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission received more
than 630 complaints and enquiries about the carbon price in the 10
days following the introduction of the Carbon Tax on July 1, but very
few enquiries concerned SMEs.
The highest category of complaints received were about claims
made by energy retailers, particularly in relation to electricity bill price
increases and whether they were appropriate. Other enquiries related
to landfill, building and construction and refrigerant gases, but just a
fraction of the carbon price queries related to SMEs.
At the helm of IFAI In early June the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI)
named Mary Hennessy president and CEO. She has been an IFAI
employee for 24 years.
Mary described the IFAI membership as a close-knit, diverse community
of companies, saying “I have often heard it described as a family: noisy,
raucous, opinionated and loyal. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Would you start a business with your family?Clearly for STA members the answer is YES, with many operating a
business alongside a spouse, sibling or parent. But that is not altogether
surprising, given that family businesses account for around 70 per cent
of all businesses in Australia.
Family Business Australia CEO Philippa Taylor says good governance
systems are a major factor in determining the longevity of family
businesses but that only 12 per cent have a family constitution or
charter, which is a vital document to help avoid family conflict in
business and ease the transition from one generation to the other.
The major benefits of the family constitution are: it documents the
values and principles that guide the conduct of the business; defines
the strategic objectives, and sets out the way in which the family will
make decisions affecting the ownership and management of the
business.
“It is imperative that more family businesses adopt a family business
constitution, to help ease the transition from one generation to the
next and ensure the longevity of family businesses and the Australian
economy,” Ms Taylor said.
SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2012 · 11
MARINEFEATURE
Australia’s sailing prowess stood out at the Olympics, but as a business sector how is the marine industry performing? We ask marine trimmers across the nation for their views. And the picture we gained is not unlike choppy seas – up and down.
By Nicola Card
ebb and flow
As the anthem goes, our home is girt by sea, and with most of our
population wrapped around the shores, it is little wonder Australians
boast one of the highest per capita water sports participation rates.
The passion for water sports may extend to a tinny, a mirror dingy or a
cruiser of varying length or size. Or for the better off or more affluent,
an ocean going yacht.
In short, boating is big business. According to the Boating Industries
Alliance Australia the industry directly employs over 28,000 people and
generates revenues of close to $8 billion, a figure that doubles when
indirect employees and revenues are factored in.
Marine trimmers fit into the ‘indirect’ category, and within the
Specialised Textiles Association many members are involved full-
time or part-time in motor trimming, or alternatively sourcing and
supplying fabric to the industry. The latter is one of the many missions
of HVG Fabrics.
Daniel Gollan who is HVG Business Manager says while boating is
a natural extension of the outdoor, sports oriented Australian lifestyle,
“In the past two years people’s cash has been tied up so they have spent less on luxuries”
good weather is a big driver and that “During sunny warm seasons
people’s minds drift to beaches and water. That said, boating fits into
the luxury market which comes as a discretionary spend, and people
will only spend when there is confidence in the economic climate.
“When people are feeling insecure about their jobs they do not want
to go and spend money on their ‘toys’ as it were. From what I have
seen overall over the past five years the market has been stronger and
trending upwards – that was until the last twelve months when people
have struggled to maintain their growth in the industry. But it is still
higher than it was 15 years ago,” Gollan said.
Image courtesy of Pattons
12 · CONNECTIONS
MARINEFEATURE
The market that has hurt the most is the
“trailerble” market. “Let’s call it the lower
end of the demographic, people who can just
stretch themselves to the weekender, they
are the ones who have hurt the most. But the
middle upper as I will call it tend to always
have money and are comfortable spending
money on their 40 footers or cruiser yachts.
They have maintained their lifestyle.”
Therein lies the mainstay of HVG’s marine
activity: sale of fabric for upholstered and
trimmed products for cruisers in the middle to
upper niche. The company sources Nautolex
and brands it under ‘Maritime’, and supplies
seating trim vinyls and clears for canopies
blinds and general marine enclosures. HVG
also caters for awnings and enclosures.
Demand stems from tropical coastal regions
from north Queensland and down into NSW,
and over on the West coast from Perth and up
the coast. For its part, Melbourne has a strong
weekend “trailer-ble” market but demand
generally is weaker along the south coast.
Marine activities constitute a relatively small
component of HVG’s business. “We like to
keep our toes in the water,” Gollan said. “But
there are challenges, clearly the high Aussie
dollar creates opportunities as it is cheaper to
import fully finished products or upholstered
solutions for boats; the downside is the local
market and economy are unable to compete.
“That is challenging. And we need to be
prepared for the next trends develop from a
fully imported environment. Meantime, the
market is soft but we are all hoping for a strong
season. We have had a lot of rain across the
country which may be good for farmers but
has impacted on outdoor living. A good spell
of hot dry weather over summer will send
people to their boats,”
rise in water levels and boating activity Apparently rainfall has a different – namely,
positive - impact inland, as Rob of Patch’s
Canvas Manufacturing in Bendigo illustrated.
Nearby is Lake Eppaloch which is circled by a
series of caravan parks, and the drought which
all but completely dried up the otherwise
popular lake also hit water sports hard.
“For many years boats were just sitting
unused under cover on trailers with flat tyres
… people could not use them during the
dry weather. It caused a mass exodus from
Bendigo with owners heading north and to the
River Murray in Echuca,” he explained.
He describes the marine industry in general
as “a feast or famine,” saying “Big boats are
like high end sports cars ... these “toys” are
sold off or mothballed when the industry takes
a dive.”
Concurring with him is fabricator Corie
Kotzur of Kotzur Kanvas located “out in the
sticks” of Wagga. He observes that “During the
past two years people’s cash has been tied up
so they have spent less on luxuries. That is the
big picture. And many lost their boats when
the economy shut down, it went sour grapes
as boat owners could not afford to do anything
with them. Some just left them in their back
yard.”
The scenario was echoed by Nigel Gillie of
NG Upholstery which is located on the North
West coast of Tasmania between Burnie and
Devonport and since 1995 has fabricated
canopies, tops and side curtains and travel
covers for protection from the elements.
Gillie watched as marine demand tapered
off in tandem with the economy, and today
demand for marine upholstery represents a
lesser part of his business.
“The economy is not what it was ten years
ago when there was more money floating
around and people were buying boats,” he told
Connections.
Paul Medforth of Paradise PVC Welding in
Queensland also reported a market dip but
finds it varies month to month. “The marine
industry is not as seasonal as you think it
would be. It gets busier at Christmas, that is a
given, but it does not die off in winter like you
think it would.”
At the diagonally opposite end of the
continent is Albany which is home to Ken
Stone of Ken Stone Motor Trimmers. In his
experience the larger boat market - 25 to
40 footers – has remained more buoyant
compared with smaller boats, an observation
which parallels Gollan’s view.
“These bigger boats are moored in pens
and owners need trimmers and others to come
and work on them,” Stone said. “They cannot
just pluck them out of the water and go to the
nearest shops for a quote! So we do custom
marine fittings such as big clears on fly bridge
type boats.
“Demand for custom designed products is
greater in bigger boats, compared with parts
for smaller and ‘trailer-ble’ boats of 12 to 25
feet which are more commonly bought from a
“The economy is not what it was ten years ago when there was more money floating around and more people were buying boats.”
Image courtesy of Ken Stone Motor Trimmers and Pattons
SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2012 · 13
boat dealer. Commercial stuff has fallen a bit
by the wayside in recent years.”
But again echoing Gollan’s experience he
says the marine activity had taken a dive due
in part to the rise in Chinese manufactured
products and the kit forms that are produced.
“The more of that the less busy you get. In
the west of Australia there used to be up to a
dozen big boat builders or dealers but now
there are just four or five because they make
their own products and sell it all as a package
deal – boat, canopy, fishing items. And instead
of repairing products the local dealer just gets
a new one in.
“The whole trade is shrinking, that is the
problem. So people are looking for new
markets.”
holding value The good news for boat owners is unlike cars,
boats tend not to lose their value, depending
on the brand and appearance some hold
their value for decades, which leads to a
healthy second-hand market and a willingness
by owners of older boats to invest in parts
to maintain their asset. In turn that shores
up demand for maintenance and parts, a
scenario that benefits Pattons.
The business is located idyllically on the
Kirribilli foreshore on Sydney harbour. Tom
Gastin said “What we are finding is that
people are sprucing up their boats rather than
buying new ones, so sales of new boats may
be down. And when people are flushed with
funds they tend to order customised covers,
but the cheaper option is a factory set.”
Gastin did say that the marine side of
business had been slower than normal over
the past year, “However in the past few months
things have picked up and I have been told by
Nolan.UDA that they are selling more marine
related materials.”
no trimmer, no marineThere is good reason why the marine market
has completely dried up for Joel Chamberlain of
BDM Leather and Canvas at Rockingham south
of Perth. Up until five years ago his business was
industriously involved in marine trimming but
today it has whittled away to nothing.
“We lost our skilled marine and motor
trimmer so that was the end of it, we gave it
away!” he said. “We do not miss it too much as
it was a bit of a pain, people off the street are
harder to deal with and tend to create more
issues and problems. We now deal with more
industrial clients. We have not looked back.”
Still over in the west but much further
north is Loi Odore of Tropical Upholstery.
Situated in Broome, he presented a colourful
snapshot of local dynamics. In common with
other businesses located in relatively remote
regions, Tropical Upholstery tends to cover all
facets of fabrication from trim and upholstery.
“I am not unique – that is what we all do. But
the marine side of our business is nothing like
it used to be, we are doing different work. We
used to do lots of work on charter and diving
boats and also for the pearling industry but
that is changing. Mining personnel [new to the
district] are starting to buy bigger boats so we
are getting more orders for clears for the ten
to 25 footers and for canopies, clears, cushions
clears and covers
“There is quite a bit of money up here and
people are investing, there are lots of fly-in
fly-out people, and if the gas project on the
peninsula gets going things will get even
busier and bring more money into town.”
Odore added that property prices in
Broome had shot right up and the population
had doubled in size over the past 20 years to
20,000.
“The building industry is going hell for
leather. Western Australia is the [economic]
backbone of Australia right now – it is where
the money is. From Geraldton upwards where
there is mining there is money.”
taking the wind out of the sails…Far from the lucrative mining district – and at
the slower end of the two speed economy - is
Melbourne’s Quality Craft Coverings. Industry
“Being a non-essential, the leisure industry is generally the first hit and the last to come back.”
Fully adjustable • No welding Spans over 6m
www.triax.com.au(02) 9804 1146
New for 2012Fixed 90° couplingNew for 2012Fixed 90° coupling
14 · CONNECTIONS
veteran Paul Baker told Connections that the
marine industry suffered, diving heavily due
to the GFC and cheap imports.
“The GFC really hit hard, we noticed
the decline over a space of 12 months then
it bottomed out say three years ago and
did not start to pick up till six months ago.
Being a non-essential, the leisure industry is
generally the first hit and the last to
come back.
“But marine sales are now climbing
back up as people are regaining a bit of
confidence and we are finding that they are
doing up their old boats. Many have been
putting it off for ages but can no longer.”
Quality Craft Coverings has been servicing
“trailer-able” boats of up to 6.5 metres but
moving with the times now does more on-site
work with larger vessels. “Previously we were
too busy in-house but with the economic
downturn we have been out chasing more
on-site business. This takes the team as far
east as Lakes Entrance, west to Geelong and
north to Eildon working mainly on cruisers
fitting bimini tops and new clears on fly
bridges.”
Quality Craft Coverings imports marine
acrylic from the US but sources marine
vinyl from a distributor. Over the years the
company has developed a range of marine
fittings: nylon fitting for frameworks and boat,
plastic tracking around the hard tops, plus
a range of stainless steel fittings; which they
sell around Australia.
“We are very committed to boating! We got
into café blinds but probably should have
diversified more but you tend to get stuck in
your ways. I have been doing boat covers for
37 years now and that is what I am good at!”
Baker chuckled.
Business diversification is strongly
advocated by Rob of Patch’s Canvas
Manufacturing in Bendigo.
The veteran’s advice? “Do a bit of everything
… stay in a range of things, diversify as a
means of protection when the makes shifts
and turns.”
Sage advice from a long-timer, given the
apparent ups and downs and ins and outs of
the marine sector. By our tally there are many
elements beyond control – too much rain, not
enough rain, a deluge of imported goods,
wavering economic confidence. It therefore
bodes well to equip yourself for all sales and
seasons.
training developmentsFor an update on marine and motor trimming
training, see Lawrence De Paoli’s (Head
Teacher - Autobody Repair, Refinish &
Trimming Sydney TAFE) insights on page 26,
also the Serge Ferrari / Innova International
marine workshops feature on page 28.
MARINEFEATURE
“Marine is a feast or famine … big boats are like high end sports cars ... these “toys” are sold off when the economy takes a dive.”
ReflectionsGiven his lengthy span in the marine industry we asked Paul Baker of Quality Craft Coverings to cast his mind back over the decades.
Back in 1982 when he started out the marine industry was predominantly all about white marine vinyls with a little beige thrown in for good measure. “That was all that was available until acrylic came on to the market in the mid eighties and took over, as it came with a range of eight [attractive] colours. Everyone turned away from vinyl which had shrinkage and other problems and was heavy to work with.”
He added that during the ‘80s and ‘90s they sourced acrylic locally but experienced problems with leakage. “We wanted to get all our stock from Australia but had no choice … the fabric leaked and the manufacturer was unable to improve it. So when we went over to the Miami boat show in the mid nineties we looked for and found the best acrylic and introduced it to Australia. It now comes in 50 different colours.”
Half a container is imported at a time to their factory opposite from where it is distributed to other trimmers across Australia.
“Basic designs have also developed over the years,” Baker said. “Boat owners have moved away from canopies to bimini tops so they can stand and look through a clear at the front rather than through a windscreen.”
Boating evidently runs in the family, 30 years ago Paul’s brother Phillip established Craft Coverings in Queensland.
WINDOW FURNISHINGS LINERS & COVERS
5-7 June 2013Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition CentreShowcase your business at Austral ia’s largest trade exhibit ion for the window furnishings and special ised tex ti les industr ies.
SHADE PRODUC TS
Inspira t ion in design & tex t i les!EXPOSUPER 2013
To book your exhibition space or become a sponsor par tner contac t Brett Greene on 07 3262 3114 or email [email protected]
A S S O C I A T I O NBLIND MANUFACTURERS’
ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
Presented by
superexpo2013.com.au