IN A marriage of cutting edge and traditional engineering technology, anti-vibration engineers Vulcanite Corporation have moved under the umbrella of Chess Industries.
Vulcanite’s move adds a fourth division to the Chess Industries group joining their Engineering, Flameproof and Aviation Divisions.
It also allows each company to take advantage of common ground in the marketplace and client base — particularly in the rail, mining and construction sectors.
Together, the two businesses can offer clients a much expanded range of services backed by a combined 100 years of engineering experience.
While Chess has built its name in the general engineering sector, Vulcanite has carved out a specialist niche providing anti-vibration components for mass transit systems and construction equipment.
The latter company now exports its products and expertise to Asia, Europe and the US providing further opportunities for growth.
Chess Industries CEO, Steve Facer said, in welcoming the addition of Vulcanite to the Chess Group, that there is a great deal of synergy in the methodologies and in the companies approach to customer relations.
“Customer satisfaction is paramount as is our commitment to quality.
“This is a marriage of two technologies which complement each other to the great advantage of both enterprises and to our customers.”
Vulcanite’s General Manager, Matthew Park said the merger has created a critical mass not previously seen in the Australian rail industry.
“We are now poised to take significant advantage of advances in both passenger and freight transportation that are being influenced by energy efficient and climate change considerations.”
Incorporated in 1946 with a trading history dating back to 1911, Vulcanite originally supplied moulded rubber components.
In the early 1980s, however, the company identified opportunities in locally manufacturing replacement parts for imported construction equipment — an area where there was little or no local competition.
This provided a solid base for growth allowing the company to expand into the rail rolling stock industry — a sector which now accounts for 65% of Vulcanite’s business nationally and internationally.
For more information email m.hood@chessindustries.com.au.