A wealth of opportunities

from Our Goulburn Valley 2022

Business acumen keeps the wheels turning

SHEPPARTON’S Furphy Foundry has grown from an agricultural implement maker to a leader in sustainable manufacturing, specialising in Australian made Street and Park Furniture and public Open Space Structures.

Furphy Foundry managing director, Sam Furphy, says innovation and resilience is key to the Foundry’s success during the past 158 years.

“Since it was established in 1864, Furphy Foundry has continued to evolve with the times – a great example of this was our investment in solar panel installation across the Shepparton facility in 2021,” he said.

“All Furphy Foundry products – including our highly durable picnic settings, benches, litter receptacles, bike racks, drinking fountains, shelters and more – are now manufactured from a clean, green, energy source.”

The Foundry’s aluminium casting facility was upgraded with a new electric furnace which is also powered by solar energy. Heat output into the environment has reduced while production output of castings and associated products has increased. “We’re continually looking for ways to achieve a sustainable future, whether it’s introducing a non-carbon product range, offering a solar light kit solution for new and existing shelters, or using more sustainable materials,” Sam said.

All Furphy Foundry products are now manufactured from a clean, green,

energy source. ADVANCING IN THE WORLD OF MANUFACTURING…Furphy Foundry managing director Sam Furphy said "Innovation and resilience is key to the Foundry’s success during the past 158 years". Photo: Supplied

- Sam Furphy

Growing national demand has also contributed to a 25 percent expansion of the Shepparton operation’s manufacturing facility this past year. All these advancements have created an opportunity to upskill the team, create further career pathways and hire more locals, which is great for the local community and its valued suppliers in the Goulburn Valley.