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MEMBER PROFILE | Walshs Glass
Celebrating the Past, Looking to the Future
Walshs Glass: 50 Years Leading the Induistry
The Walshs Glass story started off small with John and his business partner Brian, initially specialising in replacement glazing, shower screens and security, operating out of their first factory in Willetton, Western Australia. Walshs longest serving employee and current Technical Manager, Steve Harris, remembers these early days well: 'Things were a bit rough around the edges, but everything was in the 80s. I was just sweeping the floors and doing general work, but I felt like I was part of something. It was a great place to work, and it still is, otherwise I wouldn't have stayed for 46 years.'
From small things, big things grow and by the early 1990s, John and Brian invested heavily in technology installing the first Intermac CAD and CAM (CNC) Machine in Australia. This was closely followed by a Tamglass toughening furnace and, at the end of the decade, their first LiSEC cutting tables. This investment paid off, with the business breaking all existing sales milestones in June 2000 and surpassing the 100 employee mark in 2001.
In 2003, having established Walshs Glass as Western Australia's leading glass supplier, John and Brian handed over the reins to Darryl Black and DBSJ Investments, who took over with a vision to lead the company into a bright future. Over the next five years, they invested further into the capacity of the manufacturing process, pushing forward into an expanding market. This included installing A+W Software, two factory relays, automatic crane loading, laminate cutting tables, IGU line, KSR arris line and upgrading the CNC machinery.
Walshs Executive Operations Manager, Steve Cuff, believes the level of investment in automation has been critical to Walshs' growth strategy over the years. 'Moving away from manual processes and installing industry-leading equipment has not only been important for the safety of our employees, but also the high quality and service we provide our customers.
'We know our customer's success relies on our seamless service and ability to deliver it right the first time, so we pull out all the stops to make sure that happens.'
In this same decade, Walshs Glass exited the retail industry, closing their retail locations to focus exclusively on trade and the commercial glass industry.
A refreshed brand in 2010 saw Walshs Glass take the look and feel of the business well into the 21st century. This was followed by further investments in technology and improvements in double-glazing, custom laminating and digital printing, which paved the way for the company to end 2015 exceeding record sales volumes.
Since 2015, they've worked on some major projects in the Perth region including the Shell Petroleum office and the prestigious Ritz Carlton Hotel. Their outstanding work on the Shell office was recognised by the Australian Glass and Glazing Association (the precursor to AGWA) with their 2016 Award for a Commercial Project over $750,000.
Evolution in the industry has seen an increased focus on energy efficient glass products through performance coatings, laminates and double-glazing units. Changes in building codes and technology will see these products play an even greater role in future glass supply. As the exclusive supplier of premium Viridian™ LightBridge™ and PerformaTech™ Double Glazing in the West Australian market, Walshs distributes the largest volume of Australian-made glass in Western Australia.
Walshs Glass also has a range of innovative in-house glass products, such as Walshs TwinSeal, that complement other standard and imported glass types.
Now in 2021, the focus is on innovation, with an upgrade to the furnace, the introduction of new technology in edging, and shifting growth the strategy up a gear with a brand refresh.
Leading the Walshs team into the future is General Manager, Shane Redhead. Joining the team in 2020, Shane understands how important it is to retain elements of Walshs local and family heritage in the refreshed branding. 'As we turn 50, we're moving our brand forward but retaining those elements that have made Walshs the success it is today. We're proud of our history and who we are becoming,' he says. 'Our people are passionate about glass, whether something small and everyday, or something innovative and new. You can trust our people know what they're talking about – and deliver right the first time.'
Their latest award win in the 2021 AGWA Design Awards for best Bespoke Glass/Window Project under $10, 000, acknowledges the creative and innovative thinking from the Walshs team. The award-winning oversized glazed skylight for EMCO Building's Glyde Street Apartments project allows natural light to brighten and illuminate what would be an otherwise dark space.
A striking feature of the apartment entrance and ground floor lobby, it is comprised of a custom circular aluminium frame and glass that was installed with the assistance of a crane to ensure precision. 'We're honoured to have been recognised by our industry association – this was a small but complex job. The team took the requirements of the client and designed a beautiful solution to suit their needs,' says Shane.
It takes a lot of passionate people to make Walshs Glass the success that it is. Over the years, they've created a supportive and fulfilling environment for their people and even though they've grown to more than 100 employees, they've always maintained their small team feel. A significant number of their team have been with Walshs for more than 20 years, including two members of their leadership team. They believe in supporting their people to develop and grow in their careers, including the next generation of glaziers through their apprenticeship program.
Walshs is proud to be celebrating 50 years in the industry and in service to the West Australian market. As they take their next steps, customers can be assured they'll continue to receive exceptional service backed by the knowledge and expertise that comes with being supplied by the experts in glass.
The Walshs Glass story started off small with John and his business partner Brian, initially specialising in replacement glazing, shower screens and security, operating out of their first factory in Willetton, Western Australia. Walshs longest serving employee and current Technical Manager, Steve Harris, remembers these early days well:
'Things were a bit rough around the edges, but everything was in the 80s. I was just sweeping the floors and doing general work, but I felt like I was part of something. It was a great place to work, and it still is, otherwise I wouldn't have stayed for 46 years.'
