CULTIVATING A LEGACY
Alspec shines as a leading light and market trendsetter in the design and distribution of innovative aluminium systems. We delve deeper into the company’s epic journey from modest inception and innovating with purpose, to becoming a titan of the industry across five decades
Writer: Ed Budds Project Manager: Nicholas Kernan
From humble beginnings in 1974, selling swimming pool handles from the back of a Volkswagen Beetle, Alspec has grown impressively over the course of 50 years to be Australia’s most prominent and largest aluminium distributor.
More broadly, the company’s designated realm of expertise sits at the heart of the nation’s ever-expanding construction industry, which is currently experiencing a dynamic new phase driven by technological advancements and a heightened focus on sustainability.
Alspec stands out in the titanic, competitive world of aluminium systems as a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and excellence.
Today, the business is regarded as an industry leader in the design and distribution of forward-thinking aluminium systems to the architectural, residential, commercial, industrial, and home-improvement markets.
It is an exciting time for the company, with significant developments underway in the fields of smart building technologies and sustainable construction practices.
As such, Alspec is well positioned to leverage these trends, offering products that meet the demands of modern construction while adhering to stringent environmental standards.
Furthermore, as an Australianowned company, it has carved out a significant niche in the aluminium industry, equipping professionals with a wide range of aluminium systems and products designed for commercial, residential, home improvement, solar energy and industrial applications.
The company diligently serves its loyal customer base, providing comprehensive solutions for architects, fabricators, builders, developers, and renovators.
Drawing on over five decades of
experience, Alspec has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of the market, driven by a firm commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
With locations across Australia and a network of over 800 employees, the company has become well-respected and known for its innovative approach and high standards of service. As such, the company’s in-house design, development, and testing facilities ensure it stays at the forefront of construction standards, technological advancements, and new market trends.
ALUMINIUM IN A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY
As a leading extruder and distributor in the downstream Australian aluminium value chain, Alspec is resolutely committed to making a meaningful impact on efforts towards combatting climate change and contributing to a more sustainably
built environment across the nation.
Thus, sustainability is not just a buzzword at Alspec; it is a core principle that guides the company’s operations and future planning.
The recent launch of its inaugural sustainability report marks a pivotal moment in the business’ journey towards environmental stewardship.
Notably, during a recent event at Alspec’s Eastern Creek National Headquarters, attended by Chris Bowen, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the company showcased its firm commitment to driving sustainable outcomes across the nation’s built environment.
Within a sustainable construction landscape, such as the burgeoning Australian space, aluminium has its specific roles to play in maintaining an environmentally-friendly economy.
In this way, aluminium stands out across a multitude of sectors but shines particularly in the realms of
building and construction for its light weight, strength, and recyclability.
Alspec capitalises on these positive attributes by offering bespoke aluminium solutions that advance sustainability across Australian construction projects.
Additionally, the metal can be recycled infinitely without any degradation in quality. This is a unique attribute that sets it apart from many other materials, which often suffer from a loss of structural integrity or quality during the recycling process.
Alongside this, aluminium’s lightweight nature and high strengthto-weight ratio contribute to energy savings, especially in transport applications. Furthermore, the company’s ongoing initiatives in energy conservation align with the metal’s intrinsic energy-efficient properties, further reducing the overall environmental impact across its numerous projects.
ALSPEC VALUES OF R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
RESILIENCE
• Instead of finding reasons to fail, Alspec finds reasons to succeed.
• The company seeks support from others as it cannot succeed alone.
• A resilient mindset allows Alspec to approach problems with optimism.
• The business takes criticism constructively.
EXCELLENCE
• Alspec is passionate about its people, process, product, and service excellence.
• Excellence is not just a value but a discipline and way of life.
• The company relentlessly seeks ways to improve and perfect all that it does whilst accepting challenges without fear.
SAFETY
• Keeping its people and others safe is the Alspec way of life.
• The company empowers its employees to always place their and others’ safety before profits.
• The safe execution of operations comes above all else.
PEOPLE
• Alspec encourages its staff to communicate effectively, openly, and honestly, promising to listen to each other, collaborate, and have fun.
• The company shares responsibilities, successes, support, and a strong sense of family and community, as well as providing career opportunities through continuous training and development programmes.
ENVIRONMENT
• Alspec acts as a role model for others, both internally and externally, and in its stewardship of the environment.
• The company always ensures open and transparent dialogue.
• Alspec looks to lead industry competence in the reduction of its carbon footprint by embracing continuous environmental improvement initiatives for businesses.
• The company aims to eliminate non-biodegradable waste through recycling initiatives.
CUSTOMER
• Alspec always aims to exceed its customers’ expectations.
• Customer loyalty must always be earned and never expected.
• The company commits to and delivers on its promises.
TRUST
• Alspec acts with absolute uncompromised honesty and integrity.
• The company abides by or exceeds relevant industry legislation and product standards.
• Alspec always adheres to the rule of law.
• The company accepts responsibility for its actions.
ACCREDITATION
Dulux is proud to have all five Alspec sites fully Dulux Accredited.
By being Dulux Accredited, Alspec is able to provide an assurance of quality as they demonstrate the standards through:
• Product testing
• Factory audit
• Following specifications - including vital pretreatment and minimum coating levels
• Maintaining samples, testing results and records
Most importantly, Dulux Accreditation means Altus is able to provide Dulux Alumi Shield™ Warranties for projects.
Dulux - Proudly supporting Alspec
At Dulux Powder Coatings, we are proud to have been a key partner of Alspec during their 50 years, delivering proven high-quality coatings and leading colours and finishes for their innovative aluminium systems.
But it hasn’t just been our coatings that have enabled us to be a market leader and key partner of Alspec. We partner with architects, interior designers, builders and fabricators to deliver first-class construction outcomes.
PRODUCT EXCELLENCE
Dulux’s innovation pipeline is developed with Alspec in mind and tailored for Australian and New Zealand conditions by its ANZ Innovation Centre. This has resulted in all Dulux finishes being backed by Dulux Alumi Shield™ Warranties, providing leading durability and colour protection. This combination of leading warrantable protection, a focus on delivering products for the design community and a relationship where Dulux is a key partner of Alspec has resulted in Dulux featuring on many projects completed by Alspec, such as the stunning Cannes Waterfront project on the riverfront enclave right in the middle of Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise.
This exquisite project, designed by DBI and built by Condev Constructions, draws inspiration from the French Riviera and features Dulux Charisma Black.
Cannes Waterfront Apartments
Coater: Alspec NSW
Builder: Condev Construction
Fabricators: Tweed Coast Glass
Architect: DBI
Photographer: Troy Sanders
Image: ©Dulux Australia
Briana Keenahan, Dulux Powder Coatings National Sales Manager
Our technical expertise and colour tools allow us to provide end-to-end support to the design and construction sectors, from the architect through to the builder, to influence the specification of our coatings.
For key customers such as Altus, as a Dulux Accredited Powder Coater, they can confidently meet these specification requirements and issue Dulux warranties for the coatings to win projects.
COLOUR LEADERSHIP
As a colour leader, Dulux supports the market with leading specification tools so that projects are always specified with Dulux and ensures that Altus, as a Dulux Accredited Powder Coater, is chosen for commercial projects.
Dulux is always developing and innovating in this area and tools currently available include:
• Powder Coated Swatches
• Colour Walls - As a key partner, Alspec AluSpace showrooms all feature Dulux Premium Colour walls and the factory lines have new “On-line”
Colour walls
• Swatch Boxes – Our full offer of architectural swatches are available in swatch boxes for major architects and commercial specification teams
• Custom Colour Service – Dulux custom colour service is targeted to assist Alspec in winning bespoke colour projects
ADVICE & EXPERTISE
Dulux empowers Alspec and their customers to succeed through advice when they need it. With a key focus on the specification market and ensuring our products work at all Alspec sites, this support includes:
• Online Tools - Provide specifiers and applicators access to specifications to colour, products and technical advice including BIM assets to help generate designs with Dulux colour more easily and accurately
• Advice and Specification Consultants - With Dulux’s support it has never been easier to have powder coating enquiries answered, including product selection advice, specification requests and sample colour swatch ordering support
• Dedicated Powder Coating Commercial Business Development Managers - based in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, this team are ready to assist Below is another great example of a project specified and delivered by Alspec and Dulux.
The Upper House Apartments in South Brisbane delivered a breathtaking design that balanced the extreme wind pressure the building is subjected to with the need to maximise window openings to increase natural light.
Upper House Apartments, South Brisbane
Coater: Alspec
Builder: Minicon Constructions
Fabricators: Queensland Façades Systems
Architect: Koichi Takada Architects
Photographer: Troy Sanders
AESTHETICALLY PLEASING AND SAFE DESIGNS
A key strength of Alspec’s building prowess is its ability to adapt designs to perfectly suit and complement its customers’ construction designs.
Across Australia, new learning and educational environments are being created by the company with a variety of spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, comfortable, and offer opportunities for important social interaction. Alspec understands that a healthy
learning space plays a crucial part in how individuals learn and develop.
Students spend much of their time looking at screens and boards and therefore often shift their focus to a window and look outside to regain focus, recharge, and hopefully feel inspired.
On top of this, the company has invested in its ability to create safe, comfortable, and welcoming living spaces in aged care facilities that require careful consideration of design
and materials for vulnerable residents.
The company’s speciality aluminium windows and doors perfectly suit these settings, offering a blend of durability, aesthetic appeal, energy efficiency, and functional benefits.
Elsewhere, Alspec’s liveable design initiative encompasses the company’s focus on the inclusion of key easy living features that aim to make spaces more accessible and safer to use for residents.
Silky Oaks Lodge
Kam Kiu Aluminium Group (KAP) is a professional Hong Kong-funded aluminium extrusion company headquartered in Hong Kong with its production base located in Taishan, Guangdong. The main products are 3C electronics, lightweight transportation, construction engineering, life optimisation, industrial production and other aluminium profiles.
Having accumulated 40+ years of experience and as it continues to forge ahead, KAP has developed into a technology-based enterprise, integrating aluminium alloy design and manufacture, mold design and manufacture, aluminium casting, aluminium extrusion, surface treatment and precision machining, which provides customers with a one-stop solution.
KAP takes technology and innovation as the driving force for development, and is committed to designing independent aluminium product solutions to meet the needs of customers.
Website: www.kamkiu.com
Email: info@kamkiu.com
Contact number: 852 2302 0808
ALSPEC’S KEY PROJECTS
The company’s portfolio is a testament to its capability and versatility in delivering unparalleled aluminium solutions. Some of its highlights include:
KALINDA DRIVE RESIDENCE: The modernisation of this 1960s home in City Beach, Western Australia, showcases Alspec’s ability to blend classic architecture with modern design. Expansive windows and doors from the company’s portfolio provide stunning ocean views and enhance the open-plan living spaces.
BROOKVALE OVAL REDEVELOPMENT CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE: Led by architects Hassell Ltd and completed by ADCO Constructions, this project stands as a testament to architectural innovation. The facility includes advanced training and meeting spaces, with Alspec products ensuring its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
THE LOCKER ROOM: This construction represents an iconic four-level venue in the Sydney Olympic Park district, designed with a keen focus on sustainability. Alspec’s products were pivotal in achieving a 5-star Green Star Performance rating.
GIPPSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE: A state-of-the-art facility that required precise window and door solutions to ensure acoustic performance and energy efficiency.
SILKY OAKS LODGE: Nestled in the Daintree Rainforest, this luxury resort uses Alspec’s framing solutions to seamlessly integrate the built space into the natural environment.
ROCKHAMPTON MUSEUM OF ART: Featuring expansive glazing that showcases heritage architecture, this project highlights Alspec’s ability to provide both aesthetic and functional solutions.
This allows for less trip hazards and an improved level of moveability for people with a disability, senior residents, individuals with temporary injuries, and families with young children. As part of this range, Alspec now boasts a selection of products suitable for a flush sill or ramped access for residential and commercial applications.
LOOKING AHEAD
As Alspec looks optimistically towards another 50 years of success, the company’s priorities include expanding its product range, enhancing its sustainability initiatives, and continuing to lead the way in terms of innovation, determination, and longevity.
Alspec aims to achieve specific targets related to carbon reduction,
Since partnering in 2010, Alspec has been Phifer’s National Distributor of fibreglass, aluminium and specialty insect screening. Congratulations on their 50 years of innovation and service!
High performance sealing solutions
With over a century of experience, Schlegel stands for high quality gaskets.
From innovative custom solutions to continuous improvement of existing processes, materials and products, Schlegel offers the very highest standards for every type of aluminium, pvc, timber windows and doors.
• Brush Seals
• Polyurethane Foam Seals
• Extruded Seals
ALSPEC KEY SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
GREENCORE LOW-CARBON ALUMINIUM: Alspec’s GreenCore range represents a groundbreaking shift towards low-carbon aluminium products. With a carbon intensity significantly lower than the industry average, GreenCore products demonstrate Alspec’s commitment to reducing the company’s environmental impact.
RENEWABLE ENERGY INITIATIVES: Alspec Solar is a strategic initiative to install advanced solar panel technology across all its facilities, offering a sustainable, commercial, and environmental solution to its network of fabricators.
COMMITMENT TO THE UNITED NATIONS’ SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (UN SDGS): Alspec has committed to six of these goals, ensuring its practices align with global sustainability standards.
ETHICAL SOURCING AND RECYCLING: The company emphasises ethical sourcing of low-carbon aluminium and has implemented comprehensive recycling programmes to minimise waste.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Alspec invests in community initiatives aimed at promoting health, safety, and well-being among employees and partners with various charitable causes.
product development, and market expansion, while its focus remains on providing high-quality, sustainable solutions that meet the evolving needs of its range of clients.
Designing and distributing aluminium systems across a number of markets and regions demands a diverse range of skills and talents in customer service, purchasing, warehouse operation, truck driving, area management, and sales and marketing.
Meanwhile, the company continues to invest heavily in R&D to ensure the latest technologies and design principles are applied to its ever-increasing range of advanced systems. This provides Alspec’s customers with fully tested systems that meet or exceed current Australian standards and deliver on fresh trends and aesthetics.
From fabricators to specifiers, working with Alspec ensures easy
access to a team of experienced and technically competent people who are aluminium systems specialists with real expertise in all facets of the industry.
The company is more than just a provider of aluminium systems, it is defined by its innovators, sustainability advocates, and trusted partners in the construction industry.
In this way, Alspec’s epic journey continues as it strives to build a more sustainable and efficient future for the built environment in Australia and beyond.
Extrusion process
Building
