Paramount
SAFETY GROUP
a history of safety
In the beginning, there were gloves...
1992
Our founder Rob Bird recognises the potential for laundering and recycling industrial gloves and invests in a Bunbury business, Protector Industrial Services. Operations moved to Cressall St, Balcatta. The company picks up, processes and returns laundered gloves to clients. In the course of operations there are requests for new gloves and other products.
Looking to expand...
1998
1999
Laundering equipment is sold off and 100% focus is given to developing a PPE range as Rob recognizes the fast expanding requirements for improved workplace health and safety in Australia. Establish a Victorian sales warehouse.
Name changes to Paramount Safety Products. An economical supply of new gloves is sought from overseas. David Choong and Rob Bird travel to China and meet Geoffrey Fu of Sunfan Gloves and order the first container load of mixed gloves - the business association continues to this day. To increase turnover, Paramount establishes a presence in Melbourne. First catalogue produced.
Number of Containers (20 foot) 2
A policy is established to sell only to resellers and not to end-users. The practice breeds brand loyalty, which exists to this day. Rob Bird is greatly respected for his integrity and loyalty to customers and employees. He treats all he has dealings with in a fair, ethical and convivial manner. New items are added to the inventory as demanded by customers. First orders of safety glasses (2 pallets) and dust masks (2 pallets) are imported from China. Second catalogue published.
Number of Containers 4
2000
BRISBANE - Circa 2008
New South Wales sales office established. Victorian operation moves to an expanded warehouse and office in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Bayswater.
Number of Containers 6 SYDNEY Circa 2001 PERTH - Circa 2006
MELBOURNE Circa 2001
BRISBANE - Circa 2008
2001
New South Wales warehouse opens in western Sydney suburb of Mount Druitt– 400m2. A rudimentary website demonstrates the company’s willingness to embrace new technology. Next catalogue produced to exhibit expanding range of products.
Number of Containers 23
2002
Queensland branch opens in southern 2 Brisbane suburb of Loganholme - 500m . Rob and the small Paramount team moves to warehouse/office at Delawney Street Balcatta - 700m2.
AS/NZS 1801 Lic 20500
Hard hats introduced to the product range. NSW and Vic teams expanded to 2 reps each.
Number of Containers 72
A new look...
2004
Rapid business growth leads Rob to commission a marketing survey to establish a blueprint for moving forward. New logos, packaging and promotional material is designed and the new brand is launched as ProChoice Safety Gear, with an expanded inventory of PPE products. Visors, sun protection cream and site safety products added to range. Commence exporting into New Zealand. New branding and packaging revealed at National Safety Show in Sydney.
Number of Containers 150
2005
The new image is successful, winning the WA Institute of Marketing Award for new branding and packaging. A new catalogue and web site is unveiled, including an online ordering portal well ahead of it’s time. The new brand and marketing collateral gives resellers a clear range to promote and the evolution of the brand encourages Paramount staff to take pride and belief in the ProChoice products.
A company with a conscience…
2006
As a tangible company commitment to the wider community Paramount becomes a sponsor and promoter of the Clean-Up Australia Day initiative. Involvement with charities and community projects grows, with support for Sailors with Disabilities, The Scott Kirkbride Melanoma Research Centre and other causes. Build and move into new, larger premises at Mumford Place in Balcatta – 1400m2.
Display for the first time at A+A Safety show at Dusseldorf, Germany introducing the brand to a world wide audience.
Rob Bird is a Regional Finalist in the Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Number of Containers 210
World Boxing Champion Danny Green is retained as the ‘tough and tested’ face of ProChoice. Commence exporting to PNG.
AS/NZS 1716 Lic 1508
AS/NZS 1337 ID No 3090 AS/NZS 1716 Australian/ No 5051 New ID Zealand Standards
Hearing protection range is introduced. New catalogue is released.
Number of Containers 319
Danny Green Boxing Champion
2008
Opening of purpose-built warehouse at Loganholme, Queensland – 3000m2. 20 Employees around Australia, with distributors in every state.
Number of Containers 382
2009
Opening of purpose-built warehouse at Moorebank, NSW – 3500m2. South Australian sales operation established.
Number of Containers 250
A changing of the guard …
2010
Tragically, founder and mentor Rob Bird dies suddenly, but the Bird family retain control of the business Rob had poured so much energy into. He had gained great satisfaction realising his vision in seeing Paramount become the leading independently owned PPE brand in Australia, a mantle that has only strengthened to this day. It was during the challenges of 2010 that Paramount’s core strength, being it’s amazing team of loyal and hard working employees, really came to the fore. Signs and Labels division is set up after acquiring an established pad printing operation in Sydney. WORKIT Workwear created as a sister operation to focus on supply of work wear. EN 388
Number of Containers 391
2012
New Zealand warehouse & operation is established making Paramount Safety Products, and ProChoice Safety Gear a truly dominant force Downunder. Thorzt electrolytic rehydration drink launched in response to the market’s need for an industrial rehydration solution specifically created for Australia’s harsh working conditions.
BRISBANE
WORKIT Workwear establishes a national presence in NSW, Vic & Qld.
The Paramount team - 2011
Number of Containers 472 + 25 Workit PERTH
SYDNEY ADELAIDE MELBOURNE
AUCKLAND
2015
New warehouse and administration centre is completed at Gnangara WA to house ProChoice and WORKIT Workwear operations - 4000m2. LINQ height safety range is introduced.
...exporting to 10 different countries and with the most widespread wholesale PPE stock holding in Australasia.
2016
New facility in New Zealand completed - 2000m2. New facility in Victoria completed - 4000m2. Paramount acquires Pratt Safety Systems in July.
Number of Containers 600 + 45 Workit
2017
Construction of new facility NSW of 4,000sqm
PARAMOUNT SAFETY PRODUCTS
continues to operate under the ethical guidelines set by Rob Bird; that if you treat people well and offer good service and value for money, everyone benefits.