Page 2 - Alpine Truss 20th Anniversary
nemedia.com.au
GROWING TOGETHER: Alpine Truss managing director George Prothero (front, fifth from right) with company staff earlier this year.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Solid foundation for two decades
WHEN Alpine Truss opened in March 2002, it did so with only a handful of staff. The company, which is celebrating its 20th year in business, now employs 130 people and is one of the biggest employers in Wangaratta. Managing director George Prothero said the key to Alpine Truss’ enduring success lies in the high quality of the products, the loyalty of the customers and the hard work and dedication of its people. Prior to establishing
Alpine Truss, director Chris Vafiadis and Mr Prothero were employees at one of the largest frame and truss manufacturers in Australia. The pair were with the company for approximately 25 years, with Chris based in Melbourne and George based in Benalla as the Victorian state manager. “We were extremely lucky that when we decided to start Alpine Truss we were able to source the site we have now in Tone Road,” Mr Prothero said. “Originally on five acres, we have since purchased the
two acre adjoining property to enable the business to grow and a further 18 acres, which we have built a warehouse on for storage of raw materials.” The Wangaratta office, located at the manufacturing facility, services regional clients while also supporting major project builders in Melbourne and southern New South Wales. As well as steadily expanding the size of its premises in Wangaratta, Alpine Truss has a sales and technical office
Proudly associated with Steel Sales: Merchant bar, Corrugated Iron, RHS, Angles, Universal Beams BOC Gas Agent
Accredited agent for B&D Australia Delivering through the Nth East Monday - Friday
“Service with solutions”
SUPPLIER OF ROLLER DOOR AND FENCING PRODUCTS
'RPHVWLF 5XUDO ,QGXVWULDO &RPPHUFLDO
Phone: 10 Gibson Street, Wangaratta Email: sty@sty.com.au OPENING HOURS: 7:30am - 5pm Monday to Friday
based in the Melbourne suburb of Epping to provide assistance to their metropolitan clients. “When we decided to take the gamble and start our own business, which my wife Belinda was an integral part of its growth and success, we were also lucky enough that some of my key design and production staff from the Benalla operation took a major gamble and joined Alpine Truss,” Mr Prothero said. He said he was extremely grateful for all the support that customers had placed
in the company over the years, particularly in the beginning. “We’re very grateful for the local businesses, including North East Fasteners, Wang bearings, STY and Merriwa Industries, that backed us 20 years ago,” he said. The timber shortage last year halted a planned expansion but Mr Prothero said that they still have plans to expand. “Our biggest issue is timber supply, but more so lack of staff and the rental crisis is not helping us in
being able to employ people who need to relocate,” he said. Mr Prothero said future plans for the business were simply to expand facilities and upgrade equipment as needed in order to keep providing the best possible service and products to their customers. The company is a licensed Mitek manufacturer of pre-fabricated timber roof trusses, wall frames and Posi-Strut flooring systems. For more information on Alpine Truss and its products, visit www.alpinetruss.com.au.
Alpine Truss 20th Anniversary - Page 3
nemedia.com.au
LOCAL: Many commercial and domestic buildings in Wangaratta have been built from products supplied by Alpine Truss.
Domestic or commercial building projects
ALPINE Truss supply a range of roof trusses, wall frames and flooring systems to major project builders, small builders and owner builders throughout Victoria and Southern NSW. Having been involved in the local area for two decades means they have seen a wide range of weather events and building fads. Some stay and some go, but through it all, Alpine Truss can provide you with what you need to make your dream a reality. Roof trusses are manufactured to cater for a wide range of roofing shapes, from simple and traditional to the more complicated designs, and each truss is custom completed to order. Alpine Truss utilises the latest technologies from computer designed frames and trusses to digitally-controlled sawing and nailing equipment. Prefabricated trusses allow for faster building erection compared to that of a conventionally pitched roof,
and uses up to 40 per cent less timber. Wall frames, which can also speed up the building process considerably, are engineered by in-house experienced designers, and manufactured in accordance with all the relevant Australian Standards using the latest Mitek 20/20 software. The flooring systems utilise PosiStrut joists, parallel chord trusses using timber chords ‘on flat’ and unique Posi-Strut metal webs. They are designed and manufactured in house under license from Mitek Australia Ltd, and are available in three depth sizes, 248mm, 302mm and 412mm, with 90 x 45mm timber. Being manufactured to size eliminates wastage and the need to trim on site, and also save labour on site. Alpine Truss also supplies particle board flooring, which can be delivered at the same time as the floor systems. Alpine Truss managing director George Prothero said
the business’ products are designed in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards and manufactured from renewable sources of structural graded pine, and all products can incorporate H2F termite resistant pine that comes with a 25 year guarantee. “Products made by Alpine Truss have been used in countless buildings locally, through Victoria and Southern NSW, in both domestic and commercial settings and we are very proud of that,” he said. “If you drive around the residential area of Wangaratta, the majority of those houses have been built from products supplied by Alpine Truss.” Mr Prothero said Alpine Truss is customer orientated and 100 per cent Australian owned and operated. All products are delivered by Alpine Truss’ fleet of modern crane trucks, allowing them plenty of flexibility to meet the delivery requirements of each customer.
Congratulations to Alpine Truss on 20 years in business!
Servicing North East Victoria and surrounds.
205 - 207 Tone Road, Wangaratta PHONE (03) 5722 2768 16 Sydney Road, Benalla PHONE (03) 5762 8366
READY TO GO: Prefabricated trusses allow for faster building.
Proud partners of Alpine Truss
Congratulations on 20 years in business!
Page 4 - Alpine Truss 20th Anniversary
nemedia.com.au
Trainees for the next 20 years KEEPING an eye to the future, while embracing and celebrating the past, is high on the agenda at Alpine Truss. Managing director George Prothero said that creating jobs in the local community and helping locals gain sought after industry skills has always been important. “Over the years, many employees have put in the effort and training to gain extra ground professionally, and (as managing director) I have made it a priority to encourage staff to build on their skills and move upwards in their career,” he said. “Our current trainee is Shaun Harper, a trainee truss detailer. “Prior to joining us, Shaun had his own excavation company and is a qualified chippy, which he excelled at for 15 years. “Shaun was looking for a change and when the opportunity arose 12 months ago to become a truss detailer at
Alpine Truss, he came on board.” Shaun’s duties include detailing trusses before they are made out in the factory and he is enjoying the challenge of his new role. “I am enjoying my role and it’s great that the company is a supporter of so many local businesses within our community,” Shaun said. “They employ a lot of people in the Wangaratta and Benalla regions.” Outside of work, Shaun’s hobbies include fishing, Rugby and shooting. Two former trainees Robert Skase and Celeste Blair have continued with the company since completing their traineeships five years ago and are now employed in estimating roles. Celeste is the longest serving female employee and has been with the company for almost 15 years while Robert has been with
LATEST: Shaun Harper is completing a truss detailer traineeship.
them for nine. Celeste began her career with Alpine Truss in administration, scheduling transport and production. After indicating to management that she wanted to upgrade and diversify her skills, she was given the opportunity to join the technical team and trained to become a frame and truss estimator. Robert worked in the factory producing roof trusses and was promoted to the position of jig setter before taking on a technical position in the office and beginning his estimator traineeship. Their roles now sees them preparing pricing and designs of jobs (including roof trusses, wall frames and floor joists) for customers, as well as undertaking local deliveries, assisting with site measures, and helping owner builders and local builders with designs and ideas.
EXPERIENCE COUNTS: Robert Skase has been with the company almost a decade and started a traineeship in 2017 (when this photo was taken).
STILL GOING STRONG: Celeste Blair chose to diversify her skills within the company via a traineeship.
Congratulations George Prothero and your team at Alpine Truss on your 20 year anniversary. VTW Australia proudly supplying Alpine Truss with Timber Products since 2006
Melbourne - 85 - 95 Fitzgerald Road, Laverton North. Geelong - 160 Fyans Street, South Geelong. PO Box 164 Belmont, Vic, 3216. Ph: (03) 8360 8340 vtw.com.au
Timber – the renewable energy source!
Alpine Truss 20th Anniversary - Page 5
nemedia.com.au
Gender no barrier at Alpine Truss ALPINE Truss is a proud equal opportunity employer with a growing number of female employees across the areas of its business including (from left to right): • Celeste Blair, estimating; • Elly Dixon, scheduler; • Cindy Christodoulou, accounts; • Jessica Dieckmann, jig assistant; • Jacinta White, cyber saw; • Jessica Brambley, scheduler/ administration; • Amy Fraser, stud cutter;
• Louise Holden, jig assistant; • Brittany Strudwick, rotary saw; • Kymberly Hammond, jig assistant; • Robin McKindlay, cyber saw; • Rose Yusof, jig setter; • Jessica Clark, cyber saw; • Jessica Fitzpatrick, jig assistant; • Vani Huynh, truss detailer; • Susan Ryan, cyber saw; • Aiai Azman, jig operator; • Jennifer Campbell, jig operator; and • Bibi Jubar, jig assistant.
SUPPORTIVE: Alpine Truss supported the Jane McGrath foundation with the auction of pink silage bales in conjunction with McGregor Machinery in February this year.
Caring for the community
GIRL POWER: Alpine Truss proudly employ women across all aspects of the business.
THE team at Alpine Truss firmly believe not only in providing jobs and contributing to the local economy, but also in supporting local charities and organisations. “We made a generous donation to the Wangaratta District Specialist School to help with the purchase of another bus to be able to transport their students around town,” managing director George Prothero said. “To show our support of
the 2019/2020 bushfires we donated $20,000 to the Wangaratta Rotary Club for bushfire recovery as well as transporting hay to affected farmers.” Mr Prothero said he is passionate about raising funds for cancer research. “I, and the company, readily support related fundraising efforts, such as Albury Wodonga Cancer Centre, Terry’s big bearded ball drop, Tour de Cure and the Jane McGrath
foundation which we did in conjunction with McGregor Machinery.” Alpine Truss also encourages local sport, sponsoring both the Wangaratta Magpies and Wangaratta Rovers, as well as several other smaller local football and netball teams. “We have a commitment to support our local town and we do it willingly to ensure our community and our livelihoods remain strong,” Mr Prothero said.
CMV Truck & Bus and Mack Trucks Australia thank Alpine Truss for their continued partnership and the pride they take in their fleet.
With seven dealerships across metro and regional Victoria, CMV Truck & Bus is your one stop shop for all your truck and bus needs. The team specialise in sales, service, parts, fleet management, AdBlue supply, and finance across the entire range of Mack Trucks, UD Trucks and Volvo Trucks and Buses. Visit the team at CMV Truck & Bus at 221 McKoy Street, West Wodonga or visit cmvtb.com.au.
Page 6 - Alpine Truss 20th Anniversary
nemedia.com.au
Through the years 2008 new manufacturing facility.
2017 truss manufacturing.
2017 fleet at the ready. 2008 George Prothero and staff.
2008 office building.
From our team to yours
CONGRATULATIONS
Kylie, Harrison & Andy Coatsworth
on reaching 20 years in business and we look forward to partnering with you for years to come
Cnr Roy & Norton Streets, Wangaratta Ph: 5721 8488 www.a1tyrepower.com.au
Alpine Truss 20th Anniversary - Page 7
nemedia.com.au
Through the years 2022 dinner in Port Douglas celebrating 20 years.
2022 rafting in Queensland during 20 year celebration.
2020 celebration of 18 years in business at the Wangaratta races. 2021 truck number 27 joins the crew.
2021 timber shortage. ge
%QPITCVWNCVKQPU VQ
EGNGDTCVKPI [GCTU
0-3t 2- 13..-0{ ALPINE TRUSS Proud to have partnered with Alpine Truss for 20 Years.
8KUKV QWT PGY JQOG CV 75 Tone Road
Congratulations to George and the wider Alpine team on a wonderful local success story.
75 Tone Road, ˳CPICTCVVC
To find out how NAB can support your business contact the Wangaratta Business Banking Centre on 0438 083 988 ©2020 National Australia Bank Limited ABN 12004 044 937 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 230686 A154707-0220
Page 8 - Alpine Truss 20th Anniversary
nemedia.com.au
The people behind the continued success 20 year employees OVER the years, Alpine Truss has employed numerous locals who have provided quality products and service to their customers. The company currently has 12 staff members who have been with it since its earliest days, while two have recently notched up their 15th anniversaries.
Chris Vafiadis, director and truss detailer - Melbourne office
Anthony Vafiadis, Posi strut / truss detailer What do you do at Alpine Truss? Everything and anything that is required to keep the business running smoothly. What do you enjoy about working at Alpine Truss? I enjoy working alongside great people that make Alpine Truss and as a whole that we pride ourselves on our service and quality and I’m grateful when we hear this feedback from our customers. What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I enjoy the great outdoors and exploring as much of Australia as possible.
George Prothero, managing director What do you do at Alpine Truss? Manage the business and help to develop future expansion, purchase state of the art equipment to help our business grow. What do you enjoy about working at Alpine Truss? The staff and the customers. What do you see as the company’s role in the community? To provide employment and to contribute and support local charities and clubs. What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Old cars and gardening.
Tim Hamilton, truss shed supervisor What do you do at Alpine Truss? bs Load jobs and supervise the truss shed to make sure jobs get out on time. What do you enjoy about working at Alpine Truss? Working with people who make it enjoyable. What do you see as the company’s role in the community? Being a major employer in Wangaratta. What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Motorbikes and holidays.
am te le ho w s hi d an e rg eo G to s on ti Congratula ss. ne si bu in s ar ye 0 2 on ss ru T e in lp A at u yo k an th am te rs ne te as F t as E The North our in y lt ya lo d an t or pp su g in go on r u yo r fo e th er ov p hi rs ne rt pa g in d an st ng successful lo h is w d an to d ar rw fo ok lo e W s. last 20 year . re tu fu e th r fo st be ry ve e th l al u yo Well Done! & safety equipment Phone (03) 5722 2288 Fax (03) 5722 2287 26 Tone Road, Wangaratta
Alpine Truss 20th Anniversary - Page 9
nemedia.com.au
The people behind the continued success
20 year employees
Neville Johnson, production manager
Jarrod Branson, senior frame detailer
What do you do at Alpine Truss? Oversee production - make sure jobs are delivered on time and things run smoothly. What do you enjoy about working at Alpine Truss? Seeing the company grow, and the people I work with. What do you see as the company’s role in the community? Alpine supports local charities by sponsoring local sporting clubs and the community especially around the festive season when it is most appreciated and needed. They are also a major employerr for the town which in turn supports local business. What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Motor bikes, mechanics, farming, cars and beer.
What do you do at Alpine Truss? Design and detail wall frames, train new technical staff.
Ron Montgomery, operations manager
Al Wallace, senior forklift driver
What do you do at Alpine Truss? Manage staff, help with production and loading of jobs, make sure the business runs smoothly.
What do you do at Alpine Truss? Load each day’s deliveries on to the trucks.
What do you enjoy about working at Alpine Truss? The challenges each day brings and the people I get to work with. What do you see as the company’s role in the community? A major employer in the community and contributor to the infrastructural growth of Wangaratta. a.
What do you enjoy about working at Alpine Truss? It’s a great place to work, great work mates. What do you see as the company’s role in the community? A major employer and active supporter in many sporting clubs and local charity organisations. What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Football, fishing, camping and travelling.
What do you enjoy about working at Alpine Truss? Loading trucks because each load is different. What do you see as the company’s role in the community? Housing and employment. What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Camping, drinking and fishing.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Anything outdoors.
Congratulations...
for 20 years of providing quality products and service to the construction industry. VIDA Canfor are proud business partners of Alpine Truss Pty Ltd. ř A :ƃȶǹɁɨ Ȉɰ ƃ ǼȢɁƹƃȢ ɰʍɥɥȢȈljɨ Ɂǹ ɨljˎȶljǁ ɥɨɁǁʍƺɽɰ from sustainable Swedish and Canadian forest and are a stable supplier of roof trusses, wall elements ƃȶǁ ˎȶȈɰȃljǁ ȴɁǁʍȢljɰ Ȉȶ ʥɁɁǁӝ ȢȢ ɨƃʥ ȴƃɽljɨȈƃȢ from VIDA Canfor sawmills are produced with both the highest quality and the environment ƺɁȶɰȈǁljɨljǁ ʥȃljɨlj ʥlj ƃɨlj ĀKy: ƃȶǁ yČ: :ljɨɽȈˎljǁӝ
For more information contact: VIDA WOOD AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 41 Inghams Place, Hemmant QLD 4174 Australia P: 07 3147 8790 | E. sales@vidawood.com W. www.vida.se/en/info/vida-wood-australia
VIDA
MADE IN SWEDEN
CANFOR
MADE IN CANADA
Page 10 - Alpine Truss 20th Anniversary
nemedia.com.au
The people behind the continued success Marty Crossey, senior estimator
Lee Pope, hip table operator
What do you do at Alpine Truss? Prepare designs and pricing for new works for builders, and train new technical staff.
What do you do at Alpine Truss? Make roof trusses.
20 year employees
What do you enjoy about working at Alpine Truss? Good work mates.
What do you enjoy about working at Alpine Truss? Every day presents a different challenge and I enjoy working with my colleagues. What do you see as the company’s role in the community? A major stable employer and contributor es to the local economy. A major supporter of local charities and community and sporting clubs.
What do you see as the company’s role in the community? Major employer and generous contributions to sporting clubs and charities. What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Camping, motorbikes and kids.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Four wheel driving, camping, cycling and street art.
Jamie Lavis, forklift driver and timber packer
Scott Fraser, frame shed supervisor What do you do at Alpine Truss? Supervise frame shed and cut studs.
What do you do at Alpine Truss? Drive forklifts, get ancillaries ready, slinging trusses.
What do you enjoy about working at Alpine Truss? They are good people to work with.
What do you enjoy about working at Alpine Truss? The senior position I have in my department.
What do you see as the company’s role in the community? Houses for the local area and a source of employment.
What do you see as the company’s role in the community? One of the major employers in Wangaratta.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Spending time with my grandson and family.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Fishing and motorbike riding.
Valued
at
$22,000
win an aussie-made adventure with entegra
HOW TO CLAIM YOUR GOLDEN TICKET? Purchase an Entegra shed before
June 30 Congratulations to Alpine Truss celebrating 20 years!
Every $50,000 spent = 1 ticket* Conditions apply. See entegra.com.au/promotion
1300 296 206
entegra.com.au
Alpine Truss 20th Anniversary - Page 11
nemedia.com.au
The people behind the continued success
15 year employees
Trevor Blair, jig setter What do you do at Alpine Truss? Make trusses. What do you enjoy about working at Alpine Truss? The people. What do you see as the company’s role in the community? The future is in housing so there many more houses to be built.
wishes to congratulate Alpine Truss on their 20th anniversary!
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? Fishing and camping.
Mick Williams, timber yard operator What do you do at Alpine Truss? Pick timber for jobs. What do you enjoy about working at Alpine Truss? The atmosphere and seeing the company diversify over the years. What do you see as the company’s role in the community? Keep everyone working, one of the biggest employers in the district. What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I just work seven days a week.
Congratulations to Alpine Truss on 20 years of servicing the industry.
Page 12 - Alpine Truss 20th Anniversary
nemedia.com.au
AKD as a proud long-term supply partner congratulates Alpine Truss on their 20-year business anniversary and acknowledges their business success and positive role in the local community. Thank you for your business with us, both great Australian timber businesses.
Truly love the inside of your new home. Choose AKD Timber Framing.
! "