2014 Manufacturer of the Year Award

2014 Manufacturer of the Year Award

Recognition for innovative electric heating products company by the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame.

For more than 25 years, Thermofilm Australia has been designing, manufacturing and distributing a range of innovative heating products, some of which are exported to more than a dozen countries.

On 16 June 2014 at a gala dinner and induction ceremony, Thermofilm was awarded the 2014 Manufacturer of the Year Award (Small Business) by the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame, which is auspiced by Business Victoria (State Government). The two other 2014 Manufacturer of the Year Award recipients were SRX Global (Large Business) and Future Fibre Technologies (Medium Business).

The Hon. David Hodgett MP, Minister for Manufacturing, said the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame celebrates the champions of Victorian manufacturing, … organisations who have risen to the challenges that face the manufacturing sector and have forged new and exciting paths across the manufacturing landscape.

“Victoria’s manufacturing industry is in transition, but this year’s talented group of innovators are meeting the challenges through technology, increased productivity and ingenuity. “Victoria’s manufacturers are meeting the challenges with spirit, innovation and vision; factors that have made Victoria our nation’s centre of manufacturing excellence,” he said.

Family-owned Thermofilm is based in Springvale and employs around 20 staff. Its key products are the award-winning Heatstrip electric radiant heaters and a range of radiant and convective indoor heaters, all of which are designed for commercial, residential and institutional markets.

The Heatstrip Classic range is exported to numerous countries throughout Europe and the US and in 2013 it was awarded the coveted Australian Business Award for Product Value.

Thermofilm managing director, Bob Reynolds, is thrilled at winning the award, which recognises Thermofilm as an innovative manufacturer that has achieved export success and has a vision for the future.

“We have always strived for innovation and quality. Our products are designed and developed by an engineering team that has extensive experience in research, prototyping, testing and product approvals to ensure world class quality,” Reynolds said.

“With continued research into materials and design applications, the Thermofilm range of heaters will continue to improve in functionality and aesthetics. We also have an ongoing program of new product development and assessment.

“All Thermofilm products are designed and supplied with an emphasis on environmental impact. This may relate to new designs and technologies to improve the efficiency and reduce running costs and also the recyclability of product components and packaging.”

Reynolds acknowledged some government assistance that has contributed to the company’s success.

“Over the years we have received export development grants and most recently received government support for training where all our staff undertook specialised training in competitive manufacturing.

“The result of this training is an important addition to our 5S system of lean manufacturing that is widely implemented at Thermofilm Australia to enable continuous improvement and maintain best practices.”

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