A Bending Blog

Older Workers

admin — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:10:47 +0000

I’m amazed that companies fail to see the value of employing experienced and therefore by definition, “older workers”.
I employed a general manager in my manufacturing business around his 64th birthday and not only is he still going strong, his experience and drive are an invaluable asset to the business and he puts me to shame on occasions with his enthusiasm and energy! I don’t need a token gesture of $1000 (which is a political solution, not a practical one) to employ anyone, let alone someone who is incorrectly perceived as being “too old”.
The same goes for all employment inducement schemes, the needs of the business will determine the level of employment any business can sustain, not some focus group driven confidence trick. Why is it that Labor think these wasteful schemes will work? All they do is hurt the people they are supposedly trying to help.
I wonder how many Labor MPs have actually run their own businesses?

Handrail Solutions protect Primary School kids

admin — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 03:22:59 +0000

A recently completed project at Kunyung Primary School on the Mornington Peninsula has demonstrated the benefits of using a modular handrails systems. With a tight budget and even tighter leadtimes, the MasterKlamp System, distributed throughout Australia by Kazed Industrial Solutions, enabled A Bending Company to complete the installation on time and under budget.

Since being founded in 1991 the company has offered professional engineering services to a wide variety of customers throughout Australia and overseas. We have rapidly grown to become the supplier of choice for many of the leading Australian manufacturing companies. Our services are used in industry sectors as diverse as Defence, Manufacturing, Architectural, Construction, Mining, Infrastructure and Utilities. We have become widely known for our willingness to take on the most challenging work and delivering results for our customers.

With a strong customer focus and commitment to Quality, On-time Delivery and Value for Money, we continuously strive to develop our extensive range of equipment and techniques by which we have earned our high reputation.

Already an established ISO 9001 Quality Endorsed company, A Bending Company has also undertaken and passed the rigorous assessment process to obtain a “Defence Accredited Supplier” rating. We act as the “Bending Department” for numerous Australian manufacturers, who need to deliver results, contain costs and maintain the highest quality standards.

We offer a competitively priced service to suit your requirements; our flexibility and versatility give you the comfort of knowing that you are being looked after properly. We are small enough to know you, yet large enough to cater for all of your needs.

Why is Manufacturing struggling?

admin — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 01:06:37 +0000

The Gillard Government has blown the opportunity to do something positive for manufacturing with today’s announcement of the totally unnecessary Manufacturing Taskforce. Of the 23 people appointed to the taskforce, how many have any hands-on experience in running a manufacturing business, particularly at the SME level? We should not be surprised that the taskforce includes no less than six unions, yet not one of them has ever owned or operated a manufacturing company of any size. And why is it that Japan has an extremely competitive manufacturing industry yet they too have high cost of living and high wages in a similar mature economy such as Australia’s? This is before the negative impact of a carbon tax which will further reduce our competitiveness.

There are many challenges facing industry at present, the high dollar, cheap imports, the carbon tax, inflexible workplace laws as well as a total lack of understanding & support from Federal Labor. Manufacturing doesn’t need, nor want a free kick in front of goal, they will take their chances at the centre bounce, yet regressive industry policies coming out of Canberra (not to mention 11 years of inaction by State Labor) prevent many manufacturing businesses from even spectating, let alone being part of the action. The good news is that manufacturing isn’t dead yet, it’s changing and evolving and there is a high level of resilience within, particularly from the SME manufacturers, yet their patience is being severely tested and if the Gillard Government want to do something to help manufacturing they should stay out of the way and leave manufacturers to do what they do best; innovate, create wealth and provide employment for Australians from all walks of life. Sadly Gillard, Carr, the union’s et al, just don’t get it, in this instance, doing nothing would be a positive thing! If you really want to reform or improve manufacturing, talk to the customers, they are the only ones who truly understand the frustrations of manufacturing in Australia and they too will provide the solutions, not those who arguably, have contributed to the problems in the first place.

The significance of manufacturing should not be underestimated, bringing numerous employment openings for the trades and semi-skilled occupations, as well as the crucial flow on effects to other careers, for example, sales, administration, marketing, accounting & design etc. All of these and many others rely on a strong manufacturing base. There is also a significant social aspect to manufacturing which is never talked about, that of employment for young Australians, particularly those who struggle in school and don’t want to be there and quite often they slip through the cracks. (I was one of them many years ago)

The apprenticeships and semi-skilled opportunities that a strong manufacturing (and building) sector provide give hope to these young people and others such as migrants, those with mild disabilities and mental health issues to name a few. A viable manufacturing base can provide opportunities to get a start in life. More often than not, getting that start can be the catalyst for a productive career and becoming a contributor to society rather than be a drain on the public purse. A strong manufacturing base can provide similar opportunities to many Australians who may not have hope for a future, these are the forgotten people of society and they deserve our support, not just another Labor talkfest.

Peter Angelico

Managing Director – A Bending Company Pty Ltd