A factory expansion and a new pipeline of employees have given a Ballarat manufacturer a boost for the New Year.
Harrybilt Enginering and Welding Services, which supplies parts for road rail trucks, excavators and trailers, rail maintenance attachments and work tools, is celebrating the opening of a third shed and the arrival of three welders from the Philippines.
The growth in factory space and workforce will help to reduce lead times for major projects.
Like many employers, the family business — headed by Ernest and Rachel Martino — has been struggling to fill advertised positions.
“I've been putting out ads for two years and would get nothing back,” their daughter, Beth — Finance and Marketing Manager — said.
“Hardly anyone would apply.
“Even if someone appeared promising, they wouldn't turn up to their interview.”
The Martinos were inspired to look further afield after some other businesses in Ballarat found employees through Australian Skilled Migration.
“They had nothing but good things to say, so we thought: ‘We’ve got to try. We've got no other choice’,” Ms Martino said.
“My parents went to the Philippines and interviewed 15-20 people over there. They narrowed it down to the three we have already while three fitters are on the way.”
It’s an avenue they are grateful they explored.
“It’s been amazing,” Ms Martino said.
“They work really hard; they're great people.
“We couldn't have tried any harder to get people in Australia, so we’re thrilled it’s working out so well.
“It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Including customers.
“The shortage of skilled labour coupled with supply chain issues has been tough,” Ms Martino said.
“We’ve been having to say ‘no’ to some projects because the lead times would have been just too long for our customers.
“So, having this new shed and more employees mean we’re back on track and can look forward to expanding to keep up with demand.”
Harrybilt, which already sends some of its smaller products to New Zealand and Malaysia, is hoping to widen its export market to also include Indonesia.
“It’s a pretty niche market and there aren’t many of us who do this type of work in Australia or internationally,” Ms Martino said.
“We’re an Australian-made brand. It’s a really strong brand and our future is to keep growing as much as we can.”
Harrybilt Engineering and Welding Services has been a member of Ai Group since 2016.
“The support, advice and information that Ai Group provides is exceptional. Ai Group has the capacity to individualise support to meet us directly at our point of need, including information relating to COVID-19 and legal advice relating to wages and contracts. Advice in relation to breaches of contracts and new legislation has also been invaluable.
As a medium-sized business, we have consistently found Ai Group staff to be approachable, thorough, accurate and timely with their advice and information. As a business that is committed to ensuring we stay up to date and in accordance with the law, it has been a huge relief to know Ai Group is only ever a phone call or email away. We highly recommend Ai Group to other businesses, especially if you’re looking for support to navigate an ever-changing working environment.” — Beth Martino, Finance and Marketing Manager, Harrybilt Engineering and Welding Services
Wendy Larter is Communications Manager at the Australian Industry Group. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a reporter, features writer, contributor and sub-editor for newspapers and magazines including The Courier-Mail in Brisbane and Metro, the News of the World, The Times and Elle in the UK.
