An Ai Group member has marked its 60th anniversary by publishing a book chronicling its growth and future ambitions.
Titled Celebrating 60 years — The Story of JC Smale, the memento highlights the vision of founder Jack Clive Smale and documents interesting and significant moments in the history of the manufacturing and design engineering firm.
JC Smale General Manager David Forsyth, pictured above with second-generation Ken and Colin Smale, said the book served as a tribute to all those who had contributed to the success of the family business, which is based in Melbourne.
“It’s not about beating your own drum or an achievement of just existing,” Mr Forsyth said.
“It’s an achievement of contributing to so many lives, families and other businesses.
“It also recognises partnerships with customers and suppliers.
“All of these relationships have created what the company represents today. It was important to document that recognition and highlight the hard work and dedication by so many.”
Mr Smale, a fitter and turner who was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1994 for his community endeavours, did much to support local apprentices before he died in 2010.
His legacy continues, with the business currently employing three apprentices and looking to fill more positions. Another two have recently qualified as tradespersons.
“The company has always taken on apprentices with many successfully learning their trade as part of the JC Smale team,” Mr Forsyth said.
“As an example, our Manufacturing Manager Andrew Misso started with the company more than 35 years ago as an apprentice fitter and turner.
“There is certainly a career path that allows you to develop your trade with varied work and experiences.
“We are in the fortunate position to have fabrication, machining and fitting disciplines in one location.”
However, like so many, the company is navigating the challenges of the current skills shortages.
“Every Australian manufacturer would tell you there are challenges,” Mr Forsyth said.
“Some may say if it was easy, everyone would be doing it.
“Our biggest challenge is well known to many others also experiencing it — the current skills shortages.
“Unfortunately, the fitting and turning trade isn’t well understood or recognised like it once was but hopefully, this is something we can turn around.
“We believe there is still a place for Australian manufacturing.”
Collectively, Mr Smale’s six children Barb, Colin, Gordon, Ken, Ross and Terry have clocked up 180 years in the business and along with staff, have taken JC Smale around the world with major supply and installation projects in South Africa, the US, Russia, the UK, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Germany, New Zealand, Singapore and Bolivia.
Key projects include brick-making plants in the US, UK, South Africa and the Ural Mountains; the manufacture of robotic auto fuel tank machines for BMW and Audi in Germany; grinding machines for Glencore mines in all five continents; high-grade switches for Yarra Trams and even the support for the winged keel fitted to the yacht oneAustralia competing in the 1995 America’s Cup.
The anniversary book was launched at a celebratory dinner attended by Mr Smale’s six children, staff, suppliers and clients.
“We are in a strong position to face and overcome any challenges ahead while continuing to provide quality manufactured goods and services for the next 60 years and beyond,” Mr Forsyth said.
“The future for this innovative company is brighter than ever.”
JC Smale has been a member of Ai Group since 1973.
“It would be easy to become caught up in the day-to-day work and focus only on your internal goals. Having a link to broader industry is crucial for many considerations. It could be a lonely place if there wasn’t a support mechanism to clarify those sometimes difficult to answer questions. Ai Group has provided a valued link to industry and great support over many years for JC Smale.” — General Manager David Forsyth
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.
