Made-to-measure brings success

The ability to engineer equipment to meet specialised requirements has provided a solid niche market for one local manufacturing firm. HR & KG Thomas custom designs and constructs crushing, mining and recycling equipment for national and international customers.

The company is besting bigger manufacturers with purpose-built products that retail for less than the available standard items. Workshop supervisor Errol Thomas said the challenge for the company and its engineering team was to construct individualised items for a specified purpose. This involved adjusting and improving existing items or designing a completely new concept.

"We want the item to go out of here doing exactly what we want it to do. We design machinery to perform at different speeds, with differing angles or shapes as requested by our customers." It is a test of inventiveness and calls on engineering skill that keeps the work interesting.

"Each day means learning something new." Apprentices in this field complete a certificate in engineering fabrication and gain exposure to multi-faceted manufacturing often going on to complete complementary courses such as computer aided drafting and other post-trade programs.

Company manager Glenn Evans says the advantages of gaining practical work-based skills are frequently overlooked. "You need an education but you also need to be practical. There's a massive shortage of tradespeople because of a perception that you should have a university degree."

Yet for people who enjoy working with their hands, engineering fabrication and welding is a rewarding career with a variety of work possibilities including self-employment as a contractor. Fourth year engineering fabrication apprentice Ross Body says he finds the work both satisfying and appealing.

"I love what I do. I enjoy seeing a job done well and it's challenging because we're always building something different." And for those who plan continuing on to university studies, the company has provided work experience to deliver practical understandings of theoretical engineering knowledge.

HR & KG Thomas offers an easy-going work environment, teamwork and a commitment to getting the job done right. "We're flexible with people, encourage cooperation and a sharing of ideas," Glenn said.

Originally established in Rockhampton, the company has benefited from its relocation to Dalby with easy access to supplies and reduced transport costs. And with clients ranging from local government to private quarries and independent contractors, it is proving a significant player in the region's expanding manufacturing industry.