The 2016 issue of AS 1252 significantly raises the quality bar over the 1983/1996 standards, and when product is supplied that adheres to it, will result in higher quality structural assemblies. The most significant aspect of the 2016 standard is the addition of a mandatory assembly test. The assembly test requires all components of a structural assembly (bolt, nut and washer) to be tested together: where the nut is on the actual bolt (and not a mandrel) and the rotation is made. Test results of the assembly test give the truest indication of how that batch/lot/ heat number of fasteners will perform in the field. Five samples are required to be tested from each diam x length x batch. Most product seen in the Australian market supplied to the 1983/1996 standard will not always pass this test.

The assembly test is time consuming and specialised calibrated equipment is required to carry out the test to the standard and therefore adds extra cost to the product. Testing must be done at an ILAC accredited laboratory. In fact, a lot of the increased cost of supplying product to the 2016 issue is in the QA testing and subsequent test reports that are mandatory. Hobson Engineering’s product conforms completely to Part 1. Part 2 does require a number of tests that are not practical or commercially sensible. It was envisaged an amendment would be issued to rectify these issues, however this has not occurred to date. Hobson Engineering introduced an expectation of independent testing on 1983/1996 product and is again leading the industry with the 2016 standard. Hobson Engineering has adopted the sensible anticipated amendments to Part 2 which are referred to as mandatory tests or “fit for purpose”. Our position is backed by AEFAC and Swinburne University. Every AS 1252: 2016 bolt product Hobson Engineering sell has a unique trace code to ensure full traceability once the product leaves the carton. This trace code can be entered into our website at any time in the future to recall all the supporting documentation. Product may be ordered to part 1, but it is highly recommended by Hobson Engineering, AEFAC and ASI that all product be ordered to Part 1 & Part 2 (mandatory, “fit for purpose”).

ICCONS recently brought their on-site rig to the Impact-A trade day, showcasing and educating on their wide range of fasteners and tools.

ICCONS recently brought the ICCONS ON-SITE rig to a trade day at the site of the Impact-A store in Canberra. Impact-A is the brand-new store wholly owned by the CSS Group. And what a great day it was, in typical ICCONS fashion the BBQ was cooking and the music playing. The ICCONS ON-SITE rig has been purpose built to enhance the company’s ability to train and demonstrate directly to the end user. For the Impact-A trade day, the rig was set up with interactive demos and gear so the users could physically put into practice the tooling as if they were on a real life jobsite! With over 3 decades of connections and cooperation amongst the principles of both CSS and ICCONS and the fact that ICCONS supplies its products and services exclusively through independent dealers like Impact-A … it was a natural choice that ICCONS became a supplier of Construction Fasteners for this new venture for CSS. The ICCONS boys had the demos going across the B-BTEC coring equipment, a fantastic and well-built piece of European machinery. Impact-A’s end users getting to see the tooling in action, feeling and touching the gear makes all the difference. As they say, seeing is believing! There was also plenty of interest in the proprietary Muro collated screw systems, exclusive to ICCONS and its dealers. The value add can only be seen when end users jump on the tools themselves. Getting everyone involved is key and with ICCONS ON-SITE program this is made so much easier.

What is the ICCONS ON-SITE program?

The ICCONS ON-SITE program is also a key educational service to users across the NCC compliant range of fastenings, something that is becoming very relevant as the NCC (National Construction Code) push for higher quality gear for safety critical applications.  As a part ICCONS responsibility, we are striving for industry leadership in promoting the fact that as there are now more and more regulations being implemented and planned for the future safety of buildings and the installers, education and awareness is critical. In fact, it’s not only standards, but laws now in place to ensure, when particular product is specified by engineers and/or design engineers, that these instructions are followed by the contractor. This means that it is the responsibility of the builder and/or contractor to abide by and use the correct code compliant fasteners, fixings and chemical anchoring systems.
Impact-A, like many of the CSS member stores located throughout Australia, have full access to the ICCONS code compliant range—the largest in the country. Many CSS member stores also carry our extensive line of fully approved Chemical Adhesive products. The BIS is made simple and explained in detail on pages 64 through 77 of our IPG3 ‘Product Guide’.

Where do you get it?

From a manufactures point of view, it’s great to have distributors stocking a large range of products, much the same way the Impact-A store has in Canberra. When the ICCONS ON-SITE Demo team hit the construction sites, demonstrating  and educating end users on our products, often we’re asked “where do I buy these products from?” Having trade outlets stocked with the ICCONS range enables our ON-SITE teams to direct the sales back to the CSS member stores nationally. For example, the new Impact-A Store in Canberra is fully loaded with ICCONS gear and five display stands. They have a huge range of Heller drill bits, diamond concrete cutting blades and the world’s best coring equipment from B-BTEC exclusive to ICCONS. Managing Director Phil Rose is enthusiastic about the growth ICCONS has enjoyed working with the members of the CSS group and sees the introduction of the on-site demonstration team as a key point of difference for the company. “We have always believed that getting tools and product into people’s hands is the way to go in promoting the product and the merits of our company vs the competition,” Rose says. “We are specialists in construction fasteners and tools. Our product portfolio provides choice to our customers and when you get the chance to demo the competitive advantage of choice up close and personal, the results are enormous, both for the user and dealer. ICCONS ON-SITE program is just another part of our service model. CSS dealers across Australia provide a key route to market for our gear and we are excited to rollout more rigs across Australia.”It takes great relationships built over many years to grow sales with a wholesaler and we see the co-operation between the people of both CSS and ICCONS as crucial to the industry and protection of the ‘Independent Channel’, where ICCONS provides exclusive supply. We look forward to continued success working with the CSS group and want to extend a big congratulations and thankyou to the team at CSS for inviting us into a ripper day of networking and promoting ICCONS and the longstanding and great partnership we have.

Nitto Kohki Australia, market leaders for Quick Release Couplings, Pneumatic Tools, Magnetic Based Drills and Annular Cutters have released the CLA-2720, a ‘World First’ 7kg Cordless Magnetic Based Drill. Mere words cannot come close to cover the endless applications and convenience this new Nitto Kohki CLA-2720 offers to the market. At just 29cm tall and weighing only 7Kg, compact size, lightweight body, high performance and comprehensive safety systems will seriously impress the most experienced steel fabricator or engineering specialist. The cordless machine, powered by an 18V 4.0Ah Lithium-ion battery, negates the need for running power throughout a work site. Energy saving is paramount when you want to get as many holes as possible from your battery. So Nitto Kohki have developed a Magnetic Force Control System ensuring that the magnetic force is automatically reduced when the drill is not running to conserve battery energy, whilst the Soft Start Function prevents large current on start-up by starting the drill gently.

Additionally, the Automatic Drill Stop and Warning Functions eliminate unnecessary operations further enhancing the conservation of power. As always, safety comes first at Nitto Kohki. The CLA-2720 incorporates highly sensitive built-in sensors that detect side slip and inclination. It also detects other faults through a Self-Check Function and alerts the operator via an LED light indication system. Other safety features include automatic shutdown to protect the motor and operator by bringing the motor to a full stop if either there is an excessive load kept on the drill or when there is only 30min of magnetic power left in the battery.

Makita has modernised on-demand dust extraction with the new Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS) to meet the needs of cordless power tool users. The convenience of AWS allows you to work with maximum efficiency while minimising the hazard of harmful dust from operating power tools & no trip hazards from power leads. Featuring our legendary cordless technology, the AWS range has the power, speed & runtime to keep you ahead of the game. At the heart of AWS is our 18Vx2 Brushless Dust Extractor (DVC864LZ), featuring a powerful 9.8kPa max sealed suction, 8L tank capacity and variable suction control. AWS achieves maximum battery life for the DVC864LZ by only operating when activated by the tool, avoiding unnecessary manual switch operation. Accompanied by market leading tools like the 18Vx2 Brushless 40mm Rotary Hammer (DHR400), 260mm Slide Compound Saw (DLS111), 165mm Plunge Cut Saw (DSP601) and 18V Brushless 125mm Variable Speed Angle Grinders (DGA512, DGA518).

Without the need for a smartphone or external devices, AWS compatible Makita tools can be paired to each other in seconds. With the ability to pair multiple tools to a single vacuum, users are able to move dust extraction between tools without changing AWS receivers and repeatedly pairing devices.

For more information and to check out the full range go to Makita.com.au

Sterling is excited to unveil the new Sterling Ultimax and Ultimax Pro tape measures; tapes with features to make your job easier. Through rigorous product testing and development, we have managed to keep the strengths of our tried and trusted tapes, while adding ground breaking features to elevate the tapes to a market leading position. Enjoy optimised legibility with Easyread technology, an innovation exclusive to Sterling Ultimax. Perfect for any application when the blade is away from the user, the Easyread tape is quickly gaining acceptance and becoming a must have amongst tradies and home handymen alike. Clear millimetre markings and double-sided blade printing with horizontal and vertical print options make it virtually impossible to misread measurements, even at a distance. Sterling Ultimax tapes will stand the test of time with a unique protective blade coating and an added blade protection on the first 200mm to prevent wear on the most used part of the tape. The Sterling Ultimax Pro tapes are a powerhouse of strength boasting an extended standout of around 3 meters together with an exclusive and strong end hook to keep ‘true zero’. Sterling Ultimax & Ultimax Pro tape measures are available in the following varieties:

Ultimax Pro – 8m wide blade: horizontal / vertical print – TMFX8027
Ultimax Pro – 8m wide blade: vertical/ vertical print – TMFXE8027
Ultimax – 8m x 25mm blade: horizontal / vertical print – TMX8025
Ultimax – 8m x 25mm blade: vertical /vertical print – TMXE8025
Ultimax – 8m/26ft x 25mm blade: horizontal / vertical print – TMX8025

For more information contact your nearest CSS Group member today.

The Standard applies to protective gloves and refers to their resistance to abrasion, cut, tear, puncture and impact.
Key changes to the Standard include an additional cut test (ISO13997) if the traditional cut test (Coupe Test) fails while a non-compulsory impact resistance test has been added.
ProChoice Safety Gear supports any Standards reform that improves accuracy of testing results and ultimately safety in the workplace
We have long understood the shortcomings in the Coupe test – outlined below – and resultantly, prior to the updated to EN388, were voluntarily testing our gloves to the American (ANSI) Standards to ensure maximum protection.

COUP CUT TEST

As fabrics – particularly those with cut resistance – have become more technically advanced in protecting against cuts and lacerations, limitations to the traditional methods for measuring cut resistance (Coupe Test) have been identified. The Coupe Test measures cut resistance by recording the number of cycles it takes to cut through a glove material at a constant speed and pressure when compared to a cotton reference.
A rating of five (5) is the highest score a glove can receive using the Coupe Test.
Many cut resistant fabrics have evolved significantly from when the EN388 Standard was originally written, to the point where these fabrics can easily withstand 20 or more blade cycles of the Coupe Test. In fact, many of these fabrics will blunt the Coupe Test blade, further compromising the accuracy of test results.
The new Standard, EN388:2016 states that if the Coupe Test blade is deemed “blunt” or the test fabric is not penetrated after 60 cycles, the Coupe Test is abandoned and ISO 13997 applies.

ISO 13997 CUT TEST

ISO 13997 measures the amount of pressure required to make an incision in the test fabric over a 20mm travel distance using a razorblade. Performance is rated with the letters A to F, depending on resistance to pressure, which is measured in Newtons (N).
“F” is the maximum cut resistance of the ISO 13997 test and is awarded to any fabric that achieves a cut resistance equal to or greater than 30N or approximately 3.06kg. The ISO 13997 Cut Test is commonly referred to as a “real world” cut test because of its ability to measure cut force, which is widely considered a more relevant metric in workplace situations when a cut risk is present.

Impact-A is an evolving brand in the Construction Market and is owned by the CSS Group, arguably Australia’s leading buying group with over 85 plus stores nationally. Currently the range includes of shovels, wheel barrows, brooms, plastic packers, strapping, hand tools, galvanising paints, cleaning products and a range of safety products and drill bits to name a few. All Impact-A products are suitable for use in the Construction, Mining and Industrial Market segments and where required, meet regulatory requirements including any Australian Standards. Working with reputable manufacturers, which are leading brands in the market, not only provides CSS with the comfort of knowing the product under the Impact-A brand has had extensive testing and product development, but also allows us to use the relevant Australian Standards for our products that might be needed and are already in place. “When building a brand, it’s highly important to get it right the first time, as you only get one shot at it.

If the experience when using the product is bad, then the customer perceives the rest of the products are of the same quality,” says Paul Davy, Marketing Manager for the CSS group. “That’s why it’s most important to partner with the experts, because not only do you have quality control during the manufacturing process, you’re backed by a manufacturer who is reputable, supports their distributors and their products.” CSS, working in conjunction with a leading manufacturer of gloves, has developed a soon to be released range suitable for many applications in the Construction, Mining and Industrial Markets. Impact-A are introducing four new gloves; The Hunter Lite, Hunter GP, Hunter Hi Vis and the Hunter C5, the cut resistant glove which is the flagship of the range. The Hunter Lite is Anti-Static & Breathable with a PU coating for improved grip, designed for precision tasks and handling. Next is the Hunter GP, a breathable synthetic lycra-infused nylon and lightweight knit, providing better comfort and fit for longer wearing periods. Hunter Hi-VIS is the same glove, but in high-vis yellow. Lastly, we have introduced a cut resistant glove called the Hunter C5.
The flagship Hunter C5 meets the latest Australian Standard when it comes to Cut Protection. It has a cut resistant liner and a lightweight polyurethane palm, meeting both the EN388:2003 & EN3888:2016 standards. Gone are the days of wearing thick gloves to provide protection, as this glove is lightweight to provide dexterity and feel when using them and structured to be cut resistant. Only available through your local CSS member store, these gloves are a must have item and a small investment in keeping your hands safe.

Using the right cutting or grinding disc for the right material can be a matter of life and death. By Meg Crawford

The number of cutting and grinding discs on the market coupled with the range of applications for which they’re needed can make the choice of disc overwhelming. Luckily, with quite literally centuries of combined experience between them, Saint-Gobain (Flexovit) and Pferd are industry leaders who have made it their business to point companies and tradies alike in the right direction when it comes to abrasives.

Choosing the right cutting or grinding disc for the job

The first consideration when choosing the right disc is the material upon which you’re working. “What are you cutting—that’s always the first question— the machine is secondary” says Matthew Redman, Saint-Gobain’s Product Manager, Thin Wheels and Construction.
Zane Bendix, Pferd’s National Accounts Manager amplifies the point. “Take metal—there’s general steel, Inox stainless steel, plus the specialist steels like aluminium, titanium and magnesium, with discs to suit each one,” Bendix says. The disc must be appropriate for each of the intended applications.

The manufacturing process

As distinct from many other companies selling cutting and grinding discs, Pferd and Saint-Gobain proudly manufacture their own. While Pferd’s manufacturing process is proprietor process, Saint- Gobain’s discs are manufactured by first layering the label, fibre glass, resin, layers of grain and metal ring, and then squeezing the resulting disc in a hydraulic press, following which it’s oven baked to harden the wheel. “It can be as tricky as baking bread,” says Saint-Gobain Marketing Manager, Mark Saunders.

The risks of using the wrong disc

A quick Google-image search illustrates the point: cutting and grinding discs are dangerous. “You’re using a wheel that might be spinning at over 250 kilometres an hour, and if you’re not using a cutting or grinding wheel correctly, there’s a chance it could explode and result in death, irrespective of brand,” Bendix explains. Primarily, the dangers arise when someone uses the wrong disc (for example, using a cutting disc to grind), uses the wrong size disc for the tool, or modifies the tool (for instance, removing the safety guard to accomodate a larger wheel). “You’ve got to use the tool appropriately if it says use it on a five inch angle grinder, use it on a five inch angle grinder: don’t use it on anything else,”Bendix warns. Redman amplifies the point: “In our training we say that if you have to take anything off an angle grinder to fit a wheel, it’s not the right wheel.”
By way of example, Redman refers to the fatal angle-grinding incident at Queensland’s Maleny Dairy where a worker put an incompatible disc on an unguarded nine inch angle-grinder, which shattered with a shard piercing his chest and heart.

The benefits of using the right disc

While safety is paramount, by using the right disc, there’s every chance you’ll also improve productivity. Bendix cites the example of Pferd’s aluminium

QUICK DOS AND DON’TS
Do

• make sure the electric or air tool is unplugged before you fit the grinding or cutting disc; if using a cordless tool, ensure the battery is disconnected before you fit the grinding or cutting disc; visually inspect the disc; work up the tool to full speed and stop, before you start work; wear safety gloves, face shield or goggles, and ear protection; use the correct flanges to affix the disc; use the right disc for the job (check the pictograms and safety specifications on the disc to confirm);store your discs properly—if you leave them bouncing around in the back of your ute, they could be damaged, which may lead them to shatter when used; take the wheel off after use.

Don’t

• take the guard off—if you need to take a guard off to fit a disc, you’re not using the right one; work in an untidy environment; expose your cutting discs to excessive side loading during use; drop a tool to the ground or lower it to the ground by the cord; store the wheel in extreme temperatures or somewhere damp; over tighten the flanges.

What does it take to race at Phillip Island? Broc Parkes found out last year. And in the lead-up to October’s Australian MotoGP, he’s well-placed to muse on what makes it the pinnacle of motorbike racing.
Liz Swanton explains

Ask any racer and they will tell you there is nothing quite as satisfying as competing in front of a ‘home’ crowd. For professional motorcycle racer Broc Parkes, those opportunities are few and far between because the team he rides for is based in Europe, as is the majority of the championships he is contesting. Parkes has been part of the Yamaha Austria Racing Team (YART) since 2013, competing each year in the FIM Endurance World Championship. From Kurri Kurri in the Hunter region of NSW, Parkes, now 36, was inspired to try motorcycle racing at the age of  four after watching compatriot Wayne Gardner in action. He started the next year, with Gardner taking Parkes under his wing as the youngster nicknamed ‘the boy from the bush’ notched up 45 Australian national titles, including both the 125cc and 250cc national titles in 1999. Turn of a new century and Japan called, then Europe, where he has competed ever since. He raced Honda, Ducati, Kawasaki and Yamaha, for factory teams and privateer operations, in the World Superbike, World Supersports and MotoGP categories before switching to endurance racing when he joined YART.

TWIN PEAKS

Endurance and MotoGP are two very different styles of racing, according to Parkes, although being quick on a bike is obviously the key to succeeding in both. “Endurance racing is done as a team. I am one of three riders sharing one bike in a race that can be anywhere from eight to 24-hourslong. MotoGP races are a set number of laps and normally last about 45 minutes.” MotoGP is often seen as the pinnacle of motorbike racing. The sport uses specially built ‘prototype’ bikes that are built specifically for racing, whereas endurance racing is  based on production bikes—in other words, the type we can buy in our local motorbike shop. “I believe endurance racing is the ultimate test of man and machine,” says Parkes, “where you have to balance going fast with looking after the bike. If you crash in an endurance race, it can cost you a huge amount of time, so it’s much more of a balancing act between going fast and ensuring you finish.” However, MotoGP offers its own unique challenge and more so if you are not a regular competitor.

CALLED TO THE ISLAND

As the curtain lifted on the Australian round of the prestigious series last October, Parkes received a very welcome phone call at his home in Andorra, in the mountains between France and Spain. Jonas Folger, one of the two regular racers for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team, was too sick to compete at Phillip Island. Could Parkes fill the bill? He was ready and willing but despite his previous experience in the category, Parkes hadn’t ridden a MotoGP machine since a one-off appearance in Spain in 2015. It was a major step-up from the Yamaha R1 he rides regularly in endurance to the M1 he rode at Phillip Island, which produces much more power and is much faster, but he wasn’t fazed.“I wanted to have the opportunity to race at my home GP and being contracted to Yamaha for the next few years, when we were in Japan, I asked if they could maybe help me to do it sometime,” he told FoxSports at the time of the announcement.“As it happened, Hervé (Poncharal, the Tech3 team owner) gave me the nod and the tick of approval and it all happened quite quickly.” Parkes has done well on the challenging Phillip Island circuit, taking third in both the 2006 and 2007 World Superbike rounds there, also on a Yamaha. But the 2017 result was not what he would have wished—22nd at the chequered flag—which is why he would love another chance to join the MotoGP team in Australia.

BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME

However he is quick to stress that he is not wishing either of the team regulars a repeat of last year’s scenario. After all, Folger has yet to make a full recovery. He has been replaced and is not part of Yamaha’s MotoGP crew this year. “MotoGP bikes are a lot different to jump on than a normal bike and the competition is so high,” Parkes says. “To race in MotoGP is one thing, but to do it in front of my home crowd was a real privilege. It was a dream come true. I did the best I could and maybe something will come up for the future.” However, at this stage of the year, Parkes says he is not even thinking about the Australian MotoGP round. There are some big races still to be run and won on the endurance calendar and that’s his focus for now—but he will answer the call, if it comes. The 2017-2018 World Endurance Championship season kicked off with the 24-hour Bol D’Or in September last year and finishes with the Suzuka Eight-Hour in July. Parkes and his team finished third outright in last year’s series and experts suggest they are a strong chance to win this year, with Parkes now one of the most respected riders in the championship.
Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team at Phillip Island last year, Parkes was carrying sponsorship by Stanley Black & Decker, a long-time sponsor to the team, and to MotoGP in general, as official tool supplier through its power and hand tool brands, Stanley, DeWalt and Facom. The company also had a personal sponsorship deal with Folger, the rider Parkes replaced. The 2018 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will be contested at Phillip Island on October 26-28.

From humble beginnings with one man and a combi, Peerless Products now stands alone as Australia’s market leading supplier of air compressors. By Clea Sherman

The early days of Peerless Products involved a backyard production line and a combi van. After starting his business in 1962, founder Norman Healey acted as manufacturer and sales manager, driving around Victoria and NSW to sell his homemade welding machines. By 1965, this ambitious businessman had grown his company from a oneman-show to an established operation with a country-wide network of dealers. After cheaper, imported welders began to flood the Australian market, Norman changed directions and began manufacturing air compressors, air tools and drilling machines. Fast forward to 2018 and Peerless Products is an industry leader. The combi van is long retired and the original backyard factory has been replaced with a 50,000 square foot manufacturing plant in Bendigo.

Peerless air compressors are sought out by manufacturers, farmers, painters, builders and mechanics, to name a few. The range includes electric models in both single and three phase, petrol and diesel, oil less and rotary screw models. A new line, Peerless Black, has recently been introduced to suit the budgets of tradespeople and DIY handymen.

Running on air

Over the years, Peerless Products has lived up to its name by providing quality products and reliable service. The company has some of the longest warranties on offer, including a five-year pump and one-year motor warranty on its widely used P17 model. “We have many different air compressors and accessories,” explains National Account Manager Ken Ward. “During the sales process, we communicate closely with our customers to understand exactly which tool will suit their requirements”. Peerless Products is committed to providing dealers and independent tradespeople with the right compressors for their business. Our sales team will not recommend a product to someone if we’re not certain it can do the job,” says Ward. The company is also dedicated to educating its user base. According to Ward, “We provide training to our suppliers so every person who is selling the product understands its features, its purpose and how it operates.” Part of the reason Peerless Products are unrivalled is because of the support offered before, during and after a sale.

On the rare occasion that something goes wrong, customers can quickly access the help they need. Most problems can be worked out over the phone with the help of a service manager or sales representative. “When a customer purchases a Peerless air compressor they know there are a wide range of service options available,” explains Ward, “If an issue cannot be resolved over the phone we either direct the customer to an approved service agent or we organise someone to repair the machine in person.”

Unrivalled Innovation

Having a factory based in Australia gives Peerless Products the flexibility to custom build products and to constantly offer new solutions to its vast customer base. Two engineers head up the company’s 3,000-foot spare parts facility, which is where the innovation happens. The product development team receives custom enquiries for anything from a single machine to machines for a network of sites around the country. Having the team on the ground in Australia means Peerless is able to create bespoke tools and equipment. Often new air compressors are designed based on industry feedback. “Our sales team regularly reports on what they have heard from our dealer network and from end users at trade shows. They let us know what customers are asking for and we can respond to the demand,” says Ward.

Local and loyal

Peerless is completely Australian owned and operated. According to Ward, “We source and produce components locally as much as possible. When we do import from overseas, we travel to our offshore suppliers to personally ensure all parts and products are of the highest standards. Everything undergoes stringent testing before being distributed to our customers.”
“Most of the air compressors sold by Peerless Products have higher specs than other models on the market. You can buy a cheaper compressor which has been brought in from overseas but you won’t have the benefit of quickly accessible parts, nor will you have access to a nation-wide crew of experienced service agents.”Peerless Products is a proud employer of regional Australians. As Ward notes, “Our Director has mentioned in the past that being located in Melbourne would be more cost effective for the business, but because people have been working with us for twenty years and more, he keeps the factory based in Bendigo.” When working with dealers, Peerless is highly selective and partnered with the CSS group back in 2009, enjoying tremendous sales growth since that time. “It’s important to align ourselves with reputable reseller businesses / brands and the CSS member stores are quality stores that we like to sell our products through,” Ward says. “We are always mindful of maintaining mutually beneficial relationships, with the goal of building quality, long-term partnerships, rather than flooding the market with suppliers, forcing local businesses to compete with each other.”
While original founder Norman Healey has recently taken a step back from the business, it remains a family run operation. Son Andrew is now Director of Peerless Products. As Ward explains, “Peerless has focused on improving what we have to offer and building lasting relationships with our clients. Our business has been able to maintain its status as a market leader thanks to our long-term commitment to quality and service.”