By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
The key to TRJ Engineering thriving as a manufacturer is it “got off our bums and found work”, said its managing director David Murphy.
The Hallam-based business, which employs 30 people and turns over $5 million a year, was named as a finalist at the recent 2016 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards.
It has not shed a job in recent times despite the challenging times for manufacturing, including the wind-down of Australia’s automotive industry, Mr Murphy said.
“We’ve actually employed 10 or so more people since 2008,” he said.
Apart from effort, the manufacturer has also drummed up business because of its versatility.
Much of its work comes from making B-double truck chassis, as well as vandal covers and safety handles for earth-moving equipment and stylish, custom street furniture locally and across the nation.
As part of its “high end, high impact” work, TRJ made the striking, custom bins, bike racks and benches in the Revitalising Central Dandenong project and the seats in the recent revamp of Eaton Mall, Oakleigh.
It has produced bins, illuminated signs, benches in Argyle Square, Carlton, a toilet block, barbecues for the City of Melbourne, as well as custom work for Perth and Randwick city councils.
Mr Murphy’s motto is that the company will make anything, with the help of design software that produces 3D models.
“Our skill sets are really high. There’s nothing we can’t have a crack at.
“I’d go stir-crazy if we were just doing the same thing each day.”
Mr Murphy’s father Terry started the company in a small factory in 1974.
David joined the business 20 years ago, initially reluctant to work for the “old man”. He now holds the reins of this family company with some pride.
“Whether or not it goes for another generation, we’ll see,” Mr Murphy said.
TRJ’s services include metal fabrication, all types of welding, laser and guillotine cutting, general engineering, powder coating, and brake pressing.
Another Hallam business Dorma, which is part of an international manufacturing chain that makes automated door and gate operating systems, was also a finalist at the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards.
For more on Dorma’s story, see Star News next week.
