Trafalgar Group: Bringing manufacturing back to Australia

Trafalgar has become a brand synonymous with developing quality specialty building products and safety solutions.

Since its establishment in 1945, the Trafalgar Group has gone through many changes. In the 1990s it was sold multiple times, resulting in the closure of regional offices and local manufacturing plants. However, in 2009 Trafalgar’s current owner, John Rakic, purchased the business and saw a prime opportunity to re-build the Trafalgar legacy and its Australian manufacturing operations.

Mr Rakic said, “The Trafalgar story is one of innovation and a stubborn ability to survive and thrive. When we purchased the business, it was fundamental for us to keep innovation and product manufacturing here in Australia.”

Proudly Australian owned and operated, Trafalgar now operates three sites across Australia, in South Granville NSW, Ingleburn NSW and Brendale QLD, and employs over seventy staff.

“My current goal is 100 employees. Strengthening manufacturing operations in Australia is beneficial on so many levels. Not only are we providing local jobs, but we are also investing in research, development and domestic manufacturing facilities. In Australia, we have complete control over the manufacturing process and can ensure all our products are made for Australian conditions and high standards,” Mr Rakic said.

“Recently we had a customer return ten of our site boxes for refurbishment. One box was identified as pre-1994 from the seven-digit Sydney phone number on the labelling! Being a local manufacturer, we were able to repair, refurbish and return these boxes to active service for many more years to come.”

The Australian Made logo is featured on Trafalgar Group’s range of Australian Made Access Panels, Pallet Systems and Store-Safe boxes, and the patented and award-winning FireBOX Range.

“The logo gives our customers confidence that an independent body is verifying the products, so they really are Australian Made. It assures buyers that the products are manufactured to Australian high standards and suitable for our conditions,” said Mr Rakic.

“Many of our products have carried the Australian Made logo for several years. The logo is a source of pride for us. It shows customers we both manufacture in Australia and employ and invest in local talent.”

The team at Trafalgar are renowned for their technical excellence and commitment to finding solutions for their clients. In 2018, Trafalgar’s FIREBOX won the Australian Institute of Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heating’s (AIRAH) Product of the Year Award for 2018.

“The AIRAH Awards recognise stand-out projects, people and products of the Australian HVAC&R industry, and Trafalgar are ecstatic that the FIREBOX family won the Product of the Year Award for 2018.We are dedicated to delivering the highest standard products, systems and solutions that exceed our customer’s expectations,” Mr Rakic said.

“The Trafalgar Group has been able to grow through innovation, acquisition and expansion into new product offerings. We have done this by listening to our employees, customers and suppliers. We will continue to grow and innovate new Australian Made products with a brand new Australian Made fire rated access panel FyreSHIELD just released just this month.”

To learn more about Trafalgar Group Australian Made products, please visit www.tgroup.com.au.