This quiet, unassuming man seems to be at odds holding the same name as the infamous 1980’s film of boxing fame. But as he speaks, the Balboa traits of strength, perseverance and loyalty become crystal clear.
Rocky Aloisi started Supreme Kitchens 50 years as a young man. While his mates at the time chased higher wages, Rocky completed his cabinetmaking apprenticeship. He played the long game, and look at him now. He is the original entrepreneur, starting his business in small premises in Glynde and expanding rapidly into a Newton property double the size within only a few years.
As it grew, Supreme Kitchens relocated again in 1989, now permanently based on a sprawling site in Pooraka right in the heart of the northern industrial zone on Research Road. Since then, the manufacturing facility has continued to grow and evolve as a leader in the industry.
With their on-site state of the art technology gives the nearly 100 staff members the ability to build everything in-house.
Rocky has a clear business mantra: “if you’re staying still, you’re going backwards”. This approach to innovation has seen Supreme Kitchens put a firm foot into the sustainability space. With ongoing investigations into solar and the natural light spilling into the factory, energy reduction remains a priority for the business. Across the factory floor, Supreme Kitchens have multiple collection points for paper and cardboard, for landfills, and plastics. Where most furniture manufacturing settings are covered in sawdust, Supreme Kitchens has an impressive array of hoses suspended across the ceiling that extract the sawdust from the major cutting machines.
Rocky’s good heart shines in the sustainability space and his ingenuity to save the business in landfill charges. Supreme Kitchens makes their off-cuts and pallets available for the community. Facebook Marketplace comments have welcomed this new approach by business to give back to the community.
Being 50 years in business has seen some challenges for Supreme Kitchens. This has included tumultuous periods of high-interest rates, global recessions, and the COVID-19 health pandemic. Supreme Kitchens has found the winning formula for two-way respect and loyalty during these challenging times. During the height of the pandemic, Rocky focused on keeping the factory open as much as possible because he knew his staff relied on their work to put food on the table. When times get tough, Supreme Kitchen’s workers are there to pitch in, with over thirty five per cent of employees being there for more than ten years, and over 26% more than 15 years.
The South Australian Business Chamber Chief Executive Martin Haese says that this South Australian success story is a proud the South Australian Business Chamber member.
“There will be more celebrations next year when Supreme Kitchen celebrates its 30th year with South Australian Business Chamber.”
