The manufacturing, building and construction industry finds the current supply chain constraints a challenge, according to the June Quarter the South Australian Business Chamber William Buck Survey of Business Expectations. As a result, most businesses probably wish the current inflationary pressures away … and fast.
These economic factors off the back of the two-year health pandemic did not shy the Farquhar Group away from their long-term growth plans and investment in local manufacturing. Their 2022 – 2024 Strategy is built from three foundational blocks: their people and customers, investing to strengthen sovereign manufacturing capability within South Australia, and striving towards net zero 2030.
Farquhar Group CEO Peter David kept his head down over the past two years of the pandemic.
“It has been extremely challenging for us with supply shortages of multiple materials, combined with the escalating marketplace and operational uncertainty, Peter said.
“But we kept moving forward, quietly growing at a controlled rate.
“Like all in the residential construction sector, we were impacted by building delays and rising costs, against a backdrop of a strong pipeline.
“With transport and shipping delays, it was a challenge to get stock in time. We had to invest in higher inventory levels to maintain production rates to meet our customer expectations.
“Like many other businesses, we looked at how we could ‘pivot’. Our challenge was to respond to the rapid uplift of opportunities in our retail sectors within a challenging operational environment. During COVID, we found our retail customers spending more time at home and noticing their kitchen, cupboards, or laundry could do with an upgrade. With travel and socialising restrictions, customers focused on home improvements.
“As part of our 2022 – 2024 Strategy, we want to improve productivity. We have a workforce interested in learning and upskilling, so we are investing in the latest technology. During this time, the Australian Government Entrepreneurs’ Programme has been a great partner in asking us tough questions about our plans.
“We have invested in the latest board cutting and processing technology and exploring robotics to enhance our cabinetry manufacturing capabilities. This new technology will ultimately allow our people to ‘manage’ the process rather than ‘do’ it themselves.
“People are the single most valuable asset in our group. Building technical and leadership skills within an engaging and vibrant work environment is our foundation to support sustainable growth in these uncertain times.”
Chief Entrepreneur Andrew Nunn visited Peter and the Farquhar Group earlier this year. He was impressed with their commitment to upskilling the next generation.
“At a time when unemployment is at record lows, it’s about ensuring the right skills are available to meet the needs of South Australian companies.
“Farquhar Group are being proactive in attracting and retaining their skilled workforce.
“They know what they need and they train apprentices up themselves. It’s brilliant.
“All the technology and sustainability initiatives of Farquhar Group top off the list of reasons why this is a great South Australian company.”
