Falling under the parent company of the Chamberlain Group – the largest manufacturer of automatic access solutions in the world – Grifco, a titan in trans-Tasman manufacturing, has relocated to a new headquarters in Somersby, New South Wales.
In celebration of an expanded national business footprint and outgrowing its former warehouse in Gosford, Grifco has found a new home in the 19,000-square-metre Somersby site. This move consolidates Chamberlain Group’s manufacturing, warehousing and engineering teams from NSW under one roof for the first time in company history.
For 110 years, Grifco has specialised in engineering and manufacturing operators and accessories for commercial doors, automated gates and winches for poultry feeders, drinkers and ventilation, among other specialty areas.
Enriching NSW Central Coast economy
Grifco’s operations have proved to be an asset for the Central Coast community, with more than 50 new jobs created in the region over the last few decades. Additionally, the new headquarters is expected to increase production power by 200 percent and bolster local employment by 10 percent over a matter of a few months.
Chamberlain Group ANZ vice president and managing director Grant Emanuel says the company is honoured to play a part in keeping the doors of Australian businesses open.
“Our move to this new space represents the next phase of growth for the company, while continuing our decades-long legacy of manufacturing commercial access solutions on the Central Coast,” says Emanuel.
The facility hopes to create an environment conducive to innovation, in addition to community engagement and opportunities to channel direction and attention towards local talent.
Chamberlain Group director of operations and IT Graeme Sheekey emphasises the ubiquity of Grifco and the company’s commitment to prioritising community at every step of the way in manufacturing.
“From the local car park to fire and ambulance stations, to Optus Stadium and the flag on the Anzac bridge, you can find a Grifco,” he says.
“We’re proud to continue to support the needs of ANZ businesses.”
New headquarters engage with sustainability
The new headquarters were developed by Space Urban, while Crossmuller oversaw construction. A 200KW solar PV system, on-site water tanks and infrastructure for EV chargers demonstrate an embrace of sustainable construction and design principles.
“The combined expertise of Space Urban and Crossmuller has been instrumental in creating a unique space that will provide Grifco the scope to innovate, while enhancing employee wellbeing and satisfaction,” says Sheekey.
Space Urban chief executive officer Allison Basford says the two companies were excited to set a new precedent in modern industrial architecture for the region.
“By incorporating sustainable features and prioritising employee wellbeing, we believe the site will be a lasting legacy for Grifco and a source of pride for the Central Coast community,” says Basford.
Photography supplied by Grifco.
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