Local luxury: Elegant drains made in Australia
A combination of cheaper labour and materials overseas and fluctuations across local and global economies has encouraged Australian manufacturing companies to move their operations overseas to maximize profits. But has this come at the cost of product quality?
Australia’s advanced regulatory environment ensures that locally manufactured products are completed to a very high standard with workers fairly treated and compensated – a stark contrast to conditions in some other countries. It is up to individual business owners to prioritize supply chain visibility and quality assurance over the financial benefits of manufacturing overseas. Australian drainage designer, manufacturer and supplier Stormtech has stuck to the Australian-made ethos – and is reaping the benefits.
Australian-made ethos
Founded 35 years ago, Stormtech is an award-winning, family-owned specialized drainage business that has stayed true to its core values of Australian-led design, innovation and quality. Stormtech’s dedication to the Australian-made ethos has brought them recognition across the industry. Buying locally has also kept the company busy throughout the COVID period, avoiding the supply chain issues befalling some other importers and manufacturers.
The company’s longstanding commitment to highquality products is being reflected across the industry. Poor manufacturing results in costly building defects, so there is an industry trend towards using certified, higher quality and locally made materials. Stormtech uses marine-grade 316 stainless steel for its drains and grates, which is durable and long lasting. For modular kit systems, Stormtech pairs stainless steel with virgin uPVC, with all ranges certified by WaterMark, Global GreenTag and the Vinyl Council of Australia.
Flexibility of product and service
Stormtech offers a range of made-to-length drainage solutions that are easy to customize. The company has extensive expertise with domestic codes and standards, and works closely with designers and specifiers to achieve the specific requirements of each project.
Locally made looks good
From horizontal and vertical lines and tessellating hexagonal patterns, to tile inlays that allow the drains to be almost entirely camouflaged within the design, one of Stormtech’s key differentiators has always been the visual appeal of its drains.
The future is bright
Stormtech firmly believes that the higher quality offered by locally made products will ultimately outweigh financial gains. The company’s focus on domestic innovation, reinventing production, and developing new manufacturing methods will inspire Australian industry long into the future.