Grifco celebrates 110 years of manufacturing with new Somersby facility

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Grifco Somersby Facility. Image supplied.

Grifco, a leading name in commercial access solutions with over 110 years of Australian manufacturing heritage, has relocated to a new purpose-built facility in Somersby, NSW.

Chamberlain Group, the parent company of Grifco, has expanded its national footprint with the 19,000 square metre facility, which will now serve as Grifco’s headquarters. 

This new site consolidates Chamberlain Group’s manufacturing, warehousing, and engineering teams from across NSW under one roof for the first time.

“Our move to this brand 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,” said Grant Emanuel, vice president and managing director of Chamberlain Group ANZ.

According to the company, the new facility is expected to impact both the local economy and Grifco’s production capabilities. 

“It is anticipated the new site will increase production capabilities by 200 per cent and boost local employment by 10 per cent in the coming months,” Emanuel added.

The relocation to Somersby also promises to enhance Grifco’s capacity to innovate and engage with the community. 

“This custom-built facility will create a dynamic environment for expansion, product innovation, community engagement, and importantly, it will allow us to further invest in local talent,” Emanuel noted.

Graeme Sheekey, Chamberlain Group’s Director of Operations and IT, emphasised the facility’s role in advancing Grifco’s customer support and industry leadership. 

“Our customers and communities are at the heart of all we do, and our new facility will enhance our ability to design,  manufacture, and deliver industry-leading access solutions to support our partners across  Australia and New Zealand,” Sheekey said. 

He continued, “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 – and we’re proud to continue to  support the needs of ANZ businesses.” 

The development of the new headquarters involved local design and property development specialists, Space Urban, and construction firm Crossmuller, both part of the BORG Group based at Kariong. 

The facility features a range of sustainability initiatives, including a 200kW solar PV system, on-site water tanks, and EV chargers, alongside state-of-the-art amenities to support employee wellbeing.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to witness our vision for a world-class manufacturing facility become a reality, thanks to the exceptional work of our local design and construction partners,  Space Urban and Crossmuller,” Sheekey remarked. 

“Their combined expertise has been instrumental in creating a unique space that will provide Grifco scope to innovate, while enhancing employee wellbeing and satisfaction in the region,” he noted. 

Meanwhile, Allison Basford, CEO of Space Urban, highlighted the significance of the project for the local community. 

“Our goal was to create a space that not only reflected the company’s rich history of  Australian manufacturing, but also set a new standard for modern industrial architecture in the region,” Basford said. 

“By incorporating sustainable features and prioritising employee wellbeing, we believe this  site will be a lasting legacy for Grifco and a source of pride for the Central Coast community.” 

For more information, visit Grifco’s website.