EXOVA Warringtonfire achieved almost 20 per cent growth last year and has a $9 million-plus turnover.
Behind the Dandenong company’s growth is a $1.7 million investment in a furnace that simulates intense bushfire heat, and dedication to service excellence and developing staff.
Paul England and Peter Downer started the business in the early 1990s.
Mr England had been involved with Wormald for many years in the UK and Australia and decided to go out on his own.
Exova Warringtonfire advises and consults on materials and products, and tests and certifies fire doors, windows, road tunnel lining and more to strict Australian and international standards.
It’s has gone through several ownership changes in the past 10 years, including Mr England leaving the business and in the past year becoming part of international operation Exova, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
The company prides itself on being able to quote within 24 hours, test within three weeks and report within a month on nearly all of its projects.
It has long adopted the approach of hiring graduates and two to three years later sponsoring postgraduate study in areas specific to industry and client needs.
This is coupled with Exova Warrington’s philosophy of promoting within.
The Australian operations are part of the Asia Pacific region so the company is part of projects at the new Changi Airport Terminal and jobs in Crete, Doha and Mexico.
Employees within the Australian company regularly get to travel the world.
Exova Warringtonfire was a nominee for the CSR and Employment, Retail and Commercial, and Premier Regional Business awards.
