By Casey Neill
Dandenong’s Norden Body Works is celebrating winning two auto industry awards.
It took home the Best Aftermarket and Retail Business (Large) and Best General Member Business (Large) titles at the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) Industry Awards ceremony at Melbourne’s Crown Palladium on 20 May.
Norden founder Ron Anson was unable to attend, but his son Robert and grandsons Ryan and Aaron represented the business, which specialises in wheelchair vehicle conversions, hydraulic fitting equipment and RV parts.
“It’s great to be recognised for our continued service and commitment to the industry and the disabled community,” Robert said.
“The awards also recognise our continued improvement in service and our commitment to our staff, suppliers, clients and the community.
“Because we are a family-run business we love some additional recognition for our employees, who we see as a part of our family.
“We love anything that gives our employees pride when they say they work at Norden.
“When we told dad about the awards he was so choked up to have been recognised because he signed up for the VACC almost as soon as he started the business almost 60 years ago.”
Ron, 87, accepted this year’s Greater Dandenong Corporate Citizen of the Year Award at the council’s Australia Day Festival in Dandenong Park on 26 January.
In 2015, Norden won the Small Business Award at the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce Premier Regional Business Awards.
It’s come a long way from its beginnings servicing market gardeners with small trucks.
“With the National Disability Insurance Scheme coming into full effect we want to ensure that we can continue to support people with disabilities in a changing business environment,” Robert said.
“We will remain a part of Dandenong and continue to support the local community both through employment and our services in providing transport for those with reduced mobility.
“We want to support the local community and those who live and work in it.”
VACC executive director Geoff Gwilym said there were almost 100 applications for this year’s awards.
“High standards are important to the automotive industry, so VACC initiated the Industry Awards to recognise and promote those businesses who set the bar high and go above and beyond,” he said.
