With the end of the year nearly upon us, we briefly examine our activities and achievements over the past twelve months. While pandemic conditions continued to impact our business and broader society, we’ve worked hard to focus on resilience and growth.
The art of making things that last
In early 2021 a letter from an impressed customer sparked an exchange that highlighted the value of long-lasting products. We celebrated very durable products and Davell’s commitment to quality.
Celebrating 75 years in business
We followed up with an article celebrating our company’s history, chronicling the growth and achievements of Davell Products over 75 years. Our family-owned Australian manufacturing company has been producing quality products in the ‘Davell way’ from the same location in Kirrawee since 1946.
International environmental standards
In April, we detailed the latest step in Davell’s continuing support for international manufacturing standards, as we achieved our ISO 14001 environmental management certification. It means we place sound environmental practices at the core of our business, reducing our impact, minimising waste, and improving energy efficiency. Our practice includes the stewardship of our products for recycling, daily actions to reduce waste and harnessing technology that conserves energy usage.
Donation to local school
A focal point for our anniversary year has been the donation of a bank of Davell’s lockers, uniquely decorated with an Indigenous Australian design, to a local school. Lucas Heights Community School received the special gift for students from Kindergarten to Year 12, which previously did not have lockers. The vibrant lockers delighted students, teachers and parents. While showcasing the company’s capacity to convert Australian steel into works of art, Davell also made a real difference to a local school.
We revealed more about the lockers later in the year, with details about ‘Connection to Country’, the stunning commissioned design, as well as its talented creator. Indigenous artist Jannene Gauci employed intricate dot-work techniques to create the unique artwork. Her colourful creation represents land, waterways, flora and fire, and indicates meeting places and directions of travel.
Embracing technological solutions with partners
Davell’s 75-year practice of embracing new technology has continued. This year, in June, we covered Davell’s partnership with Yellowbox, another great Australian business, to deliver a smart lock solution to our customers. The mobile app-based locking system allows users to access a locker without a key or card.
In July this year, Davell supplied the Musem of Brisbane with perforated lockers which incorporated our electronic combination locks. These locks enable customers to select their own personal code.
Steel prices on the rise
Of course, it was 2021, so we also had to respond to the pandemic and its far-reaching global impacts. As we noted late last year, Davell withstood the pandemic successfully, keeping the business doors open with its great team of core workers and locally sourced materials. In 2021 Davell again met the local distribution challenges posed by Australian state border closures and regional lockdowns and avoided major global supply chain disruptions. However, partly due to global pandemic responses, there was a steep rise in the cost of steel in 2021. Prices were pushed to a new 10-year high, and we explained to our customers how this put significant pressures on our costs and pricing. As steel is the primary material in our products, Davell will adapt to future developments while still assuring the best quality products and contributing to local jobs and the Australian economy.
Approved supplier to the NSW Government
There was great news for the company, which we announced in September, as Davell became an approved supplier to the NSW Government under the Office and Education Furniture Contract 771. We were very pleased to join the panel of furniture suppliers. With Davell’s extensive experience supplying lockers and storage solutions to primary and secondary schools and our ISO 9001 and 14001 accreditation, we provide a great service to those procuring education or office lockers and storage solutions.
Merry Christmas and a Happy 2022
While it has been a momentous year for all businesses, we can honestly say that our 75th anniversary year has been terrific.
Our new contracts, accreditations and innovations have positioned the company to continue the commitment to quality Australian manufacturing begun by Davell’s founders in 1946.
There are bright prospects for 2022, so Davell Products looks forward to the year ahead – and at least another 75 more.
Thanks to all our customers for making this milestone year so special, and I wish you a safe and happy Christmas, New Year and summer holiday.
Our office will be closed for the Christmas/New Year period from 22 December 2021 to 10 January 2022.
Brenton Gray – Managing Director
