A year of anguish, strength and innovation
Approaching the end of ‘the year like no other’, Davell is thankful and proud to be continuing to support Australia’s manufacturing base with our workforce intact designing, manufacturing and distributing our world-class storage solutions.
A focus on Australian-made
Davell began 2020 with the impact of drought and bushfires still dominating lives and businesses. We reflected on Australia Day that “unexpected hardship has made us stronger and brought us all closer together”. We celebrated our “proud Australian owned company” and commitment to Australian raw materials, manufacturing, workforce and distribution. Both themes – working together through adversity and supporting local manufacturing – would loom large in the year ahead.
In February we explained Davell’s participation in the Australian Made Campaign and the advantages to our staff, the local economy and our customers.
Although broader pandemic-related supply chain issues were not evident until later months, our stance stressed that Australian manufacturing had reached a critical point.
COVID-19, health, safety and antimicrobial protective coating
By March the devastating impact of COVID-19 had highlighted the importance of cleaning routines and the management of harmful micro-organisms in our daily lives.
We implemented new health and safety measures for our staff and customers. We also provided an update on our silver ion based antimicrobial protective coating that helps inhibit the growth of micro-organisms in between surface cleaning times. This update was timely since research would reveal more about disease risks posed by micro-organisms on hard surfaces and at high touch points.
Schools and the Rural Fire Brigade
In May our long-running campaign to see more lockers installed in schools referred to recent studies on problems caused by backpacks and trolleys in the school environment. School locker programs that make use of government funding are increasingly being introduced to avoid situations where students are at risk from heavy loads and tripping hazards.
Fortunately, with its local manufacturing and supply chains, Davell has been able to continue installing storage solutions in Australian schools to alleviate students carrying unnecessary loads.
Davell’s commitment to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and quality was reflected through our AS/NZS ISO 9001-2016 certification for the design, manufacture and installation of office and commercial steel storage systems. In June we announced the certification and listed actions that will form part of our ISO 9001 compliance, including: international quality measures; continual improvement of policies and procedures; quality assurance; training and encouraging our workforce to adhere to ISO rules; and evidence-based decision making.
A focus on cleaning products the right way
In August we provided help to customers preoccupied with cleaning more than ever before, as The World Health Organisation recommended that regular cleaning of surfaces will help combat the spread of COVID-19. Davell’s metal products have a powder-coated surface to avoid chips and scuffs, but this coating can be affected by some citrus-based and aggressive cleaners widely used during the pandemic. For homes, schools, offices or factories our number one tip on suitable cleaning products and methods involves mild non-abrasive pH neutral liquids, such as hand dishwashing detergent.
Australians want Australian-made products
In September we were buoyed to learn that local support for Australian-made products was reaching an all-time high. A Roy Morgan survey revealed that 99% of respondents recognised the Australian Made logo, “associating it with positive, and progressive qualities”. Having met the criteria set out in the Australian Consumer Law as well as the stringent Australian Made, Australian Grown Logo Code of Practice, and having manufactured in Australia continuously since 1946, Davell is proud to back the Australian Made initiative.
Davell’s commitment to the environment through ISO14001
During November Davell commenced the process of designing, integrating and implementing an environment management system into our manufacturing processes under AS NZS ISO 14001. This new certification will boost our commitment to ensuring we have the best systems and processes in place now and into the future.
Merry Christmas
I would like to thank all of our customers who supported us throughout this difficult year and to wish you a Merry Christmas and a much happier, safer and hopefully virus-free New Year. In 2021 we will celebrate Davell turning 75 years old, which is a milestone for an Australian manufacturing company.
Our office will be closed for the Christmas/New Year period from 12.00pm Wednesday 23 December 2020 and re-open at 8.00am on Monday 11 January 2021.
Brenton Gray – Managing Director
