Sunbather increases manufacturing space by 75 per cent

Sunbather has opened new manufacturing space at its head office site in Hastings, Victoria.

The new 1500sqm facility represents an increase of manufacturing under-roof space by 75 per cent, and is home for their steel manufacturing works and warehousing. As demand for their products has increased, the need for further space had become overdue, and is now alleviated thanks to this facility.

Managing director Tom Boadle says it will help bolster the future of their Australian-made products, which have been produced in Victoria since 1974.

Boadle says the increase in space had been planned for nearly 10 years.

“The facility was given the green light in May 2021, and fortunately local councils at the time were fast-tracking building approvals to stimulate building activity throughout lockdowns, allowing the facility to be completed in a very short time frame given the disruptive state of supply chains,” he says.

He says that since completion, significant investment has been made in upgrading plant and machinery, with manufacturing automation high on the priority list to reduce lead times and increase product quality. This upgrade will continue for a further six months.

He adds that having recently been purchased by a global manufacturer Fluidra, Sunbather has had tremendous support in generating all-round continuous improvements in the business, particularly with respect to efficient and lean manufacturing processes, all of which bring more value to customers.