Revolutionary Plumbing Solutions right here on the Sunny Coast

Plastec is not just a manufacturer of plumbing supplies, it’s leading the regional and national industry by bringing innovative new products to market, particularly in the realm of modular sewerage access chamber systems and defying the prevailing rhetoric that suggests that large-scale manufacturing in Australia is not possible.

Delivering its products across the country to well-known businesses, the proudly Australian owned company Plastec has truly become a key player in the Sunshine Coast manufacturing landscape, with their focus on quality, impressive range, reliable delivery and cutting-edge innovation.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

With locations across Australia and New Zealand, operating six advanced facilities and five massive warehouses, covering a huge 30,000 square meters under roof, Plastec is built to handle the demands of a growing market.

Since its founding in 1994 by current owner Syd Hawthorne and its headquarters in Caloundra West in the idyllic Sunshine Coast, Plastec has grown and adapted to this changing industry, while staying true to its core values of quality and customer satisfaction.

Recently, Plastec commissioned two new 5500 tonne injection moulding machines, capable of manufacturing products with a diameter of 1.5 meters and a length of over 1 meter, weighing over 80 kilograms and exceeding temperatures of over 70 degree Celsius, requiring a 7 axis robotic unloading system. These machines have a custom injection unit providing the largest shot weight in the country by using a conventional screw combined with an injection plunger. This investment in advanced technology positions Plastec to enhance its production capabilities and meet increasing customer demands.

Manufacturing Excellence

Plastec manufactures an impressive lineup of over 1,000 products, running to many millions of pieces per year, with a total weight of PVC, ASA, ABS, PP and HPDE of over 1,000 tonnes. This volume underscores the company's operational efficiency and its ability to produce a wide range of plumbing solutions tailored to the needs of its clients.

With a dedicated team of around 90 employees across production, distribution, and sales, Plastec is on the rise as it explores new segments of the industry. Their growth not only provides stable job opportunities but also helps nurture a skilled workforce, making a significant contribution to the local economy.

According to Economy ID data, the Sunshine Coast manufacturing sector has experienced a notable 15% increase in manufacturing jobs from 2019 to 2023, and companies like Plastec are pivotal in driving this growth, creating jobs, and enhancing the region's manufacturing capabilities.

Export Contributions

Plastec plays a vital role in the Sunshine Coast’s economy and a significant contributor to the region’s export performance, with 95% of its production being exported from the region and a small part of that being sent overseas.

The Region’s 30% increase in exports from 2019 to 2023 was largely driven by manufacturing firms like Plastec, that actively engage international markets.

Promising Future

Success in manufacturing in Australia requires being courageous, innovative and strategic.

Plastec brings innovative products to market, particularly in the realm of modular sewerage access chamber systems, which are designed to be lighter and easier to transport, resilient and long-lasting, and extremely cost-efficient to install. These replace concrete, reducing not only its weight but the environmental impact, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable construction practices.

Syd and the team also defy the prevailing rhetoric that suggests that large-scale manufacturing in Australia is no longer feasible. This is possible however, it simply requires a strategic approach.

Plastec understands when these are needed in the market, what investment is necessary, what skills are important, and which specialist equipment, digitization and automation is required.

By focusing on these areas, Plastec can achieve economies of scale that not only enhance competitiveness in terms of price, quality, and lead time but also position the company as a market leader. This strategic mindset aligns with broader macroeconomic trends on the Sunshine Coast, where a shift towards advanced manufacturing is essential for driving economic growth and sustainability.

In summary, Plastec has earned a high reputation as a trusted partner for major brands across the country, by leveraging its advanced manufacturing techniques, skilled workforce and innovative ideas. The team, a vital player on the Sunshine Coast’s manufacturing sector, is well-positioned for continued growth and success, and a key contributor to employment, exportation of products and a prime example of how local businesses can thrive through investment in technology and commitment to excellence.