CENTRAL Systems has had a strong four years, with staff numbers tripling to 175 and turnover growing six-fold as new services have been added and new clients won across a wide range of industries.
The company’s success was highlighted by its ability to win a $25 million contract on Fortescue Metals Group’s Solomon Hub project in the Pilbara.
It has also won contracts worth between $2 million and $5 million on: Newcrest’s Telfer gold mine; the Dampier Port Authority’s salt conveyor project; and Cooperative Bulk Handling Albany port facilities.
When it started in 1996, the business traded as Central Waterproofing Systems and focused on waterproofing and leak detection services for commercial and residential buildings in the metropolitan area.
Founders John and Rosemary Mai achieved modest growth in the early years, working from a house in Osborne Park with a couple of staff.
That started to change in 2003 when they partnered with Ivan and Emma Ruefli.
The Ruelfis invested in the business and brought specialist knowledge and networks from their previous experience in civil and marine construction.
At the start of 2004, the business changed its name to Central Systems and since then it has expanded into building maintenance, protective coatings, civil construction and remedial services.
In 2009, three new shareholders with experience in public companies and backgrounds in civil and concrete construction services joined Central Systems, bringing with them knowledge of enhanced management practices and workplace systems.
The company says its growth wasn’t motivated by increases in revenue or the bottom line, but instead Central Systems has focused on the continuous improvement of its staff and business practices.
As the management team, systems and resources increased, the business has taken on larger projects.
It has ensured its financial position has been carefully managed during this period of growth.
Central Systems has used its own cash to fund capital investment, choosing not to access the capital facilities made available by its banks.
A zero-harm philosophy towards staff, clients and the environment is rigorously followed.
To date, Central Systems has a clean safety record with zero lost time injuries. It also has medium-term goals of 100 per cent safety system compliance and a lost time injury frequency rate below one – less than a quarter of the industry average of four.
Significant effort is made to reduce the company’s ecological footprint.
Central Systems selects clients that share its concern for the environment, constantly trials new materials and methods, and automates processes to cut down on waste and improve safety.
As a consequence, it received environmental accreditation from the International Organisation for Standardisation last year.
