ICM positions itself to exploit future growth opportunities

NICK Bertucci established Canning Vale-based ICM Group in 1993 as a one-man operation.

Mr Bertucci started the business in response to the increasing demand for high-quality mechanical and electrical products and services.

Today, ICM employs more than 80 specialists in the areas of electrical and mechanical trades, IT, communications, engineering, management and administration.

The company has attempted to distinguish itself in the electrical and mechanical fields, forging alliances with world industry leaders such as engineering conglomerate Siemens.

During 2007-08 ICM underwent significant growth, doubling its workforce to 126 and increasing turnover by more than $6 million to $20 million.

However, the specialist engineering services company has not been immune to the downturn, slashing 37 jobs this financial year to ensure that its projected $32 million turnover target is reached.

"We believe that if we can survive a year with such rapid growth, we have the qualities of being extremely successful in years to come," the company said in its submission to the WA Business News Rising Stars Awards.

"Our constant strategic planning, both externally and internally, makes us the perfect rising star. We believe and understand the evolving market and know the key to success is careful planning.

"We are always looking to the future and believe that with meeting our key performance indicators set quarterly, we will continue on the road to success.

"We know it is important to involve all employees when strategically planning. Our employees' input, as our greatest asset, is integral in reaching the goals our company sets.

"If our employees don't believe the goals how can they be reached? It is mission impossible."

ICM works under a two-tiered management system where the executive management team is accountable for the overall management of the divisional managers, providing strategic guidance and leadership to the divisional management team.

Under the chairmanship of Mr Bertucci and chief executive Mike Lane, the company's main objectives include being a provider of quality customised solutions delivered on time, on budget and without incident, and being a specialist provider of solutions while "doing the jobs other companies are unable to do".

"We specialise in methods of work that avoid the requirement to shut down your operation, meaning no downtime for you, and no profit loss," the company says on its website.

ICM has a strong presence in Western Australia, particularly in the Pilbara, with a focus on increasing market share as new markets emerge.

The company's short-term objective is to have ICM products on every reputable WA and Northern Territory materials handling site by June 2013.

"Looking further into the future, ICM hopes to become the world's leader and most recognised company to optimise production and reliability of industrial and commercial equipment and process," the company said.

"We want to be ... renowned for the innovative way in which we resolve productivity constraints for industrial and commercial equipment and processes."

To achieve this, ICM has a strong focus on employee development, training and workshops.