Massimo Sedano has seen many things in the tile industry, and he seems to enjoy looking back at his experiences with a sardonic wit. His humour belies his determination to survive and thrive in the midst of some major market challenges. At first contact, Massimo Sedano sounds like everything you expect a charming Italian business [...]
Beginning operations as Ceramic Tile Centre in 1987, Cerbis Ceramics quickly grew a reputation for importing the latest European fashions in floor and wall coverings. A wide range, large stock, value for money and impeccable service became the foundations for the business’ longevity and success. Today, over 25 years later, the very same foundations are [...]
Tim Christopher from Consultile Consulting writes that It is important to the resilience and longevity of tiling installations that cold weather is considered. The entire industry is negatively affected through failing installations of tile and waterproofing. There is also a huge environmental cost to rectifying failed work, particularly as tile is intended to be a [...]
With global travel restrictions and lockdowns restricting the usual round of sales presentations, showroom tours, and global tile events, more emphasis is being placed on digital communication platforms. International correspondent Joe Simpson reports on what happened when the Coverings trade show was called off as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The cancellation of Coverings, [...]
As part of the Federal Government’s recent Coronavirus Stimulus Package, eligible businesses can claim an immediate deduction for the business portion of the cost of an asset in the year the asset is first used or installed ready for use. Instant asset write-off can be used for multiple new and second-hand assets as long as [...]
New Age Caravans operate out of two closely situated sites in the Northern Melbourne suburb of Epping in Victoria. They aren’t the biggest manufacturer of recreational vehicles, but they are amongst the best in terms of quality. To manufacture a quality product that consistently meets the needs and expectations of their customers, David Lawrence; New [...]
Industry 4.0 is a vision that evolved from an initiative to make the German manufacturing industry more competitive. Australia needs to be at the forefront of this development but is in danger of slipping behind. Resistance to change could be the Australian furniture industry’s greatest obstacle. Industry 4.0 creates enormous opportunity for Australia. As one [...]
The flooring market has, for decades, presented a parallel reflection of the lifestyles and decor of urban and rural communities across Australia. Those who get all teary eyed about the past often forget that the so called simple life, more often than not, usually just meant fewer choices. In post war 1950’s Australia your average [...]
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) Victorian employers must take every reasonable step to protect workers from risks to both their physical and mental health, including those risks associated with coronavirus (COVID-19).This includes ensuring workplaces have appropriate systems and processes in place for the safety of workers and others. Social distancing, [...]
Apart from a short stint selling shirts, Bob Fletcher has spent his entire working life in the flooring industry. Early next year he turns 76 but remains busy with the family business, Designer Flake. His philosophy now is, “Work smarter, not harder.” Bob Fletcher was born in 1945 in the Melbourne suburb of Camberwell. His [...]
