In it for the long haul

Geelong can claim to host Australia’s longest powder coat line, with Southern Star Group’s new facility commencing operation.
The North Geelong factory and national logistics hub covers 11,000 square metres, including a state-of-the-art aluminium powder coat line that’s almost 200 metres long.
The line features fully automated online pre-treatment, painting and drying, facilitating the reclaiming and re-use of powder, decreasing waste reduction and complementing the groups’ ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.
The new facility in Tobab Court employs 53 Geelong-based staff with careers in powder coating, logistics, administration and supervisory roles.
It complements the group’s expansive head office and manufacturing facilities, occupying most of Kelly Court and housing another 250 staff.
“We’re extremely proud to be a successful manufacturer in Geelong and supplying our product nationally,” managing director Paul Gray says.
“We started in 2002 employing around 30 people and now we employ nearly 600 nationally, half of those in our Geelong head office. This new $7 million facility is an integral part of the business’s planned development for the future.”
The Southern Star Group manufactures aluminium and timber windows and doors for the Australian residential housing market
With branches in four states, the group includes Southern Star Aluminium Windows and Doors, Canterbury Timber Windows and Doors, Big J Doors and Fixings and Homeview Timber Windows and Doors, providing builders and renovators with a one-stop shop for all residential window and door requirements.
More information is available at windowsanddoors.build