ARA has bucked the trend of a declining manufacturing industry in Australia and New Zealand since the start of the ARA business in 2001.
Manufacturing was once a major economic contributor in Australia from a peak of 25% of the gross domestic product in the 1960’s to under 6% today. Manufacturing employment as a percent of total Australian employment has declined from 25% in the 1960’s to approximately 6% today.
A similar, but not quite as pronounced trend during the past 60 years is seen in New Zealand. The manufacturing sector today is approximately 11% of the gross domestic product from approximately 26% in the early 1970’s. New Zealand employment in manufacturing today is approximately 10% of total employment from a high of 25% in the 1970’s.
The initial acquisition that started the ARA Group on its way was Sealeck Doors, a small manufacturer of steel doors. This was a business that did $4 million a year and broke even. From this start, ARA Manufacture did $169.1 million as part of the Products and Electrical Divisions. More importantly, it was the most profitable part of ARA this past year.
ARA’s investment in the manufacturing sector has been highly successful for the overall benefit of the Group. As a critical component of the ARA Group we are very proud to be making great products and to be an important contributor to the manufacturing sector in Australia and New Zealand. From the initial acquisition through to this financial year just ended, ARA has made continued investments in manufacturing both through acquisition and upgrading equipment.
The ARA manufactured products are:
- Steel and aluminium commercial doors
- Ballistic doors and windows
- Physical security systems including counters and pass throughs
- Bollards
- Gates
- Commercial bicycle racks
- Timber and steel fire doors
- Commercial doors
- Steel roller shutters
- Commercial and industrial signs
- Commercial joinery
- Security door systems including door hardware
- Switch boards
- Switch rooms