AME a Leader in Ararat Explosion

Ararat electrical harness manufacturer AME Systems is on target for a yearly turnover of up to $24 million as it maintains an extraordinary growth trajectory. Company turnover was $9 million three years ago. Staff numbers have grown from 130 in February 2002 to 240. Output has doubled and the company’s client list has almost doubled to 100. “We’ve been fortunate, the rewards are coming to our people now and we hope they can hold up long-term,” managing director Peter Carthew said.

Another load out! AME dispatch supervisor Rhys Burger, left, and business development manager Chris Carthew prepare to send a load of electrical harnesses

“The outlook is solid, we have orders going will into next year.”

AME Systems was established in 1977. Staff assemble electrical power and signal distribution systems.

Mr Carthew said building markets supplying the heavy truck industry and a burgeoning Gippsland Aeronautics industry had increased AME’s reach and allowed it to employ more district people.

AME’s expansion has accompanied a tangible explosion in Ararat’s economy after a tough decade marked by loss of major employers.

Manufacturing company AF Gason has also helped fuel the rise in business optimism in the city.

Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss will open a $700,000 storage and assembly plant at AF Gason tomorrow and mark the culmination of a $6 million expansion.

Ararat Rural City Chief executive Bill Braithwaite said AME and Gasons had helped lift the city.

“It’s not just that they employ people, but they are ground breakers and very innovative companies,” Mr Braithwaite said.

“They are certainly extremely important to the city as major employers and provide wonderful examples through their commitment to quality and excellence.”

He said Ararat people were now buoyant and positive. The city’s real estate market was vibrant.

Peter Carthew was an Ararat city councilor during the 1980’s and was chief commissioner during municipal amalgamations.

He estimated AME pushed $6 million into Ararat’s economy each year through wages.

He likened the contemporary mood in the city to that of 1875 when more than 2000 people thronged to celebrate the arrival of rail services.

“That has always thrilled me, God love it, that spirit of community, ”Mr Carthew said. “I believe we’re feeling that same sort of feeling through the community these days, which is wonderful when you’re recovering out of the slump we had to have 15 years ago.”

Peter Carthew commended AF Gason as a ‘phenomenal’ achiever in manufacturing.

“I’ve been around the earth a bit but I’ve never seen anywhere in the world a more innovative engineering company,” he said.

“In July 1991 they were making 105 different products, from motor cars to air conditioners and the way they have focused their business is wonderful.”

The late Frank Gason founded a motor trimming company in 1945 and later expanded the business building tractor cabins before diversifying.

(The Mail Times November 12th 2003)