Tell us a bit about Vale Plastics—where are you based, how long have you been around, and how did you get started? What inspired you to take the leap into this industry

Vale Plastics has been in Brookvale for over 50 years, with a team of about 20 people. It’s funny—before owning the business, we were actually customers through our other company, Jacksons Awards. About 15 years ago, we decided to buy out our supplier, and that’s how we ended up here. It’s been an incredible journey ever since.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced, and how did you overcome them?

Economic downturns have always been tricky. We’ve had to step in financially to keep things going at times, especially during tough periods like COVID. I remember sitting the team down, warning them about possible cuts... and then, the next day, we landed a big order for hygiene screens, and suddenly we needed overtime. It’s all about staying flexible and being ready for the unexpected.

When did you know it was time to grow, and how have you managed that growth?

Growth isn’t about one big decision; it’s about always improving. Whether it’s tweaking our processes, investing in better equipment, or staying efficient, we’re constantly evolving. During COVID, we had to get creative with split shifts and overtime to meet demand, but we managed to stay on top of things.

How has your business focus evolved, and what are you known for now?

We’ve come a long way from our early days. My family used to be in the toy and giftware business, but big retailers like Big W changed that market. Today, we’re known for our fast, high-quality products, like backyard pool panels and even helicopter parts. Our ability to deliver quickly and maintain quality has set us apart from competitors, even on a global scale.

What were the key moments or decisions that helped you expand?

COVID, ironically, was huge for us because of the demand for hygiene screens. But another big step was acquiring Z Display, another local business in Brookvale, which got our point-of-sale products into major Australian retailers. That was a game-change.

How do you keep customers coming back, and what’s your approach to marketing?

We don’t do much traditional marketing because our audience is niche. Our focus is on providing great service—when a client comes to us, we make sure they never want to go anywhere else. We’ve had customers stick with us for over 30 years, which shows how much we value those relationships.

How do you collaborate with other businesses, and how does Vale Plastics give back to the community?

We love partnering with local businesses. Whether we’re helping with production or working with services we don’t provide ourselves, collaboration is key. We’re also active in the community through Warringah Rotary, supporting charities like Stewart House and NB Women’s Shelter. Sustainability is important to us too—all our offcuts are recycled.

Looking back, is there anything you’d do differently if you were starting over?

I’d take more risks. You learn the most from pushing yourself and making mistakes, and I think I’d lean into that a bit more if I could do it all again.

Why is supporting local businesses so important to you?

Supporting local businesses keeps the economy thriving. It creates jobs, strengthens the community, and when you keep business local, the money stays here and benefits everyone.