FBT Transwest (FBT) has built up a strong client base through its services to most leading manufacturers and importers of chemicals, agricultural, plastics, edible oils and waste stream products.
FBT is represented by several transport industry bodies and holds a series of certifications and licences which demonstrate its value for care and safety, including an ISO 9001 accreditation, Chemistry Australia Carrier Accreditation, Major Hazards Facility (Victoria) and much more.
The history of Holmwood dates back to 1950 when AMA (Adams, Mellish, Anderson) was formed and was tasked to refurbish an ex-war tanker constructed of aluminium. Welding of light alloys was unheard of locally at the time, so AMA imported the first aluminium welding equipment and technology into Australia.
By 1956 AMA was constructing its own aluminium tanker designs, with several of them being the largest petrol carrying tankers in the country. In 1963, Sid Mellish formed Holmwood Enterprises which saw his son, Colin Mellish, take over and continue to lead the path in Queensland to this day.
From the beginning, Holmwood has grown to become a national force and a much-respected name in the bulk liquid transport industry, with a reputation for the most reliable equipment.
FBT Managing Director, Cameron Dunn, began his journey with the company in 2009 and he explains that Holmwood was already established as its key supplier.
“Holmwood Highgate is a key supplier to us in terms of aluminium tankers,” he says. “They have the same value set as us and our terms of quality and safety match, which makes them a good fit for our business. They work well – quality is what we’re about. It’s not about the cheapest, it’s about the quality.”
Cameron’s most recent order with Holmwood included two new aluminium tankers and ended with a positive result, like every other order.
“We’ve ordered two tankers with them and have experienced no issues whatsoever,” he says. “It was a very smooth process and I’m very happy with the outcome. Holmwood is always very responsive and their designs work well with us, as far as customising the equipment for us and how we build it. Together we’ll select the suspension and the lids, valving and pipework – we have them custom made for our design, which obviously has a key aspect to safety in there.”
Along with being responsive and reliable, Cameron explains that Holmwood is also into innovation and welcomes any suggestions from FBT. He often suggests cutting-edge innovations and they will look at how they can be incorporated into the design of their equipment.
“Our business is very user-focussed,” he says. “We have operators operating these tankers, so we need to put ourselves in their shoes and we need them to be able to be innovative while thinking of the operator using the tanker, and Holmwood accommodates those discussions that we have with them very well.
“For us it’s not just the sale but the after sale as well.
“When we look at purchasing equipment it’s the complete package. Sales is one part of it, but the aftersales and the relationship after that is just as important to us. In Holmwood’s case, if something’s not right or goes wrong we can pick up the phone and we will get a response straight away, and that’s what we value as a business.”
Fast fact
Holmwood’s operations date back to 1950 when the family formed AMA (Adams, Mellish Anderson) and received a job to refurbish an ex-war tanker constructed of aluminium. Welding of light alloys was unheard of locally at the time, so AMA imported the first aluminium welding equipment and technology into Australia.
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