Prestigious winners

By Jessica Howard

Victoria’s 2017 Manufacturer of the Year is located right on Ballan’s doorstep.

Paarhammer Window and Doors took out the prestigious award in the small business category of the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame held on May 9.

Owners, Tony and Edith Paarhammer accepted the award at a gala dinner held at Palladium at Crown in Melbourne.

Ms Paarhammer said it still hasn’t sunk in.

“We knew we were finalists, and of course we were hoping to win, but there were so many really, really good finalists that we didn’t dare hope too much.

“When we found out we had won we were just absolutely thrilled for everyone who is working here for us, as absolutely everyone has earned this award”.

Established in 1990, Paarhammer Window and Doors is the first Australian company

to develop bushfire-resistant windows and doors that are tested and approved to Australian standards.

All works are conducted in a purpose-built factory that features energy efficient sustainable waste and light and water management systems.

An on-site robot named Francesco aids in spray-painting to ensure all windows and doors have a perfect finish.

Ms Paarhammer said the company places a strong focus on staff education and community, with 35 apprentices trained in-house since its foundation.

Staff members have also been supported in overseas study trips to learn how to make aluminium clad windows now manufactured in Ballan.

Member for Buninyong, Geoff Howard congratulated the Paarharmer team on winning the prestigious manufacturing award and for “helping to shape the future of this important sector”.

“Companies like Paarhammer are helping Victoria become a hub for advanced manufacturing, driving economic activity and creating local jobs.”