When it comes to the big events of 1975 in Australia, the double dissolution of parliament to dismiss Gough Whitlam as Prime Minister takes the cake for general history.
In the history of the transport world, the year marks the beginnings of one of the country’s longest serving trailer manufacturers, Gorski Engineering.
While rock band Sweet’s classic song, Fox on the Run, dominated the airwaves in ’75, father and son team Walter and Ken Gorski recognised a need for quality tipping bodies for the transport industry and stepped up to do something about it.
As we roll into February, 2024, Gorski Engineering is in its 49th year of operation, with a third generation of Gorski family members playing active roles in a business that employs 60 people and produces a high volume of tippers and trailers each and every year.
Ken’s children, Amelie, Tim and Jeremy each hold a role in today’s Gorski Engineering business which remains family- owned and run – with a corporate structure befitting a company of its size.
From a 5,000sqm workshop on the Hume Highway at Somerton, to Melbourne’s north, the Gorski team fabricate all manner of trailers.
The factory is a testament to the family’s belief in the future of the industry. A recent upgrade sees the workshop playing host to a total of 9 overhead Stahl cranes, a 13m MN spray booth, modern WIA welding machines, and Miller gantry weld booms primarily for the fabrication of HardoxTM Rigid Tipper and Trailers.
As trailer demand has risen, Gorski have also invested in more real estate, including an 1800sqm factory for all of its aluminium works.
The investment has allowed Gorski to report a record-breaking year for 2023 with the projection of 2024 being even better.
Gorski Engineering production manager Paul Baker says the growth of the business has come from its strong relationships with the customers it serves.
“As a company we have made a big shift towards customer centric products and service,” Baker says.
“We see our customers day in, day out, and hear the niggles and stresses that can arise within this industry.
“It is through our customers and with the feedback we receive we can design and re-design certain elements of our trailers to ensure greater usability.
“Product development is something that we thrive on and with the continual effort our team put in we have been able to streamline our processes and maintain very reasonable lead times for our customers. “
Gorski’s growth has seen supply shift from predominantly Victorian-based customers to supporting dealers and end-users alike in most states and territories.
The business has a sales team out on the road at least once a week touching base with its customers and dealers both within Victoria and interstate, allowing for further ability to service the industry.
A team of highly skilled employees and engineers ensure Gorski bodies are built to the highest standard and live up to the company’s “Built Tough” motto, as well as using on the best materials including Sweden’s premier steel HardoxTM.
When it comes to the components required to bring their trailers to market, Gorski uses key auxiliary suppliers including TMC axles and suspension, Jost Australia, Alliance laser, Air Brake Corporation, Truck Hydraulic solutions, Bridgestone, and Camilleri Tarps.
With nearly 50 years in the industry, Gorski’s knowledge of the market ensures they are at the forefront of tipper design and innovation. Its loyal and strong customer base has helped Gorski to become one of the country’s premium tipper suppliers in both wear plate (Hardox) and aluminium for the quarry and grain industries.
With a promise of continually upgrading its designs and combinations to meet the needs of today’s market, the Gorski team are sure to be a key part of the Australian industry for many, many, years to come.
If you want to arrange a quote or speak to one of Gorski’s knowledgeable sales team members or engineers, call (03) 9308 5433, visit here or email sales@gorski.com.au