RPC Technologies is a global provider of reinforced plastic composite solutions serving the industrial, defence and transport markets. Currently predominating Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and Southeast Asia markets, the Company’s strategic vision is to be the number one provider of composite solutions worldwide.

The Australia-based Company operates two plants in Newcastle, New South Wales and a facility on Batam Island in Indonesia, which provides business to its Australian and Southeast Asian counterparts. RPC recently invested $5 million into a new plant in Geelong, Victoria. The plant began production in June 2010, and is currently building GRP risers for the Victorian Desalination Plant. “This is the first time we’ve constructed a facility purpose-built for our requirements. We’re looking forward to some real benefits to come out of that,” says Managing Director Tony Caristo.

Some of those benefits include improved productivity and a functional layout that generate more efficient workflow due to superior overhead crane capacity and outside handling facilities for pipe products. “We are in a good position to handle large size projects and large-size diameter piping to suit customers’ needs,” Caristo says. These upgrades are putting RPC Technologies on the fast-track to realizing its vision.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENTS

RPC Technologies’ continuous improvement strategy is straightforward: everything is about measurement. Caristo explains, “We measure our productivities, we measure our outputs, we measure our qualities and improve based on those figures. Continuous improvement is a discreet process and we do that in our everyday business. That’s an important part of who we are. RPC is an adapting and flexible company that needs to be for the projects we build.”

RPC invests its time in a lot of research and development, as it is constantly looking at ways of how to improve on its progression. According to Caristo, “Our technology is about manufacturing processes, from how we can change the way we do things more efficiently.”

As part of the investment for the Geelong plant, RPC has upgraded their equipment, which the Company built itself. RPC recently added a third axis to their filament winders to perform three-axes winding for pipe production to reduce the amount of waste. “We need to stay ahead of the game, otherwise we’ll fall behind,” Caristo says.

By constantly improving its processes, RPC believes it can provide a complete solution for its customers. “That complete solution is hassle-free, interface-free and allows our client to get the most cost-effective solution at the end of the day,” Caristo says. This enables the installed cost to become lower. RPC can complete the full design, supply, manufacture and installation of its product, unlike competitors who may only be limited to a manufacturing capability.

GLOBAL CLIENTELE

The amount of customers who benefit from RPC’s complete solutions are broad and varied. In the defence side of the business, RPC services the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO), as well as BAE, General Dynamics and beyond.

On the transport side, particularly rail, RPC builds componentry for trains’ interiors, exteriors, fronts, toilet modules, seats and lighting. Customers include, Bombardier Transport, Alstom Transport, United Group – Rail and Downer EDI - Rail.

The industrial customers are much more varied. RPC services Alstom Power in Switzerland, and K L Bateman in Israel, Foster Wheeler UK, and other massive construction primes in Australia such as John Holland, Theiss and Leighton.

Caristo says RPC’s reputation has allowed it to have a steady influx of customers over the years. “Clients see us as a provider of composite solutions for their needs,” he explains. “The Company is very much involved in project-oriented industries and customers consistently come back to RPC for their various needs.”

IPOS, NEWS MARKETS AND BEYOND

RPC plans on increasing its capabilities, including filament winding capacity and capability for its fibreglass range. “We’re increasing that capacity because we see a significant demand coming up for our product,” Caristo anticipates. He says the Company will invest another $1 to $2 million for those plans.

The Company’s current plan is to perform successfully with a $100 million turnover in the defence, transport and industrial markets. “Hopefully we can improve to a standard where we may consider an IPO,” Caristo says.

Similarly to its continuous improvement strategies, RPC is constantly looking towards the future. It is contemplating strategies in new markers and is positioning itself to make possible investments in China, Vietnam and Europe.