Screenmasters Australia (SMA) will celebrate 30 years in the industry in 2024. SMA general manager Andy Blythe talks to Quarry about the company’s storied past and what lies ahead in its exciting future.
This year marks a 30-year milestone. What does it mean to celebrate an important anniversary like this one?
The 30-year milestone is a testament to the dedication, hard work and focus of the owners, Michael McGinley and Mick Lagan. Without their continued strong work ethic, outside-the-box thinking and ability to navigate an ever-changing customer base and supply chain, the company would not sit on the solid foundation it has today.
How has the business changed from when it started to where it is today?
The global shift to internet-based information and technology is a massive influence. The way we connect to customers and suppliers has become very ‘faceless,’ and in some instances, there is little human interaction at all. The way we connect, advertise, service and support has shifted. We are constantly evolving to keep up with our stakeholders’ expectations and demands.
What has been the key to SMA making more than three decades in the industry?
Any business needs solid business acumen. Strong leadership, coupled with a persistent ‘never give up attitude’ and dedication, ensures you have a good chance of building a successful business.
Having the flexibility and ability to ‘read’ the market is critical and ensuring your supplier base is “in tune” with your aspirations and goals.
SMA keeps innovating with new products. Why is it so important to keep bringing new products to market?
Traditionally, the market drove the direction of the business as we were simply following others. It became clear in the early days that being a follower is not the way forward, as it creates stagnation and complacency. We needed to stay a step ahead, keep in front of the competition and, more importantly, serve the customers with what they need. Staying close to the right suppliers is imperative as they need to listen to the market and bring new innovations for you to distribute. You are the suppliers’ eyes and ears; having that strong bond is a key to success.
SMA is expanding in bringing fixed plant equipment to its product line. How big a step is this for the company?
In short, this is a big but natural step. Our business philosophies are not changing. We will take our fixed equipment to the market with the same commercial and customer care logic, we have with our extensive mobile range of equipment. We feel this approach will open new doors, and new customers and allow us to serve our existing client base with a broader portfolio.
How much work has gone into expanding SMA to have a fixed plant portfolio, and how did this come about?
A combination of many factors has facilitated the expansion program. Timing is key in all aspects, and none more important than the company preparing for the next generation to drive the business forward. The company is also positively exploiting its long-term global relationships with industry experts.
These relationships allow for enhancements in strategic thinking, as well as driving operational change to cope with both current and future developments. It’s a very exciting time for the business.
Coming into 2024, what other new products will we see from SMA?
As previously mentioned, innovation and flexibility are critical to our success. We will continue to bring new products across the board from all our suppliers and develop new vendor relationships with new products and offerings.
Sometimes, innovations can be as simple as a design change or new options on an old model. But in our case, many of our innovations are driven by stretching the demands on our supply base, pushing them to think outside of the box. Being specific as to which new products SMA we will be focusing on, watch this space.
What is a crucial issue facing the industry in the next two to three years?
The usual key suspects will be controlling how well the industry performs. The major ones affecting all of us here in Australia are rising costs, locally and globally. Manufacturing overseas is at an all-time high, and the strength of the Australian dollar is a major factor.
Other key elements to consider are the availability of skilled resources and the increasing awareness of the impact on the environment and government policies affecting environmental aspects and how this impacts clients’ decisions going forward.
What’s your overall outlook for 2024?
Generally positive, however, as always, we must respect the ever-dynamic world we live in and remain cautious. Global events tend to take longer to impact Australia, so it would be fair to say we have a big focus on the “ripple” effect hitting us in 2024.
With our broader offering and continued dynamic approach to serving our clients, we are placed in good stead to cope with any shift in demand.•
For more information, see screenmasters.com.au
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