The mouse that roared

Back in 2007, Stanley Bostitch made the decision to move out of machinery and focus on retail. Rob Armour, the company’s capital equipment sales and service manager, decided to make a fresh start and create his own machinery business. Framequip was born.

“I started out with nothing but an old ute and a box of tools – servicing and trying to get myself established,” Rob says. “Then the GFC hit and things were really tough. Somehow I managed to survive and things are significantly better these days. We have built a large number of manual and automated wall frame machines.”

All of Framequip’s machinery is developed in house by Rob and his team of four – an engineer, an electrical engineer, a software writer and an electrician. The company focus is on the Australian truss and wallframe industry.

“We’ve also done projects in PNG and we are talking to another prospective new client in New Zealand,” Rob says. “I try to be as hands-on as I can, but I do have to do a lot of travelling.”

Framequip’s product range is headed up with a standard manual framing machine – the company’s best seller. The business also produces stud nog nailers, component nailers as well as fully automated framing machines. They also sell second hand and refurbished equipment and offer a range of trolleys and material handling equipment.”

“We also do a lot of servicing nationally, PMP [preventative maintenance program] type maintenance, servicing on agreement with our clients’ electrical work, testing and tagging and plant relocations, machine software and hardware upgrades,” Rob says.

All Framequip’s products are aimed at increasing productivity and efficiency, and safety is always at the forefront.

“We’re constantly updating our technology and using the best quality components,” Rob says., “We’re also constantly talking to our risk assessors in relation to keeping abreast of the latest in guarding and safety rules. We’re always looking at new ways to improve. If something new comes out we’re willing to look into it.”

Framequip has a strategic alliance with Airco Fasteners. The company’s nailing machines are built for Airco nails, but machinery can also be fitted for any other nail on the market.

“I can confidently tell any prospective client that I can fit a range of quality fastening tools to my machinery and also help the client with new and upgraded tools throughout their plant and offer them free onsite servicing,” Rob says.

While things aren’t always smooth sailing for a small business like Framequip, Rob knows he’s in the right place.

“There aren’t a lot of little guys like me left. I don’t know of anyone else like me in this business,” he says. “I have seen a lot of change over the past 30 years and things are heading more and more down the automation line.

“Basically, if you’re not into automation you’re not in the game.”