Cabinets Designed to Outlast Governments

Adelaide's Godfrey Office Equipment has manufactured and sold more than one million steel filing cabinets throughout Australia since opening its doors 51 years ago. With about 40 kilograms of steel going into an average filing cabinet, that's an average consumption near 1,000 tonnes of steel a year since 1954, all of it to help keep papers under rule, from humble office memos to highly sensitive government policy documents.

Godfrey Office Equipment's Marketing Manager, Peter Godfrey, says the company, started by his father, Bruce and now managed by his brother, David, has manufactured steel office furniture for State and Federal Governments, as well as government agencies, from the word go.

The company's products have consistently graced the offices of corporate CEOs, and Prime Ministers, Premiers, Government Ministers and local Government office holders down through the years.

"As Governments have come and gone, we've often seen the new player ordering more of the same cabinets as used by their predecessor. Our cabinets certainly seem to outlast Governments," Peter says.

The family owned office furniture manufacturer also enjoys solid sales into the private sector, initially addressing the South Australian market, and steadily 'exporting' to all other States over the years.

"Our first interstate market was Sydney and we finally became a truly national supplier in 1962 when we started selling into Western Australia," Peter says. "You have to remember that the highway to Perth wasn't sealed until the late sixties, so transport was an issue we don't face these days."

Godfrey Office Equipment, with a staff of 25, manufactures a range of two, three, and four drawer filing cabinets, mobile steel pedestal filing systems, lateral filing cabinets and tambour door storage cabinets. It also builds stationery cupboards, and a range of function wall and desk accessories.

Everything is made from cold-rolled and ZINCSEAL® G2S steel and COLORBOND® steel supplied by BlueScope Steel.

Godfrey Office Equipment, which recently joined the Steel By Brand Partnership Program, firmly believes its Australian heritage should be backed by using quality Australian steel in its products.

"We're proudly Australian, and promote this in our marketing efforts against imported steel office products," Peter says. "We've always used steel either direct from BlueScope Steel or through one of their 'stockists' and see no reason to change this policy."

He says part of this policy is based on BlueScope Steel's quality delivery service.

Godfrey Office Equipment has introduced what it calls a 'lean manufacturing' system, designed to dramatically reduce stock at hand and speed up the work in process.

"Similar to just in time manufacturing practices, lean manufacturing allows us to stay ahead of competitors," Peter says. "To set your business apart in this highly competitive world, you need to be flexible and responsive, and deliver world-class products."