Cessnock Tank Works Shapes Its Future

A rural New South Wales rainwater tank company is attributing sales growth of 40 per cent since August 2006 to tougher water restrictions.

Cessnock Tank Works, a home based company at Elrington in the New South Wales Hunter Valley, employs five people and manufactures 60 round and slim tanks a month from AQUAPLATE® steel.

Owners Tony and Michelle Kounnas, who bought Cessnock Tank Works more than four years ago, say recent demand has been strong.

"People have finally realised there's a water problem because of increased media coverage of the drought in the last year," Michelle says.

"Winter is traditionally a slow time for tank sales, but last winter was busy and we expect the 2007 winter will be too."

Michelle says slim tanks (with capacities ranging from 380 to 5000 litres) are the company's fastest growing product range because they look good and suit smaller suburban blocks.

"We expanded into slim tanks three years ago because we saw space efficient tanks as being the way of the future," she says. "Sales of our slim tanks have gone from five per cent to 50 per cent of our business in only three years."

Round tanks (100 to 28,000 litres) account for the balance of Cessnock Tank Works' business.

"We've installed four 13,640 litre round tanks at RAAF Williamstown," Tony says. "The tanks are made from AQUAPLATE® steel in a galvanised finish to match the look of the surrounding buildings."

The company has also become a supplier of Highline's range of industrial sized water tanks, with capacities of 23,000 to 2.5 million litres.

"Since introducing large tanks to the business in late 2006, we've been selling about three a month," Michelle says.

Cessnock Tank Works advertises in the local newspaper, the Yellow Pages, and on the Internet.

"Our website generates about 10 inquiries a week, but a third of our sales come from return customers," Michelle says. "We've established a reputation for manufacturing quality tanks, and providing friendly, helpful service.

"Tony and I remain in contact with every customer, and always ensure our tanks are delivered without scratches or dents."

Cessnock Tank Works joined the STEEL BY™ Brand Partnership Program to associate its business with the quality and reputation of the BlueScope Steel brand.

"The STEEL BY™ signs and logos give customers peace of mind because they can see they're investing in a reliable, quality Australian made product," Michelle says.

"Our steel tanks are easy to install, and ideal for concrete slab bases because they have double sided AQUAPLATE® steel bases that resist corrosion."

For more information contact:
Tony and Michelle Kounnas
Cessnock Tank Works
Ph: 02 4991 2558
Web site: www.cessnocktankworks.com.au