Henselite has been making and selling lawn bowls in Melbourne since 1918.
Twelve months ago the company made a strategic decision to move the Henselite Factory from its home of over 20 years in the inner northern suburb of Fairfield, to Kilsyth in the city’s east. This was only the 3rd time in the company’s 106 year history that the bowls manufacturing facility has moved and it was no small task.
“Like most major projects this one took longer, and cost more than originally planned. The task proved to be much bigger and more complex than we had anticipated.’ said Henselite Director, Ian Paterson.
‘We’ve had a very significant time out of production due to the move. Once we got up and running again, we have been selling our bowls as fast as we can make them and it’s taken some time to get ahead, so we have been low on stock and customers have been waiting longer for their orders than we would have liked. But the benefits of the move in the long term will outweigh the costs over this short period in the company’s long history.’
‘The move, the financial cost to us in achieving it, and the loyal support of our hard working staff during this extremely trying period, is a reflection of Henselite’s commitment to the bowls industry and our confidence in the game’s future, Ian said.’
Increasing Efficiency
The recent relocation of our factory has proven to be a game-changer in more ways than one. With its enhanced productivity and opportunity to bring its production and warehousing under one roof again, the move has brought a wave of benefits that will be realised in the coming months and years.
The decision to move the factory was driven by a strategic vision to streamline operations, maximize efficiency and lower overheads. Located in a more accessible area with better transportation access and links, the new facility has significantly reduced logistical challenges.
The layout of the new factory has been meticulously designed to optimize workflow and boost productivity while still maintaining our high standards of quality. This increased efficiency will enhance customer satisfaction by ensuring timely fulfilment of orders and provide more opportunities for innovation.
“Lawn Bowls is a precision sport where the smallest changes – in the bowl, in its delivery by the bowler – can change the game” said Ian. “Over 100 years Henselite has invested in developing the most accurate and precise bowls in the world. This is one of the reasons the Dreamline XG is proven to be the bestselling model here in Australia and New Zealand along with the Tiger Series in the UK and other parts of the world.”
“Our aim is to help all bowlers to Be Your Best. This factory move will allow us to keep making bowls of the highest quality, make more of them, give customers greater choices, and get them to our customers more quickly so they can spend time using them on the green playing the sport they love.”
Looking Ahead
The decision to move the factory has proven to be a pivotal moment for the company, paving the way for future growth and transformation while still remaining true to its driving principles of making the world’s most accurate and precise bowls. By leveraging the advantages of its new facility, the company will look to not only improve its operational capabilities but has also reinforced its commitment to excellence and to its authentic, artisanal, hand-finished bowls made and sold by people who care about our products, the sport and the community.