Klinger Australia’s new premises in Perth offer a modern take on collaboration and creativity. The renovation was completed just in time for the company to celebrate its 65th Anniversary in 2023.
Since Klinger opened its first Australian office and manufacturing base in Perth, Western Australia in 1958, Klinger Australia’s ability to adapt and evolve has been crucial to its success. In response to the changing demands of the global workplace, Klinger Australia recently renovated its Perth headquarters in 2022 to promote better teamwork and collaboration amongst its employees. The redesigned office space features several breakout areas, a vertical garden, and a BBQ area aimed at encouraging team bonding and enhancing collaboration. The company recognized the importance of creating an office environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and a sense of community among its employees, especially in the post-COVID era, where the way we work has undergone significant changes.
Indigenous Artist designs symbolic canvas
To commemorate the opening of the new office, the entire Klinger Australia team participated in a fun morning activity where they jointly created a large symbolic canvas designed by Indigenous Artist and Cultural Advisor Justin Martin. Graham Llewellyn-Berry, Chief Financial Officer of Klinger Australia, commented on the experience: “There were a lot of laughs, a lot of positive energy and enthusiasm. Initially shy people became more open at the end of the workshop. And that is how we want the team atmosphere to evolve with this new office in 2022 and beyond – we want to see more confidence, more willingness to express yourself in the team.”
The artwork was completed during the official office grand opening in October 2022, where Klinger Group CEOs Christoph Klinger-Lohr and Daniel Schibli added the finishing touches: a meeting place representing a safe space for all. The canvas is permanently displayed in the Klinger office to remind all that this is the space where everyone is acknowledged, respected, and welcomed. With the new office, the Klinger Australia management team is determined to lead the Klinger Australia future with a stronger emphasis on building trust and hope.
Fostering a culture of excellence
“We’ve placed great emphasis on creating a warm, relaxed environment,” Kevin Woolley, Managing Director of Klinger Australia, spoke on how the office serves a more compelling purpose in training and growing a next-gen workforce. “As we return to the office from a period of working from home, our office needs to speak to that true feeling of being a team. We don’t want the office to be just a center for work; we want it to be also a center for ideas, friendship, and growth for decades to come.”
As Klinger Australia celebrates this milestone, the company also recognizes that it is only the beginning, and there is much more work to be done. We must continue to foster a culture of excellence and innovation, and invest in the development of our people, products and services. Our ability to adapt and stay agile in the face of a constantly evolving landscape is crucial to maintaining our competitive edge. These efforts will enable us to provide our customers with exceptional products and services, whilst also building a sustainable and evolving business for the long term”, Kevin said.
It is inspiring to hear the reflections of someone like Ajith Gunasekera, Finance Director of Klinger Australia who dedicated more than half of his career to the company and is now retiring. He reflects on his time with the company with pride and gratitude: “It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come since the beginning, and I am incredibly proud of our achievements. Most importantly, I would like to thank the generations of the Klinger family that contributed to the success. My best wishes go out to all. I am excited to see what the future holds for the company.”