Blackwoods (Group Wesfarmers) – market leader in the supply of solutions for Australian industry and construction – has become the exclusive distributor of the Rawlplug brand in Australia and New Zealand.
The history of Rawlplug fastenings in the Antipodes dates back to the first half of the twentieth century when its founders continued venturing into world markets as part of their “Round the World with Rawlplugs” policy.
‘Establishing cooperation with the Wesfarmers Group is an important milestone for the brand. Since the turn of the century Rawlplug solutions have been unavailable in this part of the world,’ explains Ewa Rosińska-Hryń, Rawlplug International Business Development Manager.
A key player on the Australian market
Rawlplug product sales and consulting will be undertaken by a dedicated team of experienced managers and engineers specializing in the construction fastenings market. Ultimately, Blackwoods distribution will have to integrate the whole Rawlplug range, and all points of sale will implement the brand’s innovative exposition system. For almost 135 years Blackwoods has been at the forefront of suppliers providing products for the construction industry. Part of the Wesfarmers Group – one of the largest listed companies and one of the largest employers in Australia – its main customers are companies and investors in the construction and mining industries. Blackwoods is distinguishable by the complexity of the range of products available, its careful attention to customer service, and quick and efficient delivery. Its fixed line network includes 65 branches throughout Australia, and it also sells through an online store.
Prospects for Rawlplug
The current market situation in Australia enables us to optimistically forecast the expansion of the Rawlplug brand in this part of the world. ‘Australian government projects promise significant investments in the construction market and there has been a steady rise in the value of construction projects in the private sector,’ says Ewa Rosińska-Hryń. ‘Also, we have high hopes for a project being conducted by Swinburne University of Technology to implement regulation of the ETAG and ETA certifications – which are held by Rawlplug products – for the Australian market.‘
