Client Focus

Bunbury-based Geotech a growing success

Geotech Financial Controller Malcolm White and Managing Director Steve Pederick

Bunbury-based construction materials testing laboratory Geotech has enjoyed unprecedented growth over the past two years.

The business operated from a single laboratory in the Halifax Light Industrial Area when it was purchased by the Pederick family in April 2007.

With the help of AMD Chartered Accountants Partner Peter Manolas and Geotech Financial Manager Malcolm White, it has been transformed into a network of laboratories operating across WA and interstate, with staff numbers growing from 8 to 65 and several business awards under its belt.

Managing Director Steve Pederick says he and his wife Denise sold their farming property and purchased Geotech with a view to building up a successful family business that would employ them and their children. Everything has gone to plan and so far their son Joe and daughter Erin are working in the business and there are plans to bring daughter Kirra on board when her children are a little older.

Early in August Geotech opened a new head office on Forrest Avenue opposite Retravision. They are located above the 24-hour chemist and right next door to Mission Australia – an organisation they work closely with and support as part of the company’s social responsibility program.

Geotech offers a materials testing service that covers soil, aggregate and construction materials and is available to everyone from owner builders to multinational companies such as Leightons, BGC Contracting & Downer EDI.

Everything is tested to National Association of Testing Authority (NATA) standards which are internationally recognised.

In building up the business, Steve and Malcolm set about creating a model of customer service that went far beyond what their competitors offered.

The secret of the business’ success is the ability to duplicate a winning formula in a string of laboratories spread through the South West, North West and interstate.

“We get results on time,” Steve said. “That’s what we all strive to achieve.”

Accountant Peter Manolas has been integral to the company’s rapid growth and attends the Geotech Board meetings.

“We were growing as fast as we could and we needed professional assistance,” Steve said.

“Peter came on board early in 2008 after he was introduced to us as the best commercial accountant in the South West.

“Because we are looking at rapid growth and balancing the increasing risk aversion, Peter’s strength has been in structuring our companies, trusts and joint ventures.

“He has given us good advice on how to achieve some pretty big targets, backed us with his wealth of experience and is inspired by what we are doing.”

Their success has not gone unnoticed. In 2008 Geotech won the South West Small Business Award for a business with 20 to 50 employees.

Last month they won the same award for a business with 50 to 200 employees. Geotech also won the Financial Management Award which Steve considers the most valuable award.

“It’s a reflection on what Malcolm and Peter have put into our business,” Steve said.

The next step for Geotech will be to expand internationally and they plan to open an overseas office next year.

Steve Pederick, wife Denise and son Joe in the new Geotech head office