HEART OF
GLASS ONE OF ORANGE’S BIGGEST WINDOW MANUFACTURERS, TABERNER’S, BRINGS A TON OF EXPERIENCE TO THE TABLE.
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tanley Taberner established the business in William Street in 1927 and three moves later the family are firmly ensconced in their state-of-the-art window factory and showroom in Ash Street, in the Leewood Industrial Estate.
They moved here in 1996 and today the place is managed by Stanley’s grandchildren Andrew, Ashley, Lyndon and Cherrie. Another two sisters, Debbie and Suzie, also play a role in the well-established family business. Never far away from the action is Stanley’s son David, who has been involved in the business for more than 60 years, starting as a 15-year-old apprentice. What he doesn’t know in the glass and window industry isn’t worth knowing. David has no plans to retire, despite his children having taken over the reins. He is an inspirational leader who can do any job on the floor. The best part, however, is being surrounded by a strong family, all highly committed to carrying on the fine family tradition. With a staff of 25, Taberner’s is a big business boasting many long-serving, loyal employees, who have contributed to the success of the company. Several have worked for more than 30 years, like Neil Ellis (pictured), and Terry Caughlan, who both came for a three-month trial period and never left. “For most of our earlier history, Taberner’s was the go-to place for all things glass,” says Cherrie, a director in the business. “The last 10 years have seen significant changes in the window industry and we remain at the cutting edge of window and door manufacturing.” Their specialty is double-glazing, which has become increasingly popular for those seeking energy-efficient homes. You’ll see examples in the breathtaking showroom (among the largest in NSW), with more than 30 products on display, including thermally broken windows and doors. “While a large portion of our product ends up in the Sydney market, we do have a particular focus on the Central West and Blue Mountains,” Cherrie says. Taberner’s also offers a full range of products that comply with stringent building requirements in areas affected by bushfires. “The business has grown enormously since I started back in the ’60s,” recalls David, who was known for his flying trips all over the state to measure up and supply windows for many commercial projects. Along with his devoted wife and family matriarch Phyllis, David lives happily with all of his six children and 26 grandchildren on a cattle and sheep farm near Molong that’s been in the family for more than 30 years (ironically, only two boys out of all that tribe will carry on the proud Taberner name). They have their own school bus, either driven by David or his daughter Debbie and they all congregate on Friday nights when Phyllis bakes one of her legendary dinners – she’s been doing this for over 20 years, often serving more than 50 guests. With five great-grandchildren on the ground, David and Phyllis Taberner have ensured that the family name will well and truly carry on into their centenary year in 2027. CWL David Taberner, seated, with children (who are all directors in the company) Andrew, Cherrie and Lyndon (absent, Ashley); long-time employee Neil Ellis.
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