Software
IJF Australia celebrating 50yrs Planit would like to take this opportunity to congratulate IJF Australia on celebrating 50 years of manufacturing in South Australia. Since its formation in 1964, the Monteleone family company has achieved remarkable business growth that has propelled the company into its current role as a national market leader. Established by brothers Reg and Ross, the company grew to include family members Geoff (1966), Murray (1969), Ken (1972) and cousin Ross Giorgio (1976). IJF Australia started life in the South Australian suburb of Rosewater with a total of three employees. The company originally focused on domestic products. The business grew and, in 1969, relocated to Holden Hill, where it went
on to become the leading domestic joinery manufacturer in SA. By 1975 the business had also established Australia’s first modular furniture system. In 1989, the manufacturing hub and headquarters moved to its facility at Kilburn. It was here that IJF developed its reputation as one of the nation’s leading furniture and fit-out contractors, specialising in apartment, office and hospitality projects. 2006 saw IJF acquired a manufacturing plant in Virginia, Queensland to accommodate for growth in the areas of South East Queensland and NSW.
Essential Tools of the Trade
Solid Essential for Panel Saws
The ideal entry-level solution for cabinet manufacturers looking to streamline their business by taking drawings to a panel saw. As showcased at
®
CUTTING EDGE SOLUTIONS
1300 855 411 16 | SupplierSept/Oct 2014
www.au.planit.com
The, in 2009, IJF moved to its current headquarters and main manufacturing facility in Wingfield. This new facility was designed to meet their changing economic and client needs in a more internationally competitive market. Today, IJF remains a family owned business which employes over 100 staff nation-wide. Planit’s Tony Vella started his apprenticeship with IJF Australia back in 1991 as a fresh-faced 17 year old. He was fortunate enough to work with many good people during his 19 years there and he believes that what he learnt there helped develop both his character and skill set. “IJF has always had the reputation for starting the careers of many cabinet makers, wood machinists, polishers, designers and drafts persons,” said Tony, “teaching us not only the skills of our respective trades but also on how to successfully work together in a team environment. “Just keeping up with conventional technology is never enough for IJF and this is why it introduced the use of Cabinetware as its primary setting out tool in 1995. Cabinetware was instrumental in improving efficiencies in the setting out of joinery ready for manufacture on both their beam saws and point to point routers.” IJF is always looking for better ways to streamline its setout and manufacturing of jobs. In 2004 IJF cross graded to Cabinet Vision, which allows greater control over any nonstandard parts or joinery items.
“As an employee of IJF at this time, I was very much involved with the implementation, working in closely with the integrators from Planit,” said Tony. A number of projects and landmark buildings in Australia have been fitted out by IJF Australia using both cabinetware and Cabinet Vision as its drawing and setting out tool. These projects include the Eureka Towers, Royal Children’s Hospital and RMIT Village in Victoria; Bondi Apartments, 1 Bligh Street and Sydney Wharf Apartments in NSW; the Fiona Stanley Hospital and Hotel Intercontinental in Western Australia; Hamilton Harbour in Queensland and, currently, the New Royal Adelaide Hospital in South Australia. “IJF to this day, remains an industry partner and loyal customer of Planit. Seeing the next generation of the Monteleone family bring IJF into the future is very exciting and gives comfort in that IJF Australia is in great hands. “The knowledge I gained from my time at IJF is put into good practice every day with Planit.” “Happy 50 years IJF Australia” from Tony Vella and the management and staff of Planit.●
www.suppliermagazine.com.au