Polyweld Structures is a family business, started by Andrea and Ken Donaldson in 1968. Their first products were above-ground swimming pools manufactured from agricultural steel and black polythene. Their son, Stuart Donaldson, now the managing director of Polyweld Structures.

The Donaldsons started VivadSider, one of Australia’s largest supplier of truck curtains, and in 2000, they started Vivad Pty Ltd, which offers wide digital printing for signage and exhibition graphics. The managing director of Vivad is their son, Ewen Donaldson.

As Polyweld grew, it moved from a former stable into a factory and finally into the current manufacturing space in Campbellfield, Victoria. Many of the company’s 50 employees have enjoyed the company culture and have adapted to changes in products and processes. As is the trend with most Australian manufacturing workforces, they are maturing, which the Donaldsons consider an asset in expertise and experience.

Part of Polyweld’s success has been its ability to step into the future and move with the markets. Tensioned membrane structures are advantageous over traditional construction in building ambience, and are still early in the product life cycle.

Other success factors have been a firm belief in the value of Australian manufacturing, intelligent application of research and development, and adapting electronics to all areas of design and production.