Top 100 CEO Interviews
Issue No. 31 - October/November 2006
Sage controls destiny
SAGE Automation is in control of its destiny, and finds its Top 100 status "deeply satisfying".
SAGE is Australia's largest independent systems integrator. The firm makes automation and control systems that help a broad range of industrial clients compete in domestic and export markets.
"In terms of projects, the highlights included the airport upgrade at the RAAF Richmond airbase in New South Wales, design and development of the safety and control system for the Port River expressway, an extensive new robotics line for Ford’s giant Broadmeadows plant as well as electrical systems integration at Fosters new bottling facility," says Managing Director, Andrew Downs.
"From a company perspective, the creation of new business groups proved successful as well as our expansion into Melbourne.
"However, we also take our broader economic role and that of developing the technical expertise in South Australia extremely seriously. SAGE Automation currently has 12 electrical apprentices and we have employed nine graduate engineers.
"We have implemented a structured professional development program and we are developing our internal training centre to ensure staff members have the best facilities at their disposal."
Andrew says that by consistently winning work from interstate and attracting staff from interstate and overseas SAGE is making a solid contribution to the South Australian economy.
SAGE is sensitive to training and staffing issues because the company prides itself on leading expertise.
"Recruitment of suitably qualified professionals remains a key issue facing the industry and SAGE Automation is no different," Andrew says.
"We see this as a major restraint on growth and that is why we are investing heavily in apprenticeships, new graduates, staff development and a new $3.5 million training centre.
"The mining and defence boom in South Australia is also fuelling higher wages among professionals...
