2017 Casey Cardinia Business of the Year
The Casey Cardinia business of the year for 2017 is Hallam-based Powerplant Project Services.
The announcement was made at a gala dinner held at the Cranbourne Racecourse on Friday 27 October.
Powerplant Project Services also won the award in the Trades and Construction category.
The privately owned electrical contractor has been surging from strength to strength.
The firm has major lighting design contracts on some of the state’s largest road projects, its staff list is ever-growing and recently it appointed its inaugural chief executive.
Powerplant has been involved in “asset relocation and lighting design” for the Thompsons Road upgrade as well as designing lighting for the Monash Freeway between Pakenham and Tullamarine – except the city tunnels.
Other projects include street lighting and asset relocation for the Mernda rail extension and highway upgrade in Traralgon.
Powerplant’s staff has grown sixfold to more than 50 in the past five years. Last year it added more than 600 projects.
Chief executive John Kelso said Powerplant was part of a growth area – providing infrastructure and services for utilities – at a time when utilities were downsizing and outsourcing.
“It’s an exciting time to come to the business,” Mr Kelso said.
“We’re looking also at how to bring in new local talent, such as through traineeships, as a way of regenerating and building up new skills.
“Success is driven by having the right people and having the right culture.”
Other winners were:
Business and Professional Services – Ideas Ministry
Health Education and Well-being – YMCA Casey
Home-based Business – Tour Local
Hospitality – Cannibal Creek Vineyard
Manufacturing – Powerplants Australia
New Business – Davey Marine
Retail – Emerald Village Pharmacy
Social Enterprise – Waverley Industries
Tourism – Safir Tours
Environmental Sustainability – Beaconsfield Dental
People’s Choice – Twisted Sista
