Custom Group History

The business started in 1970 in Derkin Place, Peakhurst as Custom Built Sheet Metal P/L by John Chitty and a partner. Some of the early employees who began as 16 year old apprentices are still with the company today.

Early fabricating work included brackets and small enclosures for the Electrical Commission of NSW, and large patch panels and instrument panels for a number of electrical power stations.

In 1978, John Chitty bought out the other partner. Their equipment stock went as far as a guillotine, a hydrabend, a couple of drill presses, and a manual Trumpf hydraulic punch press that could take one 1 tool at a time, with the operator required to move the part around guided by vernier scales. Forming was achieved by the operator pressing a button to punch, and holding the button down to nibble.

Business expanded enough to enable them in 1982 to purchase 8000 square feet in 26 Norman St, Peakhurst, then in 1989 move up to a 25,000 square feet facility in 51 Norman St.

The higher volumes allowed them to invest in CNC machinery: first a Trumpf punch and nibble machine that still had a manual tool change facility, but that moved the sheet around and activated the tool head automatically.

The economic restructuring of the 1980's saw a number of major manufacturers shut down, including ClearCube Ice and Phillips Electrical. Custom Built employed key personnel from these plants, and purchased much of the high end equipment, including cnc multi tool punch presses and press brakes.

In 1986 a paint line and powder coated facility was installed to broaden the range and application of products they could manufacture to be able to withstand the harshest outdoor conditions.

By the end of the 1980's, automation was advancing at an increasing pace, with the investment in an Amada Heger 40 station punch press which could handle 8x4 sheets. This was followed up shortly after with a Hicross machine of similar capability to help with ever increasing demand.

Greg Wallis joined the company in 1992, and with the new blood came a renewed energy for the opportunities that the new manufacturing technology could offer in terms of faster turnaround time, lower cost, higher quality, greater manufacturing flexibility, and the ability to work continuously to tight tolerances.

Over the next few years laser cutting machines, and a series of combination laser/turret equipment were added.

A critical step forward was achieved when true lights out operation was achieved, with the purchase of forming machines with integrated feeding and unloading towers that could be left to work through the night unmanned.

The success of this strategy has become manifest in Custom's impressive growth trajectory. In 2007, the purchased a new 70,000 square foot factory in Milperra.

At the same time the name of the company was officially changed to Custom Group, to reflect the broader range of manufacturing work the company was now undertaking.