Gemcell Australia

Two expansions in twenty three years laid solid foundations for Robert Fergusson. But when his next expansion was to take over his former employer’s business, Robert must have felt there was no stopping him. The next forty eight years showed that prediction was right on the money.

Robert Fergusson Pty Ltd is a Tasmanian electrical wholesale company that has grown immeasurably within the span of its distinguished history. Established in 1938 by the Fergusson family, the business has now been in continuous operation for 71 years.

Currently five stores are located state-wide. One is in Devonport, another is in Burnie, two more stores are in Hobart and the head office is located in Launceston. As a long-term member of Gemcell, the company offers an excellent range of wholesale electrical and data products.

Founded in 1938 by Robert Frederick Fergusson, Robert Fergusson Pty Ltd was first located in Lower Charles Street, Launceston. As the business grew it re-located to Staffordshire House at 101 Charles Street, Launceston. By 1961 the business had in turn outgrown these premises and Robert Fergusson Pty Ltd moved to its current location at 27 Invermay Road.

Mr Fergusson also opened a branch in Devonport by taking over Noyes Brothers in Formby Road, his previous employer’s business. In September 1973 Fergusson’s moved to new premises in William Street, where they are still located today. And in 1986 Robert Fergusson expanded still further with the opening of the trade and retail outlet in Alexander Street, Burnie.

In September 2007, the family business was sold to the BGW Group, a Brisbane based company. The latest addition to the Fergusson group, under the new ownership, is the Electrical and Data division in Campbell Street, North Hobart, launched in December 2008.

As part of the ongoing development of the company, a number of store renovations are under way and planned in the near future. The Launceston premises is currently undergoing a major revamp of the trade area, and a refurbishment of the administration offices in the same building has been recently completed.

Under the stewardship of the BGW Group, the newly branded and revitalised stores of Robert Fergusson Pty Ltd, now have a firm foundation on which to continue building the business and to remain a vital part of the Tasmanian trade sector. All store exteriors have been painted in an easily recognisable and eyecatching red giving them a strong and distinctive brand image.

BGW Group has invested both in the company and in its employees and has put in place infrastructure and training programs to assist in the growth of the business. If the new culture combines well with the energy that has driven the company’s last seventy one years, the new owners will have every reason to celebrate