Gemcell Australia

Bringing the benefits of independence to western NSW!

Out west where men talk beef and bullion, there’s a small business with a heart as big as the mines that are its lifeblood.

After 25 years in the electrical industry Darren Gardiner was dismayed to see American and European companies purchasing Australian businesses and sending the profits overseas. It was 2002 and Darren decided the time was right for an independent in the market place. So after many a long hour in discussion with fellow Director Craig Dickson, plans were made to give the multinationals some opposition!

Darren and Craig leased the warehouse at 1/9 Hawthorn Street, Dubbo in April 2002 and began trading. (OK, it wasn’t quite that simple but they got the doors open and stock onto the shelves).

Money was tight initially and stocks were limited, but with supportive suppliers and loyal customers they grew. By 2005 they had simply outgrown their premises so they doubled the floor space by leasing an adjoining warehouse and taking a wall out. The company still operates in Dubbo from these premises today.

Dubbo – the heart of the New South Wales west.

Dubbo is at the hub of western NSW, servicing the regional cities from Cobar and Bourke in the west to Walgett and Coonamble in the north to Parkes and Forbes in the south. The undisputed shopping capital of the west, Dubbo is a city with strong economic foundations and is home to a population of in excess of 120,000 people and 3,500 businesses.

Cobar Powerhouse commenced trading in April 2006 in order to capitalize on the mining operations in the Cobar area. Depending on the mining industry at the time, gold, copper, lead and zinc are the main metals mined in the area.

Cobar Powerhouse, at 12 Dunstan Street Cobar, is under the management of Brett Luton who is doing an exceptional job servicing customers. Under his leadership the business has flourished and due to excellent service, has been rewarded with several mining contracts. Cobar is situated approximately 300kms west of Dubbo and has a population of between 5 and 8 thousand.

“In March 2004 we joined Gemcell, which was a great decision not only for us but also for our customers,” said Darren. “With increased buying power and access to a wider range of suppliers, it gave us the backing and support to go forward with confidence.”

“At Powerhouse we strive to go that bit further for our customers,” Darren added. “After all, without them we wouldn’t be where we are today – a point not lost on the directors who are very grateful for their support.”

“Equally important to our ongoing success is our staff,” Darren continued. “Even though we are relatively young, we have loyal and capable staff who have built strong relationships with our customers and understand their wants and needs. Our customers appreciate that we are a local company having a go, and keeping it local. Our stocks are good and we maintain a level to suit our customers’ requirements and needs.”

“When you get right down to it, service is what the customer wants – good service plain and simple,” said Darren. “If they want it get it, and if they use it keep it.”

“On a lighter note we have a policy of no talking fishing until after 4.00pm,” Darren added. “But our resident Rex Hunt (Craig Dickson) usually can’t help himself, and keeps customers up to date with his fishing tails.”