Enware Australia is a Taren Point-based company that manufactures specialist plumbing products. CEO, Paul Degnan talks to us about how he grew a local business into a global concern that now turns over daily what it used to annually and how family and the Shire community has played a big part in Enware’s success.
Enware Australia is a manufacturer of specialist plumbing products and plumbing solutions such as water audits, anti-bacterial and cross infection minimisation. The company supplies gas fittings, tapware and bathroom products to schools, laboratories, hospitals, major corporations and detention centres.
CEO Paul Degnan bought Enware Australia Pty Ltd in 1987 after being approached by a public company wanting to expand. Twenty years later Enware is now a global company, turning over daily what it used to do annually. Enware Australia employs 120 staff and manufactures most of their products from their Taren Point site.
Whilst the challenges of running and growing a global company may at times seem onerous, Paul acknowledges that he must continue to be active globally in order to maintain its market position. Paul is the first to note how having a good team around him and family involvement at Enware Australia has allowed him to juggle the many roles he plays at work, home and in the community.
Despite the long hours he has had to work in order to achieve Enware Australia’s success, Paul has always enjoyed strong support from his family. Having a business close to home has helped as well. Staff also enjoy the location of the factory with 75 per cent of staff either “living or playing” in the Shire.
“I like to be community minded. I would like to think that I can be considered a fair, reasonable and desirable employer. I focus on the people more than the business,” Paul said.
”We are currently helping to train up to 49 people by assisting them in courses such as MBAs, welding and even English lessons. This helps them improve in their positions, and us as a company.”
Even with the quality products Enware produces, it is easy to see that Paul’s willingness to focus on people and help them to improve their skills and their positions, has probably been the real reason behind Enware Australia’s success. Many of the staff are long serving.
Over the years Paul has supported the community he lives in, as much as the company he owns. Having been a resident for 30 years he has spent 20 years with the Lions Club and supported surf clubs, football teams and fun runs.
Paul lends his support to the economic development of the Shire, as well as many charity organisations. When he is not working he likes to work on his golf handicap, spend time with the family, at the surf club or tending to his garden.
His continued success will soon see Paul heading to Melbourne for the Australian Design Awards. With partnerships overseas and divisions around the globe, Paul is looking to reduce his overseas travel where he can.
In saying that, there appears to be no signs of Paul slowing down any time soon. He is still focusing on continuing his community programs and looking to move Enware Australia forward. As for the long term future, the hope is that his family will take over the business and continue Paul’s legacy of being a fair, reasonable and desirable employer. | 
