Interline Roofing Ballarat celebrates 40 years of business
Interline Roofing Ballarat reached a significant milestone this year, marking 40 years since the business began.
Early beginnings
The company was established in January 1979 by local owner and operators Jeff Horgan and Stan Saw. While Stan retired from the business through ill health in 1990, the company has remained trading continuously in Ballarat for the past four decades.
Jeff began his apprenticeship as a carpenter in 1972 with Ian Flood, before moving on to Ellerslie Pty Ltd and completing his apprenticeship in 1976.
He continued with Howitt Home Builders, a firm of home builders that primarily built new homes in Ballarat, operating from different premises to where it is today. Howitt Home Builders inquired about a franchise available from Queensland company ABI (Australian Building Industry) to provide a mobile service of manufacturing fascia and gutters on site.
These machines were built in trailers, that were towed around from site to site and were able to roll out the product to length. This offered a supply and fit service to their clients, however it became very difficult to continue offering this travelling service, given the great distances that they had to travel. They therefore decided to purchase a factory and set up business from there.
Interline Roofing Ballarat is established
Business partners once again, Jeff and Stan formed their own company Interline Ballarat Pty Ltd. Jeff enrolled with SMB (School of Mines Ballarat) to attain his plumbing licence, and the rest, as they say, is history.
In early 1979 when the pair approached local builders to try the Colorbond fascia, roof and gutter system, Ballarat was a brick, tile and timber-centric city. It took some time to persuade home builders to change the trend. Now, Colorbond roofing and metal fascia are the norm within the industry.
Providing support and guidance
Jeff has employed in excess of 45 young apprentices throughout the past 40 years, many of whom have successfully completed their apprenticeships and have gone on to successfully operate their own businesses.
It is the dedication and hard work of all the staff that has made Interline what it is today and will continue to make the company successful.
"We have worked very hard for what we have today and can look back with pride knowing that throughout the journey, both as a worker and a businessman, I have been able to pass on my strong work ethic, knowledge, skills and experience to a lot of young people," said Jeff.
"We admit that running your own business over the years, has had its challenges, but you need to be able to take the good with the bad and keep looking forward. Be committed and always have a positive outlook. When you employ and train good staff, that is half the battle.
A good credit history with your suppliers is paramount, and being able to offer both quality service and quality products to your clients is such an asset to your business."
LEFT TO RIGHT: Rod Hobbs (factory manager), Sam Duffy (apprentice), James Morrow (apprentice), Duncan Adlington (registered plumber), Ash Coxall (registered plumber), Jeff Horgan (managing director/licenced plumber/licenced building practitioner), Riley Coppick (apprentice), Lawrie Both (apprentice), Jaimon Reisacher (apprentice), Clinton Harris (apprentice) and Brian Gaylor (truck driver/factory).
Industry experts
With more than 40 years' roof plumbing expertise, Jeff, along with his staff at Interline Roofing Ballarat, offer a professional service to all their customers. They stand by their workmanship, the quality of their service and the products they supply.
They are roof plumbers, licensed to install all rainwater products, and supply and fit all types of metal roofing, gutters and fascia to new homes, as well as replacements to existing homes.
Interline Roofing Ballarat make, design and install guttering, and drainage systems. They can also help customers design a rainwater catchment system, if they decide to install a rainwater tank.
All of the custom flashings are folded at the factory, together with the manufacture or metal fascia and gutters, in all 20 standard Colorbond colors.
They can also supply roofing profiles to perfectly match all styles of homes, and also have a supply only service available to retail and trade customers.
We have worked very hard for what we have today and can look back with pride knowing that throughout the journey, both as a worker and a businessman, I have been able to pass on my strong work ethic, knowledge, skills and experience to a lot of young people.
Jeff Horgan, managing director, Interline Roofing Ballarat
Options aplenty
The mix and match Colorbond roofing display at the factory give customers the chance to alternate the 20 colours of roofing gutters and fascia, providing more than 7000 combinations.
They provide a free no obligation measure and quote service for either a supply and install or supply only service, for all aspects of metal roofing, fascia, gutters, leafguard and downpipes to all new and/or existing buildings, housing, verandahs, extensions and carports.
The team will remove all the old metal or tile roof, gutters and downpipes, and fit new Colorbond or Zincalume products. They can also cover existing timber fascia with new Colorbond fascia and will also remove all the old materials from site.
They also have some of the discontinued stock of Colorbond products at the factory, so keep them in mind if you are looking for some of those older colours.
Interline Roofing Ballarat also fold custom flashing, so if you need something specific, visit the factory and see how they can help you. They stock accessories in most Colorbond colors and zinc.
If there are any products that you need, give them a call and if they haven't got it, they may be able to get it for you.
Visit the factory
The factory is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm at 26 Martin Drive, Delacombe.
It is open to the public to purchase any metal roofing materials and accessories, or just view the display. For details, visit interlineroofingballarat.com.
