FRIDAY, JUNE 13TH, 2025 | MELBOURNE EXHIBITION CENTRE

On 13 June, 2025 the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre buzzed with excitement as close to 100 enthusiastic cabinet makers, manufacturers, and suppliers convened for a pivotal industry event. This gathering wasn’t just about networking—it was a deep dive into the journeys that are reshaping businesses in the field.

Participants were treated to first-hand accounts of manufacturers who’ve successfully scaled their operations. These real-life stories not only provided practical insights into optimising factory layouts and strategic planning but also inspired many with their innovative approaches to growth. 

Marketing strategies were a prominent topic, delving into identifying your unique selling proposition and the best ways to leverage it to stand out in the marketplace. This was not just an ordinary industry meet-up; it was a source of motivation and a catalyst for innovation, equipping attendees with new strategies and insights.

Scroll below to explore highlights from the day and dive into replays of individual sessions and speakers.

Justin Collins, General Manager of Cabinetry.Online shares the exciting changes and developments made to the online platform within the past 12 months and lays out the promising features coming soon.

Andrew Steel, owner of ASC Flatpacks shared his transition from traditional cabinet making to a predominantly flat pack-focused business model through the use of online tools and automation. He highlighted how this shift has enhanced efficiency, customer satisfaction, and scalability in his business.

Retief and Pieter from Provence Brothers shared their journey from a supply and install business to focusing exclusively on cut-to-size work. They detailed the evolution of their business, including the transition from their first factory to larger spaces equipped with advanced machinery like CNCs and edge banders. They discussed how the strategic decision to focus solely on supply (excluding installation) transformed their business operations and growth trajectory.

The Joinery Coach, Bruce Polling discussed strategic business management in the joinery industry, emphasising the importance of continuous improvement and effective systems. He highlighted how structured approaches to operations, team involvement, and lean manufacturing principles can significantly enhance business efficiency and growth.

Leigh from Innovera focused on the integration of advanced production management systems to optimise factory operations. He discussed how systems like Web-Cab’s Production Assistant can significantly reduce training times, improve throughput, and ensure accuracy in production cycles. Leigh emphasised the importance of having a seamless flow of information from the point of order through to production and delivery, highlighting how technology can bridge gaps between different stages of production.

Aaron Crees from Jobman focused on the evolution from analogue to digital manufacturing, emphasising the transformative impact of digital technologies on the manufacturing process. The discussion highlighted how cloud-based SaaS software, like Jobman, serves to connect various aspects of the manufacturing industry, providing businesses with comprehensive job management solutions.

This session by Empire Blueprint, represented by JP, discussed the human aspect of integrating digital systems within manufacturing businesses. It emphasised the importance of considering the workforce when implementing new technologies and systems, highlighting how human resources play a crucial role in the successful adoption and utilisation of digital tools.

Darren Garufi from Craftmark offered a candid discussion on the evolving landscape of the cabinetry and joinery industry. He addressed the significant shifts towards cut-to-size services and the challenges small businesses face. Darren provided insights from his transition from carpentry to corporate roles in the industry, and later establishing a successful wholesale business.

Dan Boyce, head of marketing and sales at Cabinetry.Online, focused on effective marketing strategies for cabinetry businesses. He emphasised the importance of differentiating one’s business in the digital marketplace, offering practical advice on how to utilise online marketing tools to highlight unique selling propositions.