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Local business wins major contractLocal business, GMS Rehabilitation, has recently been successful in winning a major contract to supply mobility and functional support equipment throughout Victoria. By Latrobe City Council - 23rd February 2005 - Back to News Latrobe City’s Invest Latrobe Investment Manager, Leo Billington said that GMS was established in Traralgon over 12 years ago and the family-operated business is now a major supplier to the Department of Veteran Affairs.
"The three year contract means that GMS now has around 30 companies working underneath its umbrella throughout Victoria, including building contractors and other rehabilitation equipment suppliers," Mr Billington explained.
According to GMS joint managing director, Mark Wheeldon the business has now expanded well beyond its original capacity.
"Our long term strategies to be ready for such growth have proven successful. We opened a new store in Seaford and our national sales distribution network is functioning according to plan. Under this contract we have certain obligations and Traralgon will be our main distribution and sales centre," Mr Wheeldon said.
Originally known as Gippsland Medical Supplies, the business was first established in Bairnsdale. A need to expand after only 12 months saw the relocation to Traralgon.
"The idea of the "one-stop-shop" for rehabilitation and medical equipment was a very new concept in this industry and the demand for extra services subsequently grew along with our mainstream business. We then commenced importing mobility and rehabilitation aids direct from Asia and now we are one of the largest importers in Australia," Mr Wheeldon explained.
Mr Billington said that GMS had developed a substantial, well-researched and professional relationship with a number of multi-national Asian based manufacturers.
"This example of business success once again proves that our local small to medium businesses can be successful from their country base. More particularly, GMS did their homework, saw the future trends in their specialised industry and were therefore well placed to take maximum advantage of contracts such as the one awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs," Mr Billington added.
"GMS knows who its major competitors are and how they compare and it will consolidate its plans to remain in Latrobe City. Efficient service delivery is the name of this game, to clients who wish to enjoy ease of mobility as one of life’s simple pleasures," Mr Billington concluded.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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