Australia’s largest manufacturer of sterilants, disinfectants and healthcare cleaning technologies, Whiteley Corporation is celebrating its 85th year of operation this month.
Founded in 1933 as the Australian General Disinfectant Company (AGDC), the company supplied cleaning and hygiene products for the entertainment industry. The product range was extended over the years to include chemical products for building maintenance, and hard floor sealers, polishes and waxes. The original manufacturing site was located at Chippendale, in Sydney.
In 1971 Reg Whiteley joined AGDC, and in 1976 the company was renamed Whiteley Chemicals, and eventually became Whiteley Corporation in 2005. In 1982 Reg Whiteley began collaborating with Professor Yvonne Cossart and Dr Karen Vickery at the University of Sydney to research disinfection and viruses. This research led to the development of a multitude of products, including the world’s first wet biofilm remover – Matrix®.
In 1995 the company moved to a purpose-built facility at Tomago in the Hunter Region.
Managing Director, Darran Leyden said the company has expanded rapidly in size since moving to Tomago.
“Over the years our strength in the areas of innovation, scientific expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit has seen us experience significant growth,” Darran said.
“We have exciting growth plans in the pipeline.”
Three generations of Whiteleys were working for the organisation until recently; Reg has now retired from the Board of Directors and Dr Greg Whiteley is now Executive Chairman. Their grandson, Mitchell is Business Development Manager for the sport floor sector.
Whiteley Corporation recently announced a $3.5m investment in new manufacturing research partnership between the University of Sydney, Whiteley Corporation and the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre.
“This project is a good example of Whiteley Corporation’s commitment to ongoing research, which will lead to an increase in industry diversification, create the need for new skills, and employment opportunities for the Hunter Region,” Greg said.
“The growth in therapeutic treatments will include further investment at our core Hunter site at Tomago, where we are working on plans for the next stage of development, including the first full Human Therapeutics Manufacturing Plant in the Hunter region.
“The site at Tomago is around 15,000m2 and has plenty of spare capacity.
“We are as excited about our future, as we are grateful for our history, and for the contribution of so many staff who have made this a great company.”
Greg said the future of Whiteley Corporation is strong with ongoing business development bringing jobs to the Hunter, as well as products to benefit everyone.
IMAGE | Members of the Whiteley Corporation – Managing Director Darran Leyden; Executive Director Dr Greg Whiteley; Michelle Whiteley; and Non-executive Chairman John Stewart.
