Council & Business
26 July, 2024
Family owned business turns 40
Local business C&R Sheetmetal has reached a very special milestone this month, celebrating 40 years of supplying welding, stainless steel, and aluminium services to the Maryborough community.
Robert Longmuir officially started the business on July 1, 1984, following in the footsteps of his father in the sheetmetal profession.
Despite dealing with the struggles of building a local company, Robert said he was always motivated to build something for others.
“I just wanted to have my own business really and there was a need in the town for it so I thought there was an opportunity here,” he said.
“I started by myself when I opened it, and then within 10 months I couldn’t handle it by myself, so Dad said he would come up and give me a hand and he was in his early 60s.
“I never thought it would get this far to be honest, we have nearly been broke three times in the journey but we have just knuckled down, got through and it’s a great achievement.”
While reflecting on his four decades in business, Robert said it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the local community.
“The people we have met and the people that we have worked for have made us get to 40 years, I love this town and its people immensely and it has been very good to me and my family,” he said.
“We have had some long-term clients, we have built the cattle feeders for Terry Allan since 1987, and we have worked with Sutton Tools since 1986.
“Since the other businesses have come to town like True Foods and Sonac, they have looked after us, and in turn we have looked after them.
“I’m pretty proud of not just the business but the young apprentices that we have put through and trained over the years.”
Some of Robert’s trainees include his three sons, who have had stints working in the family business.
Youngest son Alan Longmuir, who plans to head the business, said he feels privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside his family.
“Reaching 40 years is a huge achievement, the business is older than me — being able to work with the brothers and Dad over my 18 years here is pretty cool,” he said.
“We have always had the rule that work stays at work and home is home, we can argue at work but once 5 pm hits you let it go, have a beer and talk about footy or farming or anything else.
“We just want to keep going with the work that we do and try to keep the quality as high as possible.”