Tell us about the business.
CAPS is an Australian-owned family business specialising in providing complete solutions in the Compressed Air and Power Generation sectors. We have 10 branches across Australia and provide capital equipment sales, nationwide servicing, spare parts and rental equipment.
How long have you been doing business?
Started by Bob McIntyre in 1980, as the sole distributor for Ingersoll Rand air compressors to the mining industry, we have now been operating for 42 years with the 3generations of McIntyres still running the business today.
How many people work for the business?
Just under 200 people.
Describe a typical day at ‘The office’.
We have 60+ service technicians out in their vans servicing equipment right around the country. Our engineering people are busy designing major installations. Our manufacturing division is modifying and creating customised equipment. Our sales and spare parts teams are busy chatting to our wonderful customers and helping them with their needs.
What’s the best thing about the business?
We are independently owned, so we are not tied to one OEM. We are free to find the best quality, most efficient and latest technology from any manufacturer across the globe.
The worst thing?
As an Australian business, we are often competing against multi-nationals with bigger marketing budgets – but that’s OK, we have the best products, the best people and the experience to provide the best solutions for our customers.
What are the biggest challenges facing your business?
Keeping ahead of the game with longer lead times from manufacturers and international freight issues.
What is the biggest opportunity for your business right now?
We are very excited to be progressing into the renewable energy space, we have brought on a number of products in solar as well as hybrid power generation which includes solar and wind. We are also heavily down the path of other technologies, so watch this space!
What is the business most proud of?
We have our own in-house ISO9001 accredited engineering and manufacturing facility based in Australia. We are able to design and execute bespoke packages for each customer’s unique requirements, right here in Australia.
Community or other causes close to its heart and values?
At a branch level, we support local community groups or sporting clubs, but at the national level, we are big supporters of the MACA200 Ride for Research, which is an annual fund-raising bike ride which benefits the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. The Perkins Institute are dedicated to finding cures for major diseases such as cancer and other common diseases which affect our community. We generally raise around $20K per year for this cause.
Any employees that deserve a shout out?
We wouldn’t want to single anyone out, we are very proud of our whole team across the country. We have some wonderful and talented people who really treat this like their own business.
