About Us
We are committed to the on time delivery of top quality transport equipment. We’re continually focusing on product improvements and developing new, innovative concepts to ensure we provide a significant return on investment to our clients and exceed expectations.
– Giulio & Roy Lombardi, Howard Porter Directors
Since its establishment in 1936 in Fremantle, Western Australia, HOWARD PORTER has become one of the nation’s pioneering transport equipment manufacturers. The Porter family managed the company for three generations before transitioning ownership in the early 1990s. In 2004, the company was acquired by the current directors, and shortly thereafter, in 2006, Howard Porter expanded its footprint by acquiring SFM, a leading semi-trailer manufacturer based in Bellevue.
To further strengthen its operations, Howard Porter launched a multimillion-dollar expansion of its Spearwood manufacturing facility in 2008, centralizing its operations and expanding its capacity to around 1500 trailers of various builds per year. The facility also boasts a seven bay repairs and service facility including a straightening bay catering for all makes and model of trailer repairs. This investment positioned the company for continued growth and innovation. In 2009, Howard Porter expanded its capabilities further by acquiring Jackson Bodies in Victoria, renowned for its custom-built transport equipment.
In 2015, the company made a significant acquisition with the purchase of STEELBRO, the world’s premier provider of side-lifter container handling equipment. With a legacy of over 136 years of manufacturing excellence, STEELBRO’s reputation for design innovation has solidified its place as a global leader in container transport solutions. This acquisition was a key step in Howard Porter’s mission to strengthen its global footprint and establish a presence both in Australia and abroad.
As part of its continued expansion, Howard Porter and STEELBRO opened its first sales, service, and repairs center in Queensland in 2019, followed by a second location soon after in New South Wales. This continued growth reflects the company’s commitment to exploring new markets, developing new products, and driving continual improvement principles that are the core of Howard Porter’s success and market leadership for nearly a century.
Vision and values
Innovation
- Equipment that is light weight, durable easy to operate and cost effective to manufacture
- Passion for discovering and introducing new concepts and technology
- Investment in new plant, production and methods and equipment
Quality Manufacturing
- Enhance the quality culture that exists in the company
- Continue to develop methods to mass produce quality equipment
- Develop a “can do” attitude
- Continual improvements in all aspects of the business
Customer Service
- Focus on understanding customer requirements
- Ensure timely response to customer requests
- Deliver on time
- Regular communication
After Sales Service
- Follow up with clients after delivery
- Resolve any issues promptly
- Feedback, suggestions or improvements to relevant areas
Strategies for success
The new upgraded Spearwood facility is located on 35,000 m2 of land in which 13,900 m2 is under roof. The facility has been designed to manufacture 1,500 semi trailers and 500 truck bodies annually. A separate repair facility on the same site has been built to cater for heavy vehicle service, repairs ad modifications.
Significant investments have also been made in the plant and equipment to improve efficiency and reduce lead times which include the following:
- New abrasive blasting equipment
- 4 new gas fired spray painting booths
- Chassis straightening equipment
- Plasma cutting equipment
- Semi-automated welding equipment
- New wash down and cleaning facilities
- Steel and aluminium cutting and bending equipment
Our Team, our Knowledge, our Way
At Howard Porter, our team of experienced professionals and skilled workforce is the driving force behind our success. With an executive team that boasts over 100 years of collective expertise, we have continuously set the benchmark for innovation and excellence in road transport solutions. This depth of experience is complemented by a dedicated workforce of highly skilled personnel ensuring that every unit leaving our workshop is a testament to our commitment to quality, precision, and customer satisfaction.
Each unit is manufactured with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring top-quality road transport equipment that meets the unique demands of our customers, while consistently being delivered on time and within budget.
Every member of our team is deeply committed to upholding the highest industry standards at every stage of production. From the initial design phase to manufacturing and final finishing touches, as well as building quality products our focus is to build lasting relationships with our customers by delivering unmatched quality and service at every turn.
Our executive staff
Giulio Lombardi | Chairperson
Roy Lombardi | Managing Director
Guy Cappa | Chief Financial Officer
Jason Stone | Engineering Manager
Paul Marshall | HR/OHS/QA Manager
