Kinder Australia’s chief executive officer Charles Pratt reflects on the company’s history and future as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Founded in 1985 by Neil and Christine Kinder, Kinder Australia has transformed from a supplier of off-the-shelf conveyor component products into a provider of customised engineered solutions.
At the core of Kinder’s success is its people. The company aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, encompassing engineering, product development, customer service and technical support.
In addition, the company invites its customers to undertake in-house training programs, where they can gain practical knowledge that helps improve safety, optimise equipment performance, and extend equipment lifespan.
Kinder Australia chief executive officer Charles Pratt said building strong, long-term relationships with its customers through these methods has been a driver of Kinder’s success.
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“One of our first customers, Cheetham Salt Ltd in South Australia, remains with us to this day,” Pratt said.
“That speaks to the value we aim to provide.
“With 40 years of experience, we have a responsibility to help shape the future of the bulk materials handling sector.”
Key to maintaining these relationships is the company’s field application specialists and business development managers. This team works closely with bulk materials handling companies around the country, assessing the issues they face and finding the right solution for each job. Kinder can then relay the common pain points the industry is facing, which Pratt said is vital.
“Getting in front of customers is important. It’s what has created the trust our customers have in Kinder,” he said.
“Trying to innovate for the sake of innovation has no value. You need to findout what problems customers are facing and work with them to make things better.”
A philosophy of innovation
“In an industry where equipment is pushed to the limit, quality must never be compromised,” Pratt said.
This belief is at the heart of Kinder’s engineering philosophy. Every product, from heavy-duty pulleys, idlers to conveyor covers, is built for endurance and reliability in the toughest environments.
However, Pratt believes there is enormous scope to continue innovating conveyor systems.
“There’s such a big gap in how technology has been implemented in conveyors compared with other sectors like the automotive industry,” he said.
“If you compare the suspension in a car to the suspension at a conveyor transfer point, it’s a stark difference.
“Part of it is because you’re not feeling how the belt is getting smashed with rocks going down a chute. There’s a lack of appreciation for what the conveyor goes through.”
Kinder’s technology is based on solving real-world issues that the bulk materials handling industries are facing. Often, these issues occur at a transfer point, where material causes belt damage, misalignments, spillage, or dust.
Products like the K-Shield Dynamax impact idler and K-Sure belt support system were designed to address these issues. These solutions enable customers to reduce downtime, improve safety, and boost efficiency in their operations.
“We don’t just supply parts. We engineer outcomes,” Pratt said.
A new chapter
As industries have evolved, so has Kinder’s vision. Earlier this year, a consortium led by Attalis Capital, including the Victorian Business Growth Fund, successfully acquired Kinder Australia.
The move marked the next phase for the company, building on its legacy and positioning it for long-term growth.
Kinder is exploring strategic expansions, including bolt-on maintenance services, consumables, and service partnerships that will allow it to offer more holistic support across the full lifecycle of its solutions.
These efforts aim to enhance the customer experience and strengthen Kinder’s role as a long-term, value-driven partner of choice.
Kinder also plans to expand into Western Australia and Queensland, with offices, showrooms and warehouse distribution located around the country.
As Kinder moves into its fifth decade of operation, Pratt said its mission is to set the benchmark for safety, sustainability, and innovation in bulk materials handling.
“Our future is about more than products,” Pratt said. “It’s about building deeper partnerships, expanding our global reach, and continuing to innovate in ways that matter.
“We’re investing in the people, technologies, and ideas that will shape the next 40 years.
“Our goal is to remain the benchmarkfor safety, sustainability, andengineering performance in bulk materials handling, globally.”