Since its inception, BAB Aluminium has embodied a story of grit, innovation, and quality. From its humble beginnings as a small fabrication company, BAB Aluminium has evolved into a leading manufacturer of durable and sustainable seating solutions, including grandstands, tables, and benches that serve communities across Australia.
Brian Blowes, the founder of BAB Aluminium, began his journey in the aluminium industry in 1980 as a welder. Only four years later, he took the bold step of buying half of the company where he worked, with a loan from his father. By 1986, he had acquired full ownership, and in 1988, he officially established BAB Aluminium.
Initially, the company focused on custom aluminium fabrication, producing items such as remote control gates and pool fences. However, Brian quickly saw a need for a more specialised approach. In his words, "No one wanted to pay you to think of the idea. They just wanted the product." This realisation shifted the company's focus from general aluminium fabrication to seating solutions, a market where Brian felt he could make a tangible impact.
The journey into seating has allowed BAB Aluminium to become a trusted name in durable public infrastructure. Today, the company offers a range of seating solutions tailored to meet diverse community needs. Under the Grandstands Australia banner, the grandstands range from compact, portable models, to large, modular setups, which can hold up to 500 people. These grandstands have become staples in sports venues and community events across Australia. The tables, from T1 to T5, are designed with subtle variations to meet the aesthetic and functional needs of parks, schools, and outdoor spaces. Additionally, one of the company's most meaningful contributions is its Buddy Bench Australia offer, vibrant and colourful seats meant to combat bullying and loneliness in schools. By providing a welcoming space for students, these benches help foster connection and inclusivity.
BAB Aluminium takes great pride in producing Australian-made products that are built to last. Brian emphasises his commitment to durability, quality, and safety – a philosophy rooted in the belief that "our stuff's good for 20 years – we'll put a 20-year warranty on it". This long-term commitment is evident in every product the company manufactures, all of which come with a structural certificate verifying their safety and functionality.
Safety remains a top priority for Brian, especially considering that his products are often used in environments where children and families gather. "I don't make stuff for other people's kids to get hurt on, so safety is just paramount here," he states. BAB Aluminium's dedication to quality and safety has cemented its reputation as a trusted name in public infrastructure across Australia.
BAB Aluminium's relationship with Capral Aluminium spans over four decades, dating back to when Capral was known as Alcan. This long-standing partnership, as Brian describes, is "symbiotic", built on mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to quality. Capral has been instrumental in BAB Aluminium's growth, providing not only the aluminium products needed for manufacturing but also supporting the company in its journey toward more sustainable practices.
One of the most impactful collaborations between the two companies has been the introduction of Capral's Super Green Aluminium. When Brian's Capral representative, Mary-Anne, suggested this more sustainable option, he immediately saw its value, saying, "We'd be crazy if we didn't do this." With LocAl Super Green Aluminium, BAB Aluminium has significantly reduced its carbon footprint.
In addition to using LocAl Super Green Aluminium, BAB Aluminium has embedded sustainability into its operational practices. The company actively recycles aluminium waste, ensuring that off-cuts, unusable pieces, and scratched materials are repurposed rather than discarded. Moreover, they reuse packaging materials such as timber, plastic, and cardboard from Capral's shipments, integrating these materials into their own packaging processes.
At the heart of BAB Aluminium's story is a commitment to the people and communities it serves. Brian takes great pride in his company's contributions to public spaces, often reflecting on the joy of seeing families and children enjoying the facilities his company has helped create. He frequently visits sites where BAB Aluminium's products are installed, remarking, "One of the best things is just going back and seeing the tables and the kids swarming around them."
The company's positive work culture is another point of pride for Brian. "It's a good place. I've got good staff… We're all friends here," he shares. This camaraderie extends to his team's approach to their craft, where each member brings their expertise and care to the production process. It is this blend of quality, innovation, and personal investment that has enabled BAB Aluminium to build lasting products and meaningful relationships with customers.
BAB Aluminium's partnership with Capral has been an essential part of its success, enabling the company to expand its offerings and embrace sustainable materials. By working closely with Capral, BAB Aluminium has managed to balance high-quality manufacturing with environmental responsibility, embodying a model of what modern Australian manufacturing can achieve.
