About us

Embark on a journey with GPS Electrical Services, Established in 1997 it’s a company with solid  foundation's providing exceptional service for customers with an equally rich history and brands etched into our Australian memory.

Since its inception, GPS has evolved into a trusted partner for countless multinational and Aussie brands, thanks to our dedication to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Led by Robert Johnstone, Brad King and an equally passionate management team, we are building upon our legacy while embracing a bright future. Join us as we explore our fascinating story, from humble beginnings to establishing enduring relationships with industry giants.

Beginning in 1997

Our journey began in 1997 when Philip Schols and Glenn Mcmennemin founded the company, driven by a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

With this resolute customer-centric ethic at our core, our journey has continued to build enduring relationships with prestigious multinationals across a broad spectrum.

Over the decades, we haven’t just met the benchmarks; we’ve set them, consistently surpassing expectations and delivering results that resonate with our brand’s ethos and embody service excellence.

Early 2000's

We take pride in our team of highly skilled and accredited professionals who work tirelessly to develop innovative solutions for medium to large installations. Our long-standing relationships with clients like La Ionica Poultry and Diamond Valley Pork, which began in the early 2000s, are a testament to our dedication to quality and reliability.

Since employing our first apprentice in 2004, we have proudly trained and guided hundreds of apprentices, providing them with solid career foundations.

2005 - 2015

In 2007, we ventured into industrial refrigeration, forming strong partnerships with companies such as Patties Foods, Murray Bridge Bacon, and De Bruyn & Sons.

In 2008, we commenced working at the iconic Kraft Foods factory in Port Melbourne, home of Vegemite, and we continue to serve the facility under its new ownership. In 2010, GPS relocated to Thomastown, expanding to offer switchboard manufacturing, and engineering/drafting services.

Our prowess in PLC and SCADA underpinned our success in projects such as Laverton’s 2012 Baiada Poultry plant upgrades. We also partnered with Graincorp Foods beginning with cool room and HVAC wiring installations.

2016 - 2019

In 2018, GPS Electrical Services welcomed new partners, Robert Johnstone and Brad King, who have further propelled the company's growth to over 60 employees. Under their leadership, GPS has continued to secure high-profile projects, such as relocating an extensive confectionery process from Dunedin, New Zealand to Scoresby, Victoria, installing a complete turn key french fry plant for McCain Foods in Smithton and the E&I installation of a large tank farm in Broadmeadows.

2020 - 2022

In the early 2020s, the company experienced significant growth in its capabilities, with a dedicated effort to diversify the team's skills and experiences. This marked the first instance where GPS expanded its staff to over 150 individuals.

Due to overwhelming demand for a skilled workforce, there was a concentrated focus on specialised projects within the meat industry, utilities, and refrigeration. Simultaneously, there was an expansion of our skilled plant and facilities maintenance team.

This phase also witnessed the company's venture into new industries, including grain handling, power quality, energy efficiency, recycling, and the establishment of permanent staff in Tasmania.

2023

In 2023, the retirement of Phil, the founding director of over 25 years, marks a pivotal moment for the business. Concurrently, there is a notable change as the company relocates from its multiple facilities in Thomastown to a purpose-designed manufacturing and engineering facility in Fairfield, Victoria. This move signifies a strategic shift towards efficiency and underscores the commitment to fostering a specialized environment for manufacturing and engineering operations.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing world-class electrical solutions for the industrial sector. Our legacy of excellence, nurtured talent, and enduring client relationships are the foundations upon which we continue building a brighter future for our customers and team.

What drives us

Our mission, vision, and values are more than mere words. They are the pillars upon which GPS is built, the compass that guides every decision, every strategy, and every interaction.

These principles shape our identity as a company; they define our character and ethics. They remind us of our larger purpose: to drive value for our customers, to be pioneers within the industry, and to ensure that our team members feel empowered, acknowledged, and part of something bigger than themselves.

Our mission

We prioritise our customers’ goals, continuously enhancing our service to create outstanding outcomes via high-quality products and advanced automation solutions.

Our workplace is built on the foundations of dignity and respect, fostering a pleasant and rewarding environment for everyone.

By investing in the growth and development of our employees, we empower them to deliver comprehensive expertise and in-depth industry insights to our customers.

We work hand in hand with our suppliers, advocating for products that deliver top-tier solutions to our clients.

At the heart of our mission is forging enduring partnerships by delivering scalable electrical and automation solutions that support our client’s growth and financial stability.

Our values

Pragmatic
We tackle and overcome challenges with practical, realistic solutions.
Passionate
Our enthusiasm for the work we do and the satisfaction of our customers drives our actions and outcomes.
Professional
Our actions and interactions are underpinned by honesty and integrity.
Equitable
We value and treat all of our team members, partners and customers with fairness and equality.

Our vision

We aim to stand at the forefront of the market in designing, implementing, and supporting industrial electrical and automation systems, constantly enhancing productivity and efficiency for our clients and partners.

We set out to simplify the digital transformation journey, assisting our clients as they incorporate transformable technologies that enact fundamental changes across their operations and businesses.

We’re committed to fostering the next generation’s interest in electrical and automation fields, promoting an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment.

Our vision includes striving for sustainable, forward-thinking solutions and technology and optimising all available resources throughout each project’s life cycle. Our approach ensures we leave no stone unturned in achieving project success.

Our team

We understand that the cornerstone of any successful enterprise lies in its workforce, and robust leadership is essential for prosperity. Our management team is comprised of a cadre of industry specialists, each bringing a wealth of practical experience, technical acumen, and a profound grasp of the industry landscape.

These leaders hold both academic qualifications and hands-on experience that align with the rigours of our sector. They've been on the ground, tackled real-world issues, and are well-versed in the intricacies of our profession. Informed by our mission, vision, and core values, their proactive leadership ensures that we consistently meet quality and customer satisfaction benchmarks.

Get acquainted with the key players charting our course and propelling our legacy.

Brad King
Director
Robert Johnstone
Director
Nick Manson
Operations Manager
Richard Loveless
Client Services Manager
Daniel Dinola
Engineering Manager

Certifications & accreditations

In an industry where precision, reliability, and safety are non-negotiable, certifications and accreditations aren't just decorative elements; they're a testament to our unwavering commitment to the highest industry standards.

GPS takes pride in being the first Victoria-based electrical contractor to achieve GOLD SI status with ROCKWELL Automation. Our 15 years of continuous membership with NECA and status as recognised Siemens System Integrators further solidify our credentials. Additionally, we are proud to be GOLD Ignition Integrators.

There's no room for compromise when you're at the helm of large-scale operations. Our accreditations are the product of rigorous audits that validate our ability to meet or exceed industry benchmarks. By choosing GPS Electrical Services, you're not just hiring an electrical contractor; you're making a strategic decision to invest in quality, efficiency, and, above all, safety.