Our Story

We are Galvin Engineering. A family-owned Australian company spanning four generations and 90 years of history.

We are a team focused on providing water solutions for better health and safer communities. Our work thrives on long-term relationships built on our core values of pride, accountability, and a will-do attitude.

Originating as Premier Engineering in 1930, Larry Duff and Albert Gordan founded what would later become Galvin Engineering. It all begun with Roy Galvin buying out Albert Gordan’s shares in 1947, followed by Jim Galvin who joined in 1953. Upon retiring in 1967, Larry Duffy sold his share to Roy Galvin and just two years later, the company was incorporated with Roy and his three sons, John, Jim, and Tony all holding shares.

The company was renamed Galvin Engineering Pty Ltd in 1971. Over the next ten years, Galvin Engineering went on to buy out Henderson & Gribble and moved into ferrous and non-ferrous castings. In 1984, Roy Galvin passed away and Jim’s son Paul, joined the company the following year. By 1987 John and Jim bought out Tony’s and Roy’s shares.

Keeping the family tradition of providing quality products and services, the company continued to improve production capabilities, safety systems and staff development. In doing so, Galvin Engineering received certification to ISO 9001.

A year of change came in 1992 with Roy’s second son, Jim Galvin and his two sons, Paul, and Chris acquiring total shareholdings. The company relocated to Malaga, WA, incorporating an impressive and technology advanced machine shop and foundry. Jim retired in 1997 and Paul and Chris acquired Jim’s shares.

In 2001, the Galvin Engineering Gain Share Plan was introduced, entitling eligible employees to a share in Company profits once certain targets are met.

With the expansion into new markets, Galvin Engineering now has offices and warehouses across Australia and partners with distributors in New Zealand, the UK and the USA.
 

In 2012, the company was proud to recieve ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certification.

The fourth generation of the Galvin family was introduced in 2015 with Paul’s son Tim, taking lead on the company’s information technology strategy. 

In 2018, Galvin Engineering was the first company within the Australian commercial plumbing industry to release a range of Lead Safe taps and valves using special GalvinClear materials and design specifications.

Paul's younger son Tom joined the business in 2020, working managing Supply Chain and leading our environmental initiatives. 

The company also celebrated its 90th Anniversary in 2020. 

Chris' eldest daughter Alex joined the business in 2022, working with our People and Culture Team providing general HR support for employees.

In 2022, Galvin Engineering officially became a fourth generation family business with Tim Galvin buying into the company. This multi-decade ownership succession is a key pillar of our Galvin 4.0 long term strategy. Specifiers, customers, suppliers, and our amazing team, can feel confident that we will continue to offer reliability, back-up service, technical expertise, and innovative products, well into the 21^st century.

Our Story in a Snapshot

Membership Associations

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Awards and Certifications