Nowchem – Case Study
Business Background
For nearly 50 years, Nowchem, an Australian family-owned business, has built a reputation for quality manufacturing, long-term thinking, and adaptability. Established in 1977 and now operated by the second and third generations of the family, the company has evolved alongside changing market demands while maintaining committed to Australian manufacturing.
In the early 2000s, the business expanded from supplying bulk chemicals to pharmaceutical manufacturing and contract packaging, creating new opportunities for growth and diversification. Today, Nowchem operates multiple production lines and continues to invest in future expansion.
The Results
Today, the business continues to expand its manufacturing and contract packaging capabilities, supported by reliable Australian-made machinery and strong supplier partnerships. With multiple production lines operating and future growth on the horizon, the company remains focused on delivering quality outcomes for its customers while building sustainable long-term relationships throughout its supply chain.
While Australian-made packaging machinery may require a higher upfront investment, the long-term value has proven worthwhile.
The Challenge
As the business grew, investing in reliable and serviceable packaging machinery became a priority. As a contract manufacturer working across multiple products and packaging formats, flexibility is essential. For the company, working with a local supplier also provides confidence that technical assistance, support, and spare parts are readily available when needed. The business needed packaging equipment that could respond quickly to customer demand, accommodate different container sizes and support future growth.
“Having Australian-made equipment is important to us. The initial cost may be higher, but the ongoing value is there. You’re investing in machinery that will continue to support your business for years to come,” says John Lamont, Founder and Managing Director of Nowchem.
Packserv’s machinery allows the team to easily switch between different production requirements and container sizes using interchangeable change parts and filling cylinders. The company also values the equipment’s practical design, which simplifies cleaning, servicing, and maintenance. The ease of maintaining Packserv’s machinery can help minimise downtime and support efficient production scheduling across multiple lines.
“Packserv’s machines are much easier to pull down, clean, and reassemble. Maintenance is straightforward, and if you need to replace a spare part, it’s quick and easy,” says John.
An important aspect of working with Packserv has been the access to rental equipment. The ability to rent machinery before purchasing has allowed the business to respond quickly to new opportunities, test market demand and scale production without significant upfront investment. This flexibility has allowed the company to scale production with confidence while reducing investment risk.
John explains, “The rental option gives you the ability to trial machines. You can quickly respond to demand and see how a product performs in the market. The program also provides valuable hands-on experience. As the business grows, you can then move to purchasing equipment.”
Why It Worked?
The decision to partner with Packserv was driven by more than just machinery alone. Local support, customer service, and strong business relationships were important factors.
“When we’re looking at equipment, we always visit the factory. We prefer working with local providers and having a strong connection with our suppliers,” says John.
The company believes supplier relationships play a vital role in business success. “If you treat your suppliers well, they can help you look after your customers. Strong relationships help you through the difficult times as well as the good times,” he adds.
For this highly successful Australian manufacturer, packaging machinery is viewed as a long-term investment rather than a short-term purchase. The quality of Packserv’s equipment, combined with local technical support and readily available spare parts, provides confidence that the machinery will continue delivering well into the future.
“The longevity of the machines and the availability of spare parts and maintenance make them a much more sustainable option in the long term,” says John.
When asked what advice they would give businesses considering new packaging equipment, his answer is simple:
“If you’re thinking about the long term, invest in equipment that can grow with your business and work with suppliers who will support you for years to come.”
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