Matthews Australasia has been inducted into Family Business Australia’s Hall of Fame, which recognises respected and successful family-run businesses.
The award was announced at the Family Business Conference in Melbourne this week, and Lester Nichol, chairman of Matthews, said the company was proud to join other outstanding Australian family businesses who have been inducted before.
“As founder of this business, I feel immense pride in Matthews Australasia being recognised in this way. Every single employee plays an important role.
“A good analogy is an engine: every part needs to work properly, and together, for success. That’s what we have at Matthews. The fact it’s a family business just makes that all the more special,” he said.
According to FBA, the Hall of Fame citation was due to Matthews’ highly-regarded brand and product offering that reflects quality, value and integrity; its professional governance; and its best-practice transition plan formulated over several years. FBA also highlighted the company’s mix of experience, knowledge, and fresh ideas, saying it set the business apart.
Matt Nichol, regional sales manager for Matthews Australasia, is a second-generation member of the business alongside supply chain and procurement manager Ben Nichols, his brother. He said the company’s transition plan had enabled stable management during Mark Dingley’s appointment as CEO in 2017, supported by a talented and diverse Board.
“Family businesses account for nearly 70% of all businesses in Australia; those of us who are involved in these businesses know the significant role they play in our community, society and indeed the economy, and this induction certainly recognises all that.
“I am part of the FBA’s Victoria-Tasmania Committee, so I know just how important all these points are. As a company, we are truly honoured to be inducted into the FBA Hall of Fame and recognised for our achievements,” he said.
Founded almost 40 years ago, Matthews has developed from a coding and labelling equipment provider to a solutions partner for a range of Australian manufacturers. This year it updated its iconic chameleon branding to give it a more modern feel.
