About the Company
B.A.T. Trim's Managing Director, Gerhard Flechsig has a background in engineering and tool making.
Following his arrival in Australia in 1971 he became involved in the tiling industry as a contractor. His practical experience in this area made him aware of a need for a range of metal trims to finish and protect exposed tile edges in both commercial and domestic situations.
Following a fact-finding trip to Germany in 1985, B.A.T. Trims was formed to fulfil that need.
Store Front The Company's original premises comprised of 2,200 square feet of office and warehouse space, with a total of 3 staff who virtually worked their 'fingers to the bone' processing and packing orders. At first Gerhard conducted business solely in Victoria; export achievements were at that stage merely a 'hope for the future'.
The entire product range consisted of six sections of trim. The thought of visiting, let alone exhibiting at major international trade shows, was the last thing on Gerhard's mind.
"Where we led, it didn't take long for others to follow; I quickly became aware of the need to produce a range of products and accessories that developed in harness with the expansion of the industry.
Tiling tools were a natural addition to our product range. At first however, we had to be cautious. We had to time our moves and our product development carefully."