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Not long before the coronavirus hit Australia, Totalweld Sales & Service opened a new outlet at East Arm.

Part owner Alan Bennett is philosophical about the timing, saying no one knew the effect the virus, that would spread across the world would have, and is mindful that his business simply needed to expand to flourish.

The Palmerston business, which was started by Alan’s mum Roz Thomas and his step father Glyn Thomas in 1994, opened their new outlet at 58 Hamaura Rd, East Arm, on February 10.

Totalweld, as the name implies, has a vast range of welding equipment and supplies but also provides expert advice and assistance.

“We like our industry because we not only have great customers but we also get to make good friends through our business,” Alan said.

“I think being in the NT is a bonus because we are such a small population so you get to know people personally.

“We fulfil our customers’ needs because being a small family business we put that personal touch to every order, and make sure the customer is getting the very best service with the backup if required.

“To compete in this industry you have to be better than your competitors and I think this is where we excel.”

They are the only Territory member of the Industrial Supply Group, which provides the advantage of buying quality industrial tools, equipment, and accessories across a range of brands and lower prices.

Totalweld can supply more than 10,000 individual product lines and can acquire products, hire equipment and all welding consumables so their customers don’t have to deal with a number of suppliers and contractors.

With just $10,000, the Thomas’s got the business running with middle brother Michael to help, after they had returned from Papua New Guinea after Glyn was offered a promotion which took them there.

Glyn had been the sales manager for CIG Gases for 18 months prior to going overseas, and was offered a lower position on their return so they decided to start their own business.

In the first year their turnover was $150,000.

But in 2020 Totalweld now has nine employees, made up of five family members Roz, Alan, Michael, Craig and Emily, and four local staff, servicing two shops.

However there is sadness in their success with Glyn medically retired from the business with a serious illness. 

This was a huge hole to fill as Glyn worked tirelessly to support his customers with their welding procedures and product knowledge and dedicated his life to Totalweld.

Regardless, they opened in East Arm to make it easier for their customers to buy products near their own businesses, instead of having to travel too far from work .

“We saw a gap to service our clients more conveniently which should save them time and money,” Alan said.

“Being a small family business we have had a lot of adversity, from carrying large debts when businesses close down, and also trying to find a balance between how big do we grow without losing the customer service.

“The latest one is obviously the coronavirus which is having a huge effect on all businesses including ours.”

No matter the struggles, their business had brought a lot of pride for the family.

“Some of our proudest accomplishments would include working together as a family for the last 26 years ” Alan said.

“I think being recognised, not just around the NT but around Australia for our knowledge and excellence in service, is definitely up there.”

Totalweld is located at 23 McCourt Road Palmerston and 58 Hamaura Road, East Arm. You can email them sales@totalweld.com.au or call them on 08 8932 4669 (Palmerston) or 08 79794015 (East Arm), or visit their website at www.totalweld.com.au.