Originally from South Africa, the Buchner family have called the tight-knit regional community of Nathalia home for more than 23 years.
Encouraged by the work-life balance enjoyed by friends who lived in Moira Shire, Trans Tank International CEO Ross Buchner said it was the perfect fit to host the family-owned liquid transport tank business when it launched in Australia.
Trans Tank International designs, develops and manufactures water cartage tanks, diesel tanks, firefighting equipment, civil water carts and spray equipment for farmers, civil contractors and more. These products can be used in a range of applications including transporting water, field spraying, dust suppression, firefighting, equipment refuelling and tree watering.
“Water is the source of life and everything revolves around it,” Ross explained.
“We regard what we do as very critical to the whole ecosystem, moving the country’s most precious resource to get it to where it needs to be used.”
Ideal location
The Murray Valley Highway runs through the heart of Nathalia, providing a strong link to the logistics network. This allows Trans Tank International to reach its key domestic and international markets, and attract a local workforce.
Trans Tank International is Nathalia’s largest employer with around 70 staff. The town’s proximity to the regional centres of Shepparton, Yarrawonga, Cobram and Echuca offer a strong catchment of highly skilled and talented local employees and trades.
“To get to work is no problem at all. For many of the staff, it’s a stable job within a stone’s throw of their house,” Ross said.
A bright future
One of the advantages of owning a business in a regional town is the connection that can be formed with local councils and access to grants for business development and expansion.
“We have applied for and successfully received grants with the support of Moira Shire Council. As Trans Tank International is a significant contributor to the local economy, the council is happy to work alongside us as they enjoy seeing job creation in regional areas,” Ross explained.
“We have ambitious growth plans and will continue to invest heavily in the capacity and manpower of our business in the future.
“Being based in Nathalia, we operate in the same environment that our products are being used in, and many of our employees are ex-farmers or use the products themselves. Our prosperity is a direct spin-off of farmers’ prosperity, and we’re looking forward to supporting agriculture’s bright future in this region.”
