Doubling and growing
Australian Bulk Handling Review magazine
A South Australian manufacturer has dramatically increased in size following a major expansion.
Kilic Engineering had a ideal problem – the company was growing so much that it needed more space.
The South Australian family business has been manufacturing bulk handling equipment for more than 50 years and had reached the point where an expansion or their manufacturing facilities was necessary. Kilic Engineering general manager Craig Dennis said the company decided to make a parallel investment, growing its main factory and purchasing another premise to bolster its storage and production capabilities.
“The objective was to add that extra space and use it more efficiently to improve on the material flow” he told ABHR. “We were getting cramped at the main factory, and by expanding we could find ways to make our operation more efficient. We have added 1750m2 of space, bringing the total size of the premises to 3500m2, which now includes five gantry cranes.”
Ever since the expansion was completed in May, Kilic Engineering has been working to make the most of the space, relocating its equipment and changing its storage options. With more room to move, the company now has space to research new developments on its existing product lines.
Dennis said the company spends up to $1.8 million a year on research and development to create products that offer better results to the customer.
“Our machines are becoming more automated, and we’re constantly looking at ways to improve both our products and our manufacturing operation including reduction of our energy footprint” he said. “We’ve upgraded our welding equipment, have plans to use electric forklifts, and added a large solar array as part of the workshop expansion. On a sunny day, it can virtually power the entire facility.”
The extra manufacturing capacity has allowed Kilic Engineering to support a wide range of industries. While the company is well known in the agriculture sector, it also produces equipment for the scrap metal and defence industries.
Facilities are not the only thing Kilic Engineering is looking to grow. The next step for the company is growing the team itself. Dennis said Kilic Engineering has developed a thorough process for ensuring it finds the right fit for the team.
“We go through an interview process with everyone, whether they’re from a labour hire company or direct employment,” he said. “We want to make sure they are suitable for the business, as well as having the skills that are needed. Kilic Engineering is a family business, and the assessment process ensures that the people we work with have values that align with our own.”
Select customers have visited the new facilities and have provided positive feedback. Some have even encouraged Kilic Engineering to do more work with them after seeing the improved processes. Dennis said the team is pushing to immediately take advantage of the extra room by taking on more work to support the upcoming harvest. “We’re looking to get the machines out and ready for the harvest and continuing to develop the business so we can continue with this momentum,” he said.
“Looking further ahead, Kilic Engineering is also considering a rental fleet service, using our popular BunkerStacker machines to help support our customers.”
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Australian Bulk Handling Review, September/October 2025
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