Dematic is celebrating 60 years of innovation, engineering excellence, and customer partnership across Australia and New Zealand — marking a major milestone in the company’s journey from a small workshop on Sydney’s Northern Beaches to becoming a global leader in supply chain automation.
Founded as Colby Engineering in 1966 by Gerry Hatton AM, the business began as a local manufacturing and engineering operation built on mechanical and structural steel expertise.
The introduction of the adjustable racking system, ColbyRACK, laid the foundation for the company’s growth and remains a key part of Dematic’s local offering today.
Over the past six decades, Dematic has evolved into a global automation and technology leader supporting industries including grocery, retail, e-commerce, healthcare, manufacturing, third-party logistics, and food and beverage.
The company now delivers advanced automation technologies including voice-directed picking, goods-to-person (GTP) systems, robotics, and integrated software solutions, with major projects delivered for businesses such as Woolworths, BIG W, and Sigma Healthcare.
“Dematic has always been built on a culture of innovation, partnership, and commitment to customers,” says Gerry Hatton AM.
“From the very beginning, there was a strong belief that we could design and build world-class solutions locally while continuing to evolve with the changing needs of industry,”
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see how far the business has come, and even more exciting to see the next generation continuing to push innovation forward.” he said.
Today, Dematic employs more than 850 people across Australia and New Zealand and continues to invest in local manufacturing, engineering capability, apprenticeship programs, and graduate pathways.
The anniversary comes at a time of growing demand for intelligent automation, robotics, and AI-driven optimisation as businesses respond to labour shortages, increasing operational complexity, and rising customer expectations.
With solutions spanning software, storage and order fulfilment systems, robotics, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and fully integrated automation technologies, Dematic remains focused on improving operational performance, efficiency, and resilience throughout modern distribution centres.
“A significant number of products move through supply chains powered by Dematic technology every day,” said Simon Barrow, Vice President and Managing Director for Dematic ANZ.
“Whether consumers are shopping online, purchasing groceries, accessing medical supplies, or receiving essential goods, there is a high probability that Dematic technology has played a role somewhere along that journey.” he said.
Dematic’s growth over the past six decades has mirrored the evolution of Australia’s supply chain sector — from traditional warehousing operations to highly automated distribution environments.
“For 60 years, we have remained focused on helping customers solve complex operational and supply chain challenges,” said Barrow.
“We are incredibly proud of our people and the role Dematic has played in supporting Australian industry, manufacturing, and engineering innovation.”
“Ongoing investment in Australian engineering capability remains central to our long-term strategy. Our engineers, technicians, software specialists, project teams, and apprentices have always been pivotal to Dematic’s success.”
“Alongside our manufacturing operations in Sydney, we remain committed to our Lifecycle Solutions and Service apprenticeship programs, as well as graduate pathways that continue to strengthen local engineering expertise across multiple disciplines.” he said.
