The corrugated packaging industry in Australia has had an O’Sullivan family presence since 1954 when the late P.J. (Jack) O’Sullivan started Cardboard Containers Mfg. Co.
A close involvement with the Arnott’s Biscuit Company saw the business grow to a sizeable operation, employing over 200 people by 1984.
The business not only manufactured corrugated cardboard products, but also made Litho-Laminated cartons as well as folding cartons, labels and thermo-formed plastic trays. The company flourished over many years and was instrumental in shaping the packaging industry in Australia. In 1985 the business was sold to the Smorgon Group and then to Amcor in 1987. Today, many of the people who worked at Cardboard Containers Mfg Co. now work for major packaging companies throughout Australia, including Abbe Pty Ltd.
After the sale of Cardboard Containers Mfg. Co., the father of the current Abbe Managing Director, Executive Chairman John O’Sullivan, together with his brother, established Abbe Design Pty. Ltd. in 1988 as a box converting business this maintained the family connection with the corrugated cardboard industry.
In 1991 a corrugator was installed and the business changed its name to Abbe Pty. Ltd. The company could now compete effectively in the market and manufacture its own corrugated board. John and Julie O’Sullivan acquired 100% ownership of the company in 1997 and with managed growth over a 12-year period, Abbe outgrew this site.
In 2004 a move back to King William Street Broadmeadows occurred. This plant was a far more extensive manufacturing and warehouse facility. Being four times larger than Campbellfield facility, at 210,000 square feet, product and process development was able to expand into this once considered ‘vast’ site.
The business has continued the great family tradition with Anthony (Managing Director), Daniel (Sales Director) and Chris O’Sullivan (Production and Quality Director) joining their father John in key management positions alongside a loyal and committed workforce.
In 2012, the business took another significant step by moving to a 20 acre site in Coolaroo. Here, a state of the art facility has been established. This incorporates industry leading materials handling and manufacturing. This site provides further opportunity to expand and diversify the business’ current offering and provides a platform into the next phase of growth and development.
Vision
To be the preferred supplier of corrugated packaging solutions by exceeding our customers’ expectations of quality, service and fast turnaround in the Australian market, which will provide mutual benefits of profitability and growth.
Mission
To become the dominant and preferred supplier of corrugated packaging solutions to a diversified niche market.
Our Values
- RESPECT – For each other and the business
- OWNERSHIP – Of the process and the outcome
- TEAMWORK – To delight the Customer
- EXCELLENCE – Is always improving what we do
