IXL Group began in Geelong more than 160 years ago when Ebenezer Backwell opened a blacksmith shop in 1858. Today, IXL Backwell remains a proudly Australian owned family business with operations across manufacturing, appliance distribution, and metal castings.
Kennedys Group’s Plumbing team in Geelong completed remediation works within the operational facility after significant roof and gutter leaks developed. The ongoing water ingress damaged laser cutting machinery and testing equipment while also creating workplace safety concerns.
Works commenced in July 2022 and included new roofing sheets, safety wire installation, 100 metres of box gutter replacement, 275sqm of wall sheeting, and new timber frameworks.
The completed upgrade significantly improved workplace safety and operational performance across the facility. Our works removed slip hazards and electrical risks caused by ongoing water leaks. In addition, the new wall sheeting and updated fibreglass sections increased natural light throughout the workshop, reducing electricity consumption.
Kennedys Group also installed bird proofing measures to prevent pigeons entering the facility and creating hygiene issues. Furthermore, our team removed unused roof penetrations and installed safety wire to improve protection for future maintenance works.
The IXL Group recently engaged the services of Matthew Kennedy and his team to complete two major roof and plumbing projects at our South Geelong manufacturing site.
Professionals with years of manufacturing experience we required the expertise of an organisation that understood the importance of minimal disruption and impact to our business as usual activities; maintaining the high level of service required of our customers both locally and globally.
Matt and his team, worked with the business to deliver a timely, well-executed project in an era of uncertainty.
The team from Kennedys became part of the IXL Group, not an isolated contractor. The planning and consistent communication delivered minimal impact to operations whilst delivering the requirements of the project in full. As a result the IXL Group extended the scope of works to include additional minor projects across the site.
We found Matt, Stephen Camilleri (Project Foreman) and the team to be professional, courteous and responsive to our groups requirements with a can do attitude and practical value for money solutions in some often complex and challenging historical conditions.
The IXL Group now have a simplified process with building maintenance and management that looks forward to a long positive relationship with the Kennedy Group.
– Adam Deller, Backwell IXL
