Unwavering dedication

Spencer Systems, founded by John Hays, traces its origins to the 1960s. when John embarked on his career by completing an electrical trade programme with the Department of Public Works before joing the Australian distributor of Spencer Laundry and Drycleaning equipment. John’s unwavering dedication and technical prowess did not go unnoticed, earning the admiration of his employer, Robert Bryce.

Encouraged by Bryce, John ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing his own business to provide crucial technical support for the equipment. John partnered with a colleague, and together, they served the industry for a remarkable 25 years. Their specialisation encompassed a diverse range of equipment, including tunnel washers, folders, drycleaning machines, and an emphasis on boilers, particularly Fulton Boilers.

In the late 1990s, John’s partner took a different career path, prompting the company to rebrand as Spencer Systems, paying homage to its enduring connection with Spencer Equipment. Spencer Systems has remained resolute in its commitment to delivering top-tier technical support, grounded in values of integrity, honesty, and an unwavering dedication to superior customer service.

The early 2000s marked a pivotal moment for Spencer Systems as it diversified into machinery sales. Commencing with a small team of four individuals, the company embarked on a gradual expansion trajectory. In 2004, Spencer Systems made a significant stride by acquiring the Union Dry Cleaning agency for Australia, and then responsibility for the Barbanti agency.

In 2010 John’s son, Daniel, joined the enterprise, catalysing further growth. In the same year, Spencer Systems became Australian distributor for Kreussler. Initially, it imported limited quantities of Kreussler’s premium products. However, as customers increasingly sought to elevate quality, reduce environmental impact, and curtail water and energy expenses, Spencer Systems now annually imports around 80 tonnes of Kreussler products, and counting.

By 2015, Spencer Systems was the primary supplier of drycleaning machines. Nevertheless, expansion within the laundry sector proved to be a formidable challenge until 2016 when it introduced Fagor laundry equipment with which the company began making significant inroads, even though it encountered hurdles related to the unavailability of gas-fired dryers approved by Australian gas regulators. In 2022, the long-awaited approval finally materialised, enabling Spencer Systems to offer a comprehensive range of laundry equipment and thence exponential growth in those sales. The partnership with Fagor has blossomed into much more than mere sales, reflecting a dynamic evolution.

In 2018, Spencer Systems joined forces with Sankosha, a highly esteemed name within the industry. This marked a quantum leap forward, propelling Spencer Systems to beiong one of Sankosha’s most outstanding global partners.

In 2019, the company introduced its private label, Infinity, targeting large industrial laundries. Collaborating with a Chinese manufacturer, Spencer Systems meticulously designed machines tailored to its own precise specifications. Spencer Systems has ensured it maintains an extensive inventory of parts and provides robust technical support.

The Covid-19 pandemic ushered in unforeseen challenges, necessitating a comprehensive reassessment of the company’s strategy. Spencer Systems leveraged its expertise by investing in metalworking machinery, including CNC plasma cutters and press brakes. This strategic move enabled it to manufacture custom metal products for diverse industries, thereby preserving the dedicated team’s livelihoods. Spencer Systems now produces a wide array of custom fabrications, including boiler feed tanks, blowdown tanks, washer plinths, and more.

Today, Spencer Systems has a dedicated team of 20 professionals, headquartered in Sydney, with additional teams and warehouses strategically positioned in Melbourne. In October 2023, the company expanded its footprint to Brisbane, signifying its ongoing growth and unwavering commitment to upholding John’s core values of integrity, honesty, and unparalleled customer service. Spencer Systems proudly stands as a serviceoriented company, offering machinery and chemicals, with service as its foremost priority rather than a secondary consideration.