I totally agree with the underlying sentiment expressed in the last few posts.
The world of manufacturing is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the relentless push for efficiency, sustainability, and the adoption of Industry 4.0 (Fourth Industrial Revolution). With this transformation, surface engineering and additive manufacturing technologies will play an increasingly important role over the next decade and beyond. Companies that embrace these innovations will position themselves as industry leaders in this evolving landscape.
LaserBond possesses the technologies, infrastructure, and expertise to be a major player in this revolution. The potential for growth is there, and from my perspective, the last three decades have merely been a warmup!
Before proceeding further, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly apologise for the derogatory comments I made in a previous post regarding the current CEO.
Wayne, my sincere apologies.
At the time, I was reacting to being unfairly and disrespectfully labelled by the two new board members after I requested a position back on the board. In my view, this request should have led to constructive discussions about how I could contribute to the company’s future. Instead, it was met with dismissiveness and a derogatory label, which I found deeply hurtful.At that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of betrayal, an experience that placed me in uncharted waters. Faced with a fight-or-flight decision, I chose to fight. I responded impulsively, shooting from the hip in retaliation, a reaction that, in hindsight, was not the right approach.
Despite our differences, I want to acknowledge, commend and thank Wayne for his immense contributions to LaserBond over the years. Since joining the company in 1994, he has worked his proverbial butt off, playing a pivotal role in the company’s success. His dedication and hard work have been instrumental in numerous areas, including:
• Overseeing company administration - and ensuring smooth internal operations.
•Managing the Technology Division.
• Securing multiple government grants- which have significantly contributed to the company's growth
• Purchasing and installing equipment - for both the heat treatment and CNC lathe sections
• Facilitating the successful transition- of HVOF Australia Pty Ltd, operating as HVOF and Laser Technologies, into the publicly listed company it is today.
These are just a few of his many contributions, and it is undeniable that LaserBond would not have achieved its success without him.
My passion has always been deeply rooted in this industry and in the company I founded. I bring a unique and important combination of industry related skills that, together with an entrepreneurial mindset, enabled me with the abilities and confidence to establish LaserBond and drive many of its key foundational innovations, which established the company’s pioneering and leader recognition.
My insights and strategic decisions were instrumental in shaping the company’s trajectory and positioning it as a leader in surface engineering and advanced manufacturing.
Having been part of its journey from the very beginning, I have a clear understanding of where the company was headed and the immense opportunities that still lie ahead. My intention, then and now, has always been simple: to contribute, to guide, and to help unlock the full potential of the company I helped build.
To provide clarity on my previous comment:"Unfortunately, I do not believe it is going to achieve much more than it has already, given the current management and board of directors."I want to be clear that I do not doubt the ability of the current management and board to sustain the company at its current level or even achieve moderate growth, particularly within the services division in Australia. Congratulations to those shareholders who are content with this trajectory.However, as the founder, I believe this is simply not acceptable and in alignment with the expectations of the majority of LaserBond shareholders.
As stated in a previous post, the significant growth initiatives that have taken place in recent years, such as the establishment of operations in Queensland (QSP) and Western Australia (Gateway Engineering), were already in the pipeline prior to my departure in 2020.
I sincerely congratulate all those involved in executing these expansions.
The major issue, as I see it, is that there is no one within the organisation, including the current members of the board, that possesses the necessary combination of deep industry knowledge, hands-on experience, entrepreneurial mindset, and sales experience required to propel LaserBond to the heights that await.
The landscape of Surface Engineering and Additive Manufacturing is evolving rapidly, with an increasing number of competitors emerging across both services and technology development. New entrants and established players alike are aggressively innovating, investing in cutting-edge solutions, and expanding their market reach.In today’s environment, standing still is not an option. Companies that fail to stay ahead of the curve risk being overtaken by more agile, forward-thinking competitors, those who embrace early adoption, invest in breakthrough technologies and establish strong footholds in key global markets.
A recent and glaring example of this lack of knowledge and strategic foresight was the complete disregard and outright rejection of what I consider to be a next-level opportunity, one that was practically handed to them on a silver platter.
Had this opportunity been seized, it would have:
• Significantly strengthened LaserBond’s financial position - providing substantial cash reserves.
• Secured a major shareholding in a promising small-cap Australian tech company - whose technology aligns seamlessly with LaserBond’s core competencies.
• Granted access to high-value contracts and approvals - particularly with one of the most prestigious and well-funded customers in the world, the U.S. Department of Defence.
• Established a direct entry point into the U.S. market - a move that could have dramatically accelerated international expansion.
• Provided early access to disruptive innovations - helping LaserBond stay ahead of competitors rather than playing catch-up.
• Potentially generated a highly favourable response from the market - increasing shareholder value and industry recognition.
For any forward-thinking organisation, this would have been an opportunity too compelling to ignore.
Instead, it was dismissed without due consideration, an oversight that highlights a deep-rooted reluctance and inability to take educated, calculated risks and capitalise on first-mover advantages in an increasingly competitive space.
LaserBond is at a critical crossroads. The technologies, infrastructure, and market potential are all in place. However, real, transformational growth will not come from playing it safe or maintaining the status quo.With increasing competition in advanced materials, coating technologies, and precision engineering solutions, early adoption of emerging technologies will be the key to maintaining market leadership. Companies that proactively explore strategic partnerships, new applications, and global expansion opportunities will dominate the future of this industry. Those who hesitate will fall behind.
LaserBond must be proactive.
The challenge ahead is not just about sustaining the business but about leading the industry, as was my intention since establishing the company with my parents in 1992. This requires visionary leadership, people who understand not just the technical and operational aspects of the business but also how to leverage opportunities, form strategic alliances, and drive expansion into global markets.
Without this mindset at the helm, LaserBond risks stagnation while others seize the opportunities it continues to overlook.
I remain deeply invested in the future of LaserBond, not just as its founder but as someone who truly believes in its potential to become a global leader in Surface Engineering and Additive Manufacturing. The opportunities ahead are immense, and my hope is that the company embraces a more ambitious vision to reach its full potential.
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