With many electrical product and service companies producing offshore, Legrand, a global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructure, proudly manufactures in Australia and is continually investing in its local operations. San Williams brings to light Legrand’s purpose of improving lives and commitment to the ANZ industry.

When global companies experience significant expansion, it’s often assumed that they’ll drift away from their local partners and customers. This trend seems increasingly common in Australian construction and trade sectors due to rapid technological advancements and globalisation. However, Legrand defies this norm in Australia by establishing and investing in a growing local R&D manufacturing facility in Prestons, Sydney and certifying select products with Australian Made.

As part of its global network, Legrand Australia designs, manufactures and distributes over 15,000 items for the local market under several brands including Legrand, HPM, BTicino and Netatmo. The range includes wiring devices, emergency lighting, smart home systems, ventilation products, energy and power distribution products and cable management solutions.

“Although a lot of manufacturing has disappeared from our shores in recent years, there are many positive benefits to operating an Australian-based facility, and that’s why Legrand supports Australian Made Week and the celebration of Australian manufacturing,” Legrand ANZ chief executive Palash Nandy says.

“Legrand’s local footprint allows us to remain agile and responsive while providing the best solutions for our local customers.”

Legrand ANZ chief executive Palash Nandy.

Having operated in Australia for decades, Legrand is uniquely one of the few companies within its trade to manufacture locally. The company also has a dedicated local R&D team (also based out of Prestons, Sydney) that designs products and solutions tailored for every segment of the Australian market including residential, commercial, hospitals, hotels and data centres.

Being a local manufacturer also enables bespoke customisations of its solutions as well as ensuring they comply with all Australian manufacturing quality and safety standards.

“Whenever I bring customers to the facility at Prestons, they are always surprised to see the level of investment we have made in our Australian factory and R&D as well as our logistics centre and head office. They still don’t believe so much manufacturing is happening here. We are very proud of our local operations and being able to employ hundreds of Australians,” Palash continues.

Legrand’s premium range of exit and emergency light fittings are 100% certified Australian Made, offering peace of mind to customers wanting to know they are purchasing products that are both designed and manufactured locally.

“Aussie products are made to some of the highest standards in the world. They are trusted and known for their safety and quality. There is a huge appetite out there for Australian products, with the country of origin increasingly playing an important part in purchasing decisions,” Australian Made chief executive Ben Lazzaro says.

A report from Roy Morgan found that nearly 70% of Australians prefer Australian-made building and renovation materials products. When you buy Australian Made products, you are helping to employ thousands of Australians across all areas of the supply chain, strengthen local industries and support local communities.”

Underpinning Legrand’s local approach is a strong support network of distributors and contractors to ensure the company can offer support before, during and after sale. By producing products at its Prestons facility, Legrand Australia is also able to reduce its environmental footprint by fostering a circular economy, this includes sourcing locally, lessening transport requirements and reusing some materials.

“Improving lives is our company’s core purpose, by offering our customers products that are innovative, sustainable and simple. Our local partners play a crucial role to help Legrand deliver on this promise and ensure the best solutions are selected by our customers,” Palash says.

To learn more about Legrand’s local manufacturing facilities, to explore their premium product range or to get in touch, please visit the Legrand website.