By CASEY NEILL
KEYSBOROUGH’S Advanced Technology Testing and Research (ATTAR) was a finalist for the Professional Services Award.
It followed on from the tech company’s nomination in March for the Manufacturing, Small Business and Premier Regional Business awards at the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce Premier Regional Business Awards.
ATTAR is earning an international name for innovation while making a healthy investment in its workforce.
It has developed a world-first method to stress test heavy train wheels and found a novel way of keeping the stress levels of its 20 employees in check.
The business offers $600 after tax to all employees to spend on their own health and wellbeing.
Managing director David Lake said workers couldn’t spend it on their families but had to treat themselves to bikes, massages, yoga, training shoes and anything else that was good for their health.
“People are the most important part of the company – we have to look at their health and wellbeing,” he said.
Employees have been invited to buy shares in the company Dr Gary Martin and Don McConville founded in 1986 – a shrewd move given its 30 per cent growth in the past five years.
ATTAR started out in Clayton in 1990, moved to Springvale in 1996 and set up in purpose-built offices and training facilities in Keysborough in 2001.
The most recent move followed requests from workers for more office windows.
Among the things ATTAR tests is tanks for corrosion, welded joins for integrity and floors for slip.
