Sydney Workshop Grows Into 850-Person Automation Powerhouse

The next time you grab groceries from Woolworths or pick up an online order from BIG W, there's a good chance robots helped get it there.

Dematic, the supply chain automation company founded by Gerry Hatton AM as Colby Engineering in 1966, is celebrating six decades of homegrown Australian innovation. What began as a small mechanical engineering workshop has grown into an 850-person operation that keeps modern Australia running.

Hatton's first breakthrough was simple but revolutionary: adjustable racking systems called ColbyRACK. That foundation let the company evolve through every wave of warehouse technology, from basic storage to voice-directed picking, goods-to-person robotics, and AI-powered optimization.

Today, Dematic's technology touches millions of products daily. When you order medicine, buy food, or receive essential goods, their automated systems likely played a role somewhere in that journey.

The company supports major Australian businesses including Woolworths, BIG W, and Sigma Healthcare with advanced automation spanning grocery, retail, e-commerce, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. Their solutions include robotics, automated guided vehicles, and integrated software that helps distribution centers run faster and smarter.

The Ripple Effect

Dematic's growth mirrors Australia's evolution from traditional warehousing to high-tech distribution. But their real impact extends beyond the robots and software.

The company maintains manufacturing operations in Sydney and runs apprenticeship programs and graduate pathways that train the next generation of Australian engineers. They're investing in local talent even as labor shortages push other companies toward overseas solutions.

"From the very beginning, there was a strong belief that we could design and build world-class solutions locally while continuing to evolve with the changing needs of industry," Hatton said. "It's incredibly rewarding to see how far the business has come, and even more exciting to see the next generation continuing to push innovation forward."

Managing Director Simon Barrow highlighted the company's commitment to Australian engineering capability as central to their long-term strategy. Engineers, technicians, software specialists, and apprentices remain the heart of everything Dematic builds.

The 60-year milestone arrives as businesses face mounting pressure from rising customer expectations, operational complexity, and workforce challenges. Dematic's locally designed and built solutions help Australian companies meet those demands without sacrificing efficiency or service quality.

Six decades later, the workshop that started with adjustable racks is proving that Australian engineering innovation can compete on the world stage.