Written by Kerryn Caulfield, Executive Director, Composites Australia Inc.
Composites Australia members and guests were given a first-hand look at high-volume fibreglass manufacturing during a TECH Event at Summertime Pools’ Dandenong South facility in Victoria.
Hosted by Managing Director Rob Kruber, the industrial site visit provided a fascinating insight into how a growing manufacturer is applying automation, lean manufacturing and continuous improvement to increase productivity, consistency and product quality.
The busy manufacturing facility demonstrated the scale and coordination required to produce fibreglass swimming pools efficiently. Rather than relying solely on traditional manufacturing approaches, Summertime Pools has invested in automation and process optimisation to improve workflow, throughput and operational efficiency, supported by predictive maintenance strategies designed to minimise downtime.
Engineering is also central to the company’s approach. Product design is developed with durability, structural performance and manufacturability in mind, ensuring that engineering considerations are integrated into the production process rather than treated as a separate stage.
Rob shared the company’s manufacturing strategy, including its focus on productivity and continuous improvement. His practical approach includes incremental improvements across processes, equipment and workflow that can collectively deliver significant gains in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
Summertime’s expanding product portfolio includes Halo Spas, a therapeutic swim spa manufactured in Victoria using thermoforming technology and the proprietary HeatLock™ insulation system, alongside engineered steel frames and reinforced structural zones designed to manage loads and support long-term performance.
With showrooms across Victoria and South Australia and expansion into Queensland underway, Summertime Pools is continuing to grow while maintaining its manufacturing base in Victoria.
For delegates, the event was about much more than seeing inside a factory. It demonstrated how automation, engineering, lean thinking and a culture of continuous improvement can work together to create a more efficient and capable manufacturing operation.
Composites Australia thanks Danielle Kellar, Rob Kruber and the entire Summertime Pools team for their generous hospitality and for sharing their facility, knowledge and manufacturing insights.
