G.James Extrusions Co. Pty Ltd (Aluminium Products) is part of the G.James Group of Companies. This Group of Companies is a third-generation family business founded more than 105 years ago in Brisbane, Queensland. The Aluminium Products Division is a market leader in the field of aluminium extrusions and continues to expand with the group today employing more than 2000 personnel, of which 350 including six apprentices, operate within the aluminium extrusion plant.
As part of the company’s ongoing automation program, members of the G.James senior leadership team visited Italy to witness first-hand the latest Okuma machining centres producing a selection of highly specialised tooling. At the conclusion of the visit, both companies had gained a better understanding of each other’s needs and capabilities, surely strengthening the relationship going forward.
Currently, G.James’ machining centre operates several state-of-the-art Okuma machines including a variety of Okuma 5-axis and 3-axis Vertical Machining Centres, Vertical Turning Lathe and Fastems FMS system. Operating 24/7, these Okuma machines produce quality extrusion dies with minimal manpower.
“The accuracy of the 5-axis Okuma machines enables us to provide premium quality dies with consistent shape accuracy resulting in precision extrusions for our customers,” said G.James Aluminium Products General Manager, Gary Parkes. “We have established a really strong relationship with Okuma over this period and they have assisted us greatly with all aspects including robotics for other parts of G James. To ensure the success of a single site fully integrated automatic extrusion operation, our investment in the highest quality die making facilities was essential,” he said.
“To complement the move to the 5-axis machining centres, our tool shop and CAD/CAM design facilities have been developed for high precision, internal production and our investments in this high-tech equipment provide our people with great confidence and a positive work environment with all team members committed to the success,” commented Gary Parkes.
G.James Aluminium Products markets specialised aluminium extrusions to the building industry, transport, and many other markets throughout Australia.
From their Brisbane base, G.James Aluminium Products operates two state-of-the-art extrusion presses - a 10-inch commissioned in 2020 and an 8-inch commissioned in 2022. Combined, these presses are capable of a total output of 2,000 tonnes per month. The plants employ a direct extrusion process where a heated aluminium billet is forced through a series (or stack) of specially milled plates to form the desired extrusion. In addition, there are 2 Paint Line Operations including an Anodizing Plant and downstream machining processes.
The G.James Aluminium Products Division services other divisions within the G.James Group where their extrusions are converted into windows & doors, high-rise facades, outdoor furniture, and scaffolding products. Interestingly, this is in addition to their Australia-wide, external customer base.
G.James Aluminium Products has an extensive catalogue of readily available dies for extruding with standard geometrics including angles, channels, hollows, and solids along with ‘I’ beam and ‘T’ & ‘Z’ shaped sections. The business also undertakes the fabrication of roof racks, mounting brackets, and machinery components, plus a range of street and park products which extends to bin enclosures, seating platforms, tables, and park & bus shelters.
A key supplier to the transport industry, G.James Aluminium Products offer a full-service package from the supply of extrusions through to machined componentry including bull bars, roof racks, trays, and the framework for heavy tippers and trailers.
G.James Aluminium Products is committed to its customer base with the supply of quality Australian-produced extrusions through a program of ongoing people development and investment in the latest plant & equipment.
“For Okuma Australia the close working relationship with G.James Aluminium Products has been a very satisfying and rewarding one as we witness first-hand the achievements and quality output of this outstanding family company which continues to expand and grow its market more than 100 years on,” said John Baker, Branch Manager - Okuma Queensland.
