A Historical Perspective on John Valve Locations in Ballarat
Since its founding in 1896, John Valves has been integral to Ballarat’s industrial heritage. Over the years, the company has seen significant growth and transformation, with each move marking a new chapter in its history. Let’s journey through the key locations that have shaped John Valves’ legacy in Ballarat.
Lydiard Street: The Humble Beginnings
John Valves began its operations on Lydiard Street, right in the heart of Ballarat. This central location was crucial during the company’s early years, offering proximity to the city’s thriving industries and transport networks. Here, John Valves laid the foundation for what would become a lasting legacy in the valve manufacturing industry. The Lydiard Street workshop was not just a place of production but a symbol of the company’s deep roots in Ballarat’s industrial fabric.
Creswick Road: Expansion and Evolution
As John Valves grew, so did its need for space and advanced facilities. This led to a move to Creswick Road, where the company would spend several decades expanding its operations. The Creswick Road facility became synonymous with John Valves’ evolution, housing more extensive production lines and a broader range of industrial valves. This location was a bustling activity centre, driving innovation and meeting the demands of a growing customer base. During the GFC in 2007, the Creswick Road facility was closed, marking the end of an era for John Valves. While this was a significant shift, it paved the way for the company’s next development phase.
Delacombe: Rebuilding of Local Name
Following the closure of the Creswick Road site, John Valves eventually found a new home in Delacombe at AVE. This facility had been reconditioning JOHN and other valves for sometime and became the company’s base of operations. The Delacombe site is equipped with traditional and advanced manufacturing technologies, allowing John Valves to continue its legacy while adapting to the ever-changing demands of the global market. Today, Delacombe is a testament to the company’s resilience and forward-thinking approach. It’s a place where tradition meets modernity, ensuring that John Valves remains a leader in the valve manufacturing industry. In 2024, John Valves has occupied five buildings in Martin Drive as it prepares to build and move to a new facility.
Warehouse and offices have been open in Perth for some time serving the Western Australian minining, water, civil and manufacturing industries. In early 2024, John Valves open its Brisbane location to support one of the fastest growing regions in the country. Other interstate offices are likely to open in the near future including New South Wales and South Australia.
BWEZ: A Vision for the Future
As John Valves looks to the future, the company has set its sights on the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ) next to the airport. Scheduled to move by 2028, this new location is part of a strategic plan to modernise operations further and capitalise on the infrastructure and opportunities BWEZ offers. The move to BWEZ represents more than just a change of address; it symbolises John Valves’ commitment to growth, innovation, and continued customer service. The BWEZ site is expected to provide a state-of-the-art environment for John Valves, supporting the company’s ambitions for the next century. This move will cement the company’s place at the forefront of the industry and Ballarat employment for years to come.
Ongoing Journey
From its early days on Lydiard Street to its future at BWEZ, John Valves has consistently adapted and evolved with the times. Each location has shaped the company’s identity, reflecting its growth and commitment to excellence. As John Valves prepares for its next chapter, it does so with a proud history and a bright future. Stay tuned as we chronicle the journey of John Valves, a company that remains as dedicated to Ballarat today as it was over a century ago.
