Spotlight on SAGE.

SAGE Automation was founded in the backyard shed of founder Andrew Downs. Fast forward 25 years to 2019 and SAGE Automation (SAGE), looks like a very different business. As it celebrates its 25th birthday, SAGE proudly maintains its corporate head office in Adelaide, whilst servicing its national client base with a team of more than 450 staff across 13 offices in metro and regional locations throughout Australia, as well, as three offices in India.

SAGE has evolved to serve a diverse customer base, with clients across the Defence, Manufacturing, Transport, Water, Energy and Resources sectors.

An example of this diversity and adaption to the changing fabric of industry, is the company’s evolution from a business who began almost exclusively delivering automation and control projects for clients in the Automotive manufacturing industry and its supply chain, to now operating and remotely monitoring key Autonomous Vehicle services. SAGE has not simply evolved with the Australian industry, but led its uptake of technology and innovation.

SAGE has broadened its capability to offer a suite of complimentary services to clients including digital transformation consultancy and delivery (Nukon), comprehensive industrial asset operation and maintenance services (SAGE Automation’s Asset Operations division), industrial technology skills development (Skills Lab) and the supply of specialist engineering contract resources to support clients with key capability requirements (Embedded Expertise).

This month, SAGE (Group) posted its FY19 results, its 3rd consecutive year of record growth. Over the three year period, the company has seen a 34% growth in revenue, almost doubled its staff headcount and significantly increased profitability.

Firmly focused on continued growth the SAGE Group board will welcome incoming chair Bruce Carter in January 2020, replacing current Chair David McNeil who is retiring and who has held the position since 2007.

SAGE founder Andrew Downs, in welcoming Bruce Carter and recognizing the services of David McNeil is buoyed by the forward view for SAGE. “During his time as Chairman, David has seen SAGE expand nationally, international and it’s significant diversification. His contribution cannot be overstated and we thank him for his guidance, passion and drive for SAGE’s continued success”.

“I look forward to welcoming Bruce Carter as Chair and gleaning his great wealth of experience across industries in which we operate and those in which we look to grow”, said Downs

Bruce Carter holds a number of Directorships including the Australian Submarine Corporation and ASC Shipbuilding, Gensee & Wyoming Inc, Aventus Capital Limited, SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited and Bank of Queensland as well as Chairman on State Government’s Resources, Infrastructure and Investment Task force.

Pictured; Adrian Fahey, Bruce Carter and Andrew Downs

In the new year, Andrew Downs will assume the role of Founder and Executive Director, stepping away from his role as Managing Director to free him up to focus on new passions including, holding various board positions, philanthropic endeavors, coaching and mentoring roles and, giving back to the community and industry.

“I owe a great deal to the many people who have helped SAGE become what it is today. I’ve learned a lot from my mentors and advisersand now look forward to sharing my experiences with entrepreneurs at the start of their journeys, the industry’s up and coming leaders and continuing in board positions where I believe I can help other businesses to growth and thrive just like SAGE.”

Downs went on to explain, “As Executive Director, I will remain particularly interested in the various exciting merger and acquisition opportunities we are pursuing both here and overseas.”

Andrew is handing over the reigns as Managing Director to SAGE Group CEO, Adrian Fahey. Adrian, who has held the position of CEO for 11 years will take on the role of Managing Director whilst retaining his charter as Chief Executive Officer. Fahey, will continue to lead the business, which he believes is ideally positioned for continued growth. “SAGE is poised for further international expansion and in it’s current shape, is better positioned than ever before to support industrial operators to thrive in this age of Digital Transformation.”

“Our clients look to SAGE help them lead into the future and I have never been more confident in our business structure, our specialist capability and our passionate team to deliver just that.”