Max Forster: The Entrepreneur Who Shaped Australia's Bearings Industry
Max Forster stands as a shining example of entrepreneurial excellence. As chairman of Forster Group of Companies, Forster Group of Companies, Max has made an enormous influence on Bearings and Power Max Forster Transmission industry in Australia and around the world. Max's story, which started at Sri Lanka and led him to Australia and then to Australia, is an example to his resilience with his vision, determination and drive.
The Beginning of an Entrepreneurial Legacy
In 1980, with only $150 and a steadfast determination, Max Forster founded his first company, Gwenmax Bearings & Transmissions. The business acumen of Max Forster quickly was evident, and in 1997 the Howard Smith Organization acquired his company, thereby establishing the start of a long-lasting journey. The early success laid the groundwork for his future ventures, establishing Max's name as a sharp and forward-thinking businessman.
Pioneering Finer Power Transmissions
Max Forster's ambition was what led him to start Finer Power Transmissions in 2003. The move was a major turning point in the Bearings as well as Power Transmission sectors. Partnering with international companies, Kaga Industries from Japan and New Contiland from China, Max made use of international expertise and local insight to create a company that thrived in a highly competitive marketplace. Finer Power Transmissions quickly became a leader in the business.
An Adventurous Spirit Beyond Business
Max's life is a reflection his determination to be the best in his professional and personal pursuits. The early years of his life spent in Sri Lanka saw him excel in various sports, including cricket and long-distance swimming. Then, after moving to Australia at 21, Max worked his way to the top of the ball bearing industry prior to creating his own business. Along with his professional success, Max's adventurous spirit enabled him to take on difficult tasks such as his Kokoda Track along with cycling the length of Mongolia. He also walked through the Camino de Santiago, a feat that proved his endurance and determination.
Expanding Globally: The Visionary Businessman
Max Forster's ambitions have always stretched beyond the borders of Australia. The strategic alliances he has formed with Chinese manufacturing firms expanded his business on global scale. The year 2008 saw Max purchased his joint venture partner and created his Forster Group a fully independent entity. With offices located across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland and New South Wales, the company's expansion has continued under Max's direction and has established for the Forster Group as a dominant competitor in the market.
A Family-Driven Legacy
Max Forster's commitment to excellence is reinforced by his commitment to family. Two of his daughters, Mark and Greig, continue his legacy by serving as the joint Managing Directors of the Forster Group. Their management ensures that the values and the vision set by Max continue to influence the future of the company.
Max's family-oriented strategy was strengthened when he bought RKM Morgan, an Australian conveyor chain manufacturer, in 2010. This acquisition, together with its merger with Davidson Chains, strengthened the company's position in the market and provided new avenues for expansion.
Max Forster's Lasting Impact
Max Forster's entrepreneur journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected leader in the global Bearings and Power Transmission industry is nothing short of inspiring. His capacity to adapt to the changing times, create new ideas, and grow his company is a lesson in strategic leadership. Max's impact and legacy go beyond the scope of his professional accomplishments and he continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and the next generation of business leaders.