Celebrating 100 years of copper manufacturing
MM Kembla recently asked RGC to develop an integrated range of marketing materials to celebrate their 100th anniversary working with the plumbing industry in Australia and overseas.
We began by creating a unique “Quality, Reliability and Service” company insignia. The stamp celebrates their anniversary and the founding principles of Kembla copper; quality product, reliability and unrivalled customer service. The new QRS logo was implemented across all digital and print communication.
Then we developed a special commemorative journal which was researched, designed, written and printed by RGC to honour MM Kembla’s rich history showing how important copper has been to Australia'’s development and the changing shape of the plumbing and construction industries as Australian cities continue to grow.
MM Kembla's history covers 100 years of development from its early beginnings as Metal Manufactures on March 16th, 1916 in Port Kembla. It chronicles the challenges of two world wars, industrialisation, electrification, new forms of transport like steam trains, cars and aeroplanes, commercial and residential refrigeration, hot and cold water plumbing, as well as oil and gas reticulation.
The evolution of MM Kembla also closely mirrored the changes shaping Australia over the whole of the twentieth century. From the 2nd world war where it faced the risk of Japanese bombing and had one of its mills run entirely by women due to the wars impact on man power, to a rapidly diversifying workforce as migration re-shaped the country. Staff and customers past and present also contributed their personal stories and photographs of there work experiences to bring MM Kembla’s history to life. We commissioned photographer Karl Schwerdtfeger to create engaging black and white portraits of key personnel who had worked for the company for more than 25 years.
The final leatherette bound journal was produced in China and placed into a specially hand-crafted commemorative box lined with a sepia photo-montaged historical image. A limited edition copper pen ball point was also included. The box was presented to key customers who had helped to contribute to MM Kembla’s business success over the last 100 years. An exclusive orange version of the journal was also presented to employees at a special commemorative dinner.
The journal has become a poignant reminder to its customers MM Kembla is a tried and trusted company with a unique history, available to service their needs locally.
MM Kembla’s Tubes & Fittings division continues to ensure the future of copper tube in Australia as the sole producer and supplier of copper tube to the Australian, New Zealand, Asian and Middle Eastern markets.
Services Provided
Research
Concept
Writing
Photography
Art Direction
Design & Artwork
Print Production Management