Wednesday, 23 November, 2011 - 10:17
Multi-faceted strategy needed to manage skilled labour shortfall tipped for 2020
The growing skills shortage is forcing more and more WA employers to look overseas to secure skilled workers.
Mark Antonio
Managing Director / DMD Storage Group
Mark was just 18 years old when he entered a partnership with two others and started DMD Shelving Direct, which initially provided installation and relocation services of commercial shelving and racking systems. Within six months, the business began purchasing surplus materials and sold them second hand. This then led to buying and selling new products. DMD Shelving Direct has now developed its own products, which are used in industrial, commercial and domestic areas. The company has been operating for 15 years. The business is now expanding further, with the construction of a purpose-built facility in Cockburn Commercial Park almost complete. It will include a showroom, design centre, warehousing and fabrication factory. Mr Antonio has actively sought to employ staff from overseas on 457 visas. DMD Shelving Direct currently supports two managers and their families from England and is currently processing a third from South Africa.
