Associated Shopfitters have retired and have entrusted you in the capable hands of Masterplanners.

ASF have been providing its customers with quality outcomes for their retail fitouts and commercial interiors for more than 60 years. We are very proud of our reputation and offer a small summary of our long history below.

The story began in 1953 when four shopfitters decided it was time to take their destinies into their own hands and start a business in their home state of Western Australia. Although the partnership dissolved after only 18 months, one of the partners, Reg Abbott, went on to form a new company with his two sons, Ray and Mervyn, on premises located in Belmont, Perth.

Their business grew rapidly and not long after inception, the company needed a capital injection in order to expand. This came in the form of a new shareholder – hardware merchant Barnett Bros, and on 11th October 1954, Associated Shopfitters Pty. Ltd., was established.

This was followed by a period of strong growth with work that consisted of shopfronts – including drawn-mould styles, metal door frames, cantilevered verandas, partitioning and interiors for customers such as Moores, GJ Coles, Foy & Gibsons, and the ANZ Bank. In the 70’s, the company worked on department stores, Walsh’s Men’s Wear and David Jones, Australia wide.

Reg’s sons, Ray and Mervyn, took over the reins from their father in the 1970’s. Ray became Managing Director and Mervyn oversaw the company’s finances. It was Ray’s foresight that led to the purchase of a 5 acre rural property in the far outlying area of Malaga, which is now one of Perth’s fastest growing industrial and commercial centres. By this stage, the company had grown to be one of the largest in Perth with more than 100 employees.

The early 80’s saw ASF move into its new Malaga premises and diversify; with a division called Vega Interiors based in Balcatta servicing its smaller clients, while the main operation worked exclusively with Coles Supermarkets and the ANZ Bank. The consolidation of all divisions back to Malaga in the mid 80’s provided a strong concentration of shopfitting expertise and enabled the company to increase the number and variety of major clients.

Today, Abbotts are still at the helm of the business. Both of Mervyn’s sons, Greg and Reg, started in the company as apprentices in the 70’s. Greg took on several roles including Estimator, Office Manager and Director before he became Managing Director in 1997, while Reg has been a Stores/Purchasing Officer, Estimator, Project Manager and Senior Project Manager before being appointed a Director in 2002.

There have been many major milestones over ASF’s 60+ year history, but one of the most significant was when we decided to put more focus into manufacturing and invest in new systems and state-of-the-art technology. This legacy of continuous improvement carries on today as we aim to hone our craft by actively seeking out new and improved methods of construction, and for the latest technology and techniques to enhance the quality of our products and increase our efficiency.

Since its early days, ASF believed in investing in its human assets. We provide extensive training to our apprentices, nurturing them into skilled tradesmen, many of whom have continued their careers with us. Our ongoing staff development programs have enabled us to maintain a team of well trained, highly qualified and loyal professionals of whom we are immensely proud.

Over the years, much has changed in the way the work is done, but the core values that have made ASF a trusted brand for over 60 years remain. We will continue to uphold honesty and integrity in business, and dedication and commitment not only to our clients but also our business partners and employees.

We look forward to 60 more successful years in the industry.