As we mark Australian Made Week, it’s a great time to shine a light on the people, passion and purpose behind locally made innovations. A recent Roy Morgan poll found that 73% of Australians are willing to buy more locally made products to reduce reliance on imports, and 72% are happy to pay more for Aussie-made goods. That support goes a long way—not just for local businesses, but for the communities and people they employ.
Manufacturing in Australia isn’t just about geography—it’s about quality, trust and long-term investment in people. Our newest innovation, the PuROtherm Micro reverse osmosis (RO) system, is a reflection of that belief. Designed and built locally, it’s made for healthcare environments like day hospitals and dental clinics that need a compact and powerful water treatment system fully complaint with AS 5369:2023.
Behind the filtration system is a team of local engineers and technicians, each bringing skill, creativity and care to every stage of the process. We take a look behind the scenes with our Production Team who brought the PuROtherm Micro to life – with Aleks, our Design Engineer.
Why Local Manufacturing Matters
As a family-run business, we believe Australian manufacturing isn’t just about production—it’s an investment in people and capability.
“We are thankful we have the ability and resources to build here,” said James Cox, Head of Production. “Not just because it supports local jobs and suppliers, but because it means we can deliver dependable, well-engineered solutions for industries that really need them.”
Local manufacturing also means better quality control. “There are no shortcuts here,” James explained. “For the PurROtherm Micro we handpicked high-quality components from local suppliers, inspected every element during production, and put each system through thorough testing. That gives us confidence in the product—and more importantly, it gives our customers peace of mind.”
More Than Engineering – It’s a Team Effort
Building the PuROtherm Micro wasn’t just about designing a piece of equipment—it was a collaborative process shaped by problem-solving, teamwork, and a deep understanding of local needs.
“Designing something that powerful, in such a small footprint, was a real challenge,” said Aleks, Design Engineer. “It needed to be compact enough to fit through a standard doorway, run quietly, and still meet all the technical demands of healthcare environments.”
But it wasn’t a challenge Aleks faced alone.
From the initial brief to the final build, the process was a team effort—carried out entirely in-house. “Taking something from a customer request to a finished, functional machine is always rewarding,” said James Cox, Head of Production. “But doing it with our own people, under one roof, brings a sense of ownership that makes the result even better. It brings the team closer together and strengthens our capability.”
One of the biggest advantages of building locally was the ability to adapt quickly. “If something needed tweaking, we didn’t have to wait weeks or ship things overseas—we could solve it on the spot,” said Aleks. “That kind of agility made a big difference in getting the product just right.”
Curiosity Fuels Innovation
Aleks’ approach to engineering is driven by curiosity and a constant desire to improve. “Even in everyday life, I find myself analysing how things work. I’m always looking for ways to make systems better, not just different,” he said.
“I think that mindset—always searching for improvement—is what helped us take the PuROtherm Micro from a concept to a high-performing, real-world solution.”
A Homegrown Innovation with a Bigger Purpose
The PuROtherm Micro is a clear example of what’s possible when local expertise, smart design and a shared purpose come together. It’s not just about building a better product—it’s about building capability, confidence, and community.
This Australian Made Week, we’re grateful to celebrate not just what we’ve made, but who made it.
Want to learn more about the PuROtherm Micro?
Explore the system here: https://hubs.li/Q038wCfD0
Or speak with Andrew, our Head of Sales, about how it could support your facility. Call 1800 656 771 or click below to send an email.
Southland Filtration is a leading Australian provider of commercial water filtration solutions. We’ve been helping businesses since 1995 with a focus on quality, custom solutions, and reliable service. We work with businesses and organisations in Australia and New Zealand to address their unique water challenges and maintain the highest standards.
