The Heritage and Heart of Latham: A Journey Through Generations

In the heart of Latham's history lies a rich tapestry of family heritage and dedication, woven through generations of hard work and innovation. From humble beginnings to a thriving business, the story of Latham is one of passion, commitment, and a deep connection to craftsmanship. 

Origins in Manufacturing: A Family Legacy 

For many, the journey into a family business begins with a simple introduction and for Dane Latham, it was no different. Reflecting on his earliest memories, Dane recalls fondly his first exposure to the business. "My first experience," he reminisces, "was probably sitting under my father's desk when I was around three years old."  

In those formative years, a young Dane found himself immersed in the Latham world and absorbing the sights and sounds of the factory floor. "My job was to sit under his desk and keep quiet," he chuckles, "and I recall I used to get paid 50 cents a day. It was a safe space where he could keep a close eye on me, but I was pretty good at escaping and going on adventures." Despite the long hours at a young age, there was a sense of pride in being part of something larger than himself, “Even then, I felt like I was helping and was part of something important and I always got a lot of pride seeing the family name on the door and on different products throughout floors spread across Australia and worldwide.” 

From Apprentice to Innovator 

As Dane grew older, his role within the company evolved, "I would have done every job in the factory," he recounts, from mundane tasks like packaging abrasive grains into tiny sample bags to mastering the use of industrial equipment at a young age. "I remember it was a big day when I was allowed to use the drop saw in the factory," he muses, highlighting the blend of tradition and hands-on experience that defined his upbringing in the business. 

“I’d be using all the equipment in the factory and learning manufacturing processes and, once the team in the factory had gone home, I'd be in the office doing things, whether it's licking stamps or writing up what we'd mailed out for the day.”

Yet, beyond the day-to-day operations, there was a distinct ethos that permeated every facet of Latham's culture. "Every business has its own DNA – how it thinks about things, how it approaches things – a way of being" Dane reflects, adding, “For me, just watching my dad working in a particular way, made me think “OK, so that’s how we do it.” 

"At Latham, our DNA is about hard work and a deep sense of responsibility." Rooted in familial ties, this ethos extended beyond the confines of the factory, shaping Latham's commitment to its community and employees alike. 

“There’s a lot of effort and a lot of personal endeavour involved in our business. We've now got our 4th generation working, and when you have family members working in the business, there’s a different level of care that goes into the business and a different level of involvement”. 

“It’s not just about trying to hit this month's target – it’s about the long-term viability and continuation of our family business. It’s about doing the right thing and representing the family in the best way possible, since our family name is above the door and stamped onto just about every product that leaves the factory. It's an ongoing commitment to the business, to our staff and to the local community. We’re very proud to have really long serving and devoted staff, and they know what the Latham name and business stands for.” 

Embracing Change: A Testament to Adaptability

Innovation has always been at the forefront of Latham's journey, driving the company forward amidst changing landscapes and customer demands. With each new challenge came an opportunity to evolve, a philosophy ingrained in the very fabric of Latham's DNA. "We try to keep an open mind," Dane explains, "because sometimes the best ideas come from the most unexpected places." 

Balancing tradition with adaptability, Latham navigated the complexities of a rapidly evolving market, guided by a steadfast commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. "We're small enough and agile enough to change," Dane asserts, "yet rooted in our heritage as a local manufacturer." 

Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence

As Latham continues to adapt in an ever-changing landscape, the unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, engineering and innovation remains a constant. From its humble beginnings to its position as a market leader in the Australian market, and around the world, the Latham heritage serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of family, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence. 

Latham has been manufacturing premium quality flooring products in Sydney, Australia for 70 years. End-to-end control and oversight of procurement, manufacturing, and quality control results in the industry’s most reliable and high-performing products 

The name Latham is synonymous with quality and Latham have been the recipient of over 30 awards including numerous Australian Design Awards. Latham products can be found in many prestigious buildings around the world including the Sydney Opera House, Singapore’s Changi Airport Terminals and the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.   

To find out more about Latham products, please visit www.latham-australia.com. To talk to a Latham product expert, call 1300 LATHAM (528 426) or email sales@latham-australia.com.