At just 16 years old, Craig forms Protective Fencing. The purchase of the company’s first chain-link fabric fencing machine begins its production of wire fencing.
A second machine+
The business purchases its second chain-link fabric manufacturing machine, adding to its production capacity.
Three machines and growing+
Protective Fencing purchases its third chain-link fabric machine.
CHAPTER 02 / 06
1998— 2007
Making more in-house.
New skills, new equipment and a new home.
A broader chainwire range+
Two additional machines bring the total to five, allowing a broader range of chainwire sizes and types.
Powdercoating and the next generation+
Craig installs a batch oven and spray booth, bringing powdercoating in-house. His son James joins the business and begins an engineering apprenticeship.
A new home in Somersby+
In July, Protective Fencing moves into larger, purpose-built premises at Somersby. A new powdercoating line is commissioned.
Steelmesh production comes in-house+
The company invests in a weldmesh manufacturing machine and two wire-straightening machines. James manages the project, enabling full in-house production of steelmesh products.
CHAPTER 03 / 06
2010— 2014
Room to grow.
An expanding factory. A national footprint.
A 1,700 m² warehouse+
Following the introduction of a wider high-security range, a new warehouse at Somersby improves storage capacity and product distribution.
More specialist mesh capability+
Protective Fencing purchases and installs another special-products weldmesh machine.
Angas Industrial joins the business+
The acquisition of Sydney-based Angas Industrial brings its operations to Somersby, together with a third weldmesh machine. A nearby 1,200 m² factory is leased and the powdercoating operation moves there and expands.
Brisbane and Melbourne+
Sales and distribution centres in Brisbane and Melbourne extend the company’s national footprint.
CHAPTER 04 / 06
2018— 2021
A family business moves forward.
Experience passed on. Fresh expertise brought in.
Samantha joins the business+
Craig’s eldest daughter, Samantha, brings years of commercial experience in construction management to Protective Fencing. Craig begins semi-retirement.
The fourth generation takes the lead+
James and Samantha, fourth-generation members of the Gibbens family in the industry, now manage Protective Fencing. The company is endorsed by the Australian Made campaign.
CHAPTER 05 / 06
2022— 2024
Ideas become capability.
Investment that changes what we can make.
Palisade production and smarter planning+
The palisade roll-forming machine is brought in-house, improving quality and lead times. A new ERP/MRP system supports production planning and collects information from the shop floor.
The 3 m-wide fencing system+
Protective develops its 3 m-wide high-security fencing system, designed to reduce the number of posts and associated civil works without compromising security.
CNC plasma cutting+
The first CNC plasma table enables baseplates and flat components to be produced in-house, and is also used to process sections and angles.
Product of the Year+
The 3 m-wide 358 high-security fencing system wins Product of the Year – Physical Security at the Australian Security Industry Awards.
A new beam line+
A new beam line is commissioned, improving production efficiency, safety and precision.
CHAPTER 06 / 06
2025
Fifty years. A new name.
The next chapter is ProFence.
Ten chainwire machines+
Four machines acquired from Playsafe Fencing bring the total chainwire manufacturing capacity to ten machines.
Protective Fencing celebrates 50 years+
The ProFence brand is launched, unifying the business name and website as the company marks five decades of operation.
OUR FAMILY ROOTS
A manufacturing story that began in 1907.
1907. Mathew George Gibbens begins his apprenticeship at Australia’s first spring-making factory, becoming a qualified tradesman after five years.1937. Mathew and his son George establish Gibbens Industries. George develops automatic spring-making machines that are sold around the world.Craig’s fencing business carries that manufacturing tradition forward in 1975. Today, James and Samantha continue the fourth generation of the family’s involvement in the industry.More milestones from our company archive1983. Growing demand brings more chainwire machines, a larger team and an expanding network of fencing installers.1997. The business expands into manufacturing and hiring temporary fencing for the construction industry.2002. Craig contributes to the development of AS 1725–2003 for chain-link security fences and gates, and serves as President of the Australian Wire Association.THE STORY CONTINUES
Built on experience.Looking ahead.
Explore the products, people and manufacturing capabilities behind ProFence today.
