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Bruce Griffiths

For someone who never intended working in the automotive industry, Bruce has come a long way.

Managing Director Air International

He’s seen Air International grow from a handful of employees selling add on kits to become an international operation, designing and making equipment for the worlds major car companies.

Bruce’s passion was boats, but when his employer Bob Bones left to form a partnership with Owen John, called Air International, Bruce was invited to join them as sales manager.

On his first day, Owen showed Bruce around the factory and with great pride introduced him to the largest stock of compressors in the country – a pallet of 100.

Bruce was instrumental in giving Air International a great competitive edge, by moving from just manufacturing to installation and training, with a deal he made with Melbourne’s biggest Holden dealer Reg Hunt.

He went on to gain an order for 5000 units in the first year they dealt direct with GMH, but in one year, they sold nearly 10,000 and went on to win orders for Torana, Sunbird and Gemini.

The big breakthrough was in 1977, when they won the first OEM contract to supply units for the 1978 Commodore.

After going public and seeing the company through some trying times in the 80s, Bruce took over as managing director in 1992 when Alf John retired.

This man, who has a strong passion for winning, can look with pride at the growth of this company and the work it now provides for about 1,500 families in seven countries, extending to another 10,000 in the supply industry.