A Humble Beginning
Protoblast’s story is one of innovation, resilience, and dedication to excellence in the surface preparation industry. For 50 years, the company has remained at the forefront of the industry, continuously evolving to meet the needs of its customers. It all began with John Gillies, a trained mechanical engineer, who led the Blastmaster division at Industrial Metal Protectives (IMP), a prominent Sydney-based manufacturer of surface preparation and coating equipment. Recognizing an opportunity to carve his own path, Mr. Gillies purchased the Blastmaster division in 1974 and ventured into business on his own.
By 1975, he had officially launched Protoblast, initially operating out of a section of a local engineering workshop. There, he managed the engineering and design, while the fabrication was handled by the workshop’s team. Within a few years, Protoblast had grown sufficiently to establish its own workshop, complete with a small but capable fabrication crew.
Protoblast’s first workspace in 1975, where engineering and fabrication first took shape.
Protoblast’s workshop today, expanded and modernized to support innovation, efficiency, and continued industry leadership.
Expansion and Development
In 1979, Protoblast moved into its current premises in Picton, NSW. Picton is a rural town, located 80 kilometers from Sydney and conveniently positioned near the Hume Highway, linking Sydney and Melbourne. The facility has since undergone two major expansions, growing from three bays to six. With business demand continuing to rise, 2025 is set to mark another milestone, as the company plans to double its factory space and add new office facilities, pending approval.
Protoblast is also proud to have obtained the Australian Made and Owned certification, reinforcing its commitment to quality, efficiency, and local manufacturing. This certification is a testament to Protoblast’s dedication to producing high-quality, reliable equipment while supporting Australian industry.
Notable Projects
A specialized machine designed to blast 34-inch natural gas pipelines, achieving a 2.5-class finish in just eight minutes.
One of the first major projects Protoblast undertook was the development of a machine designed to blast the internal surface of a 34-inch natural gas pipeline. This high-performance machine could achieve a 2.5 Class blast on an 80-foot (24.3-meter) pipe in just eight minutes—an achievement that solidified Protoblast’s reputation for engineering excellence and efficiency.
Protoblast’s Pipe Blast Machine that played a key role in preparing thousands of tonnes of steel pipes for Sydney Olympic Park’s roof structure.
Protoblast also played a key role in the construction of Sydney’s large roof structures at Sydney Olympic Park. Our specially designed Pipe Blast machine was instrumental in this project. The roof structure used 6,000 tonnes of steel, with the main arches spanning 300 meters. Much of this steelwork consisted of pipes, and Protoblast developed a machine to efficiently blast them, ensuring optimal surface preparation for this landmark project.
A Family-Driven Legacy
In 1985, Colin Noble, Mr. Gillies’ son-in-law, joined Protoblast as a fabricator. Over time, he advanced through the ranks to become factory manager, then transitioned into sales, and eventually became a business partner. Mr. Gillies retired in 2009 but remained a valuable source of knowledge and guidance for the company.
Following in their grandfather’s footsteps, Ben and Martin Noble joined the business in 2002 and 2010, respectively. Both completed tradesmanships and gained in-depth knowledge of every aspect of Protoblast’s products and the industry. Today, they hold management roles while maintaining hands-on involvement in daily operations, ensuring the company stays at the forefront of product development and innovation.
50 Years of Excellence and Looking to the Future
Protoblast’s workshop in the 1980s, where craftsmanship and innovation laid the foundation for decades of industry leadership.
As Protoblast celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company reflects on five decades of innovation, perseverance, and dedication to customer satisfaction. Having built a solid reputation in the surface preparation industry, Protoblast’s second and third generations now bring a combined 80+ years of industry experience to the company. They remain committed to delivering efficiency and cost savings to customers through superior surface preparation solutions.
Protoblast’s modern workshop, expanded and equipped with advanced technology to enhance efficiency, safety, and innovation.
Looking ahead, the 2025 expansion plan includes a new fabrication area and in-house plate processing, providing even greater control over quality, costs, and lead times. With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, Protoblast continues to uphold its legacy while embracing innovation to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
From a small workshop to an industry leader, Protoblast stands as a proud Australian-made and owned company, delivering efficient, high-quality solutions for over 50 years. The journey continues, ensuring that Protoblast remains the go-to name in the surface preparation industry.
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