1983 The Idea Begins
The concept for the business takes shape at the Gunnedah Field Days, where the first seeds of what would become Challenger Valves and Actuators are planted.
1984 Company Established
CMW Spraying Supplies Pty Ltd is established in Shepparton by Fred Williams, Phillip Martinotti and Paul Calderio, initially supplying pressure cleaner spare parts.
The business begins operations from its first premises on New Dookie Road, marking the start of a long-standing local presence.
Mid-1980s Early Importing and Industry Insight
Imports of pumps and pressure vessels commence, giving the business valuable early insight into the Australian market.
As the industry evolves, the company increasingly shifts its focus toward valves, guided by the knowledge and experience of Cal James, with early product ranges including brass ball valves and gate valves suited to irrigation and industrial applications.
Photo: Supplied
Late 1980s Local Support Grows
Support builds as Goulburn Valley investors come on board, including Bruce Feldtmann, John Panettieri, Santo Varapodio, Eric Jacobson and Stewart Davidson.
With advice from accountant (and later shareholder) Chris Baldwin, this period strengthens the company’s foundations and provides long-term stability.
Late 1980s to Early 1990s Global Sourcing and Product Development
The business looks outward, establishing international supply relationships in Italy and Taiwan.
Strong partnerships are formed with European manufacturers including VIR (Italy), recognised for high-quality brass valve manufacturing.
Based in Taiwan, Brian Jones plays a key role in product development and sourcing and is instrumental in moving the business into butterfly valves, OEM manufacturing and expanded global sourcing.
1990s Growth in Shepparton and Product Expansion
In 1991, operations move to a larger Glenn Street site, reflecting steady growth.
Local valve assembly is introduced, alongside expansion into butterfly valves and integrated actuation systems, supported by Brian Jones and Basel Wild.
Butterfly Valves Australia (BVA) is established alongside CMW. The two businesses later come together under the Challenger Valves and Actuators trading name. The name “Challenger” is proposed by Basel Wild, reflecting the belief that the business would “challenge everyone in the world.” The product range expands across ball valves, gate valves and butterfly valves, supporting isolation and flow control requirements and helping establish the business as a dependable Australian supplier nationwide.
2000s Steady Consolidation
The business enters a period of steady consolidation, with a clear focus on core valve solutions, including isolation valves, flow control valves and associated actuation systems.
Long-serving staff including Trevor Kimberley, Vicki Carboon, David Heenan and Jon Cooper provide continuity, while strong customer relationships continue to underpin growth.
2010 Warehouse Expansion
Warehouse capacity at 3–5 Glenn Street is doubled from approximately 1,200m2 to 2,400m2, significantly improving efficiency, storage and service capability and supporting the next stage of growth.
2014 Cla-Val Appointment
Challenger Valves is appointed the sole Australian distributor for Cla–Val control valves, taking on national responsibility for sales, technical support, servicing and stockholding.
This appointment further strengthens the company’s expertise in automatic control valve solutions for water and infrastructure applications.
2010s National Reputation Established
The company strengthens its reputation as a trusted supplier to the water, irrigation, and infrastructure sectors, while continuing to build knowledge and expertise across valve specification, application and actuation facilities.
A strong national distribution network continues to develop, with warehouses with a presence in major cities including Brisbane, Newcastle and Perth.
2020-2022 Planning for the Future
A three-acre site on Wheeler Street is secured as part of a long-term growth strategy.
The original Glenn Street site is sold and leased back during the transition, allowing time to plan a purpose-built facility.
2024-2026 Major Investment and Transformation
Construction begins on a new state-of-the-art headquarters and warehouse, representing the largest investment in the company’s history.
The facility is designed to:
Significantly increase storage and operational capacity
Improve logistics and workflow efficiency
Support national growth
Incorporate high-clearance warehousing, modern offices, dedicated assembly and dispatch areas, and improved heavy vehicle access.
2026 Grand Opening of new head office
The Wheeler Street facility officially opens on March 18, 2026, with an event attended by staff, customers, suppliers and the wider community, marking more than 40 years of continuous operation in Shepparton.
Today
Next Generation Leadership
Rocky Varapodio — Chairman
Kelvin Williams — General Manager
Fred Williams — Director
Peter Jacobson – Director
