FOR a regional city, Greater Shepparton has an uncanny knack for producing businesses that far exceed expectations, quiet achievers that build, adapt and endure well beyond their local footprint. When you consider the number of start–ups, innovators and long–standing enterprises born here, it becomes clear that Greater Shepparton is not only an innovative ecosystem, but a thriving commercial hub.
Challenger Valves and Actuators (CVA) is a compelling example of this success, and one that continues to grow from strength to strength.
What began more than 40 years ago as an idea shared between two enterprising men has evolved into a nationally recognised manufacturer and distributor of fluid control solutions. Today, CVA supports major projects spanning from Cairns to Tasmania, servicing sectors as varied as irrigation, mining, infrastructure and fire protection.
For much of that journey, CVA has operated largely out of the spotlight, part of an industry most people never see, but one that underpins vital infrastructure across the country. Through name changes, steady expansion and periods of reinvention, the business has quietly refined its place in the market. As Chairman Rocky Varapodio puts it, it has “ultimately found its place in how it best suits and services the valve industry.”
Rocky joined the board in 2022, but he said the company’s identity had long been well defined.
“There have been twists and turns over the years, adaptation, progress, setbacks and evolution. But at its core, the business has always known what it stands for and where it adds value.”
Shaping CVA’s operating philosophy from the beginning, according to Rocky, has always been the company’s stalwart commitment to product quality and service reliability as he said, “We’re focused on providing good, old–fashioned service. It’s not enough to supply a quality product. You have to stand behind it. We don’t want to be transaction–based—we want to support customers with availability, turnaround times and everything that goes with delivering the right solution.”
In recent years, CVA has become more deliberate about telling its story and after decades of organic growth, the business made a conscious decision to lift its profile within the industry.
“A couple of years ago, we really leaned into that. We invested in marketing and trade shows so we could clearly articulate who we are, what we do and reinforce that we’re a serious, capable player,” Rocky said.
Acknowledging that these investments don’t always deliver instant results, Rocky said that these initiatives are now gaining traction.
“You don’t always see an immediate return, but over time the effects become clear with more inquiries, better engagement, stronger follow–up with new customers. That’s come from presenting ourselves in a more professional, more confident way.”
With greater visibility has come larger opportunities, along with greater operational complexity. CVA’s model, which involves importing components, local assembly and national distribution, demands careful planning and long–term thinking.
“Some of our lead times are significant and to support major projects, you have to be geared up well in advance. It’s a bit of a catch–22—you need capacity and stock before the work lands,” Rocky said.
That need for efficiency and control has driven investment in infrastructure, most notably the company’s purpose–built facility on Wheeler Street.
“When you start with a blank canvas, you can design the flow exactly how it should be. From inbound stock to assembly and dispatch, everything now sits within a tight, logical footprint. The gains in efficiency have been substantial.”
Underpinning that physical transformation is a fully integrated operating system, giving the business real–time visibility across inventory, sales and financial performance.
“Good data changes everything and when the information is accurate and accessible, you can make informed decisions and keep much tighter control across the business,” Rocky said.
CVA’s investment doesn’t stop at logistics or systems as the new, dedicated training and showroom space reflects as well as the company’s focus on education and long–term customer relationships.
“We want customers to understand what they’re buying, how it works, how to maintain it and how to get the best performance from it. That level of engagement really sets us apart.”
Despite its growing national presence, CVA remains deeply anchored in its people and culture, something very close not only to Rocky’s heart but the entire leadership team, as he said:
“A business can’t be propped up by just a few individuals. Strong leadership, shared responsibility and a positive culture matter and they’re what sustain success over the long term.”
