“It’s hugely rewarding to see a family owned manufacturing company taking on the rest of the world with developments such as Atherton’s latest Gen5 Series Sterilizers.”

A Mechanical Engineer by training, Stephen is part of the fourth generation of the Atherton family. He started in the family business in 1970, but could be found here as early as the 1960s when he was a student, working on building sites and spending 12 months in the factory.

Stephen was there when Atherton designed our first sterilizer in the mid 70s, after our arrangement to manufacture under license came to an end when American sterilizer company AMSCO ceased their manufacturing.

He bought out the business from other family members in the 1980s and continued to grow Atherton into the company we know today.

Now retired, Stephen is proud to be watching the 5^th generation of Athertons – his son Tom and daughter Hacia – take the company into the future with an excellent, focussed management team and the development of many innovative new products for the Australian Health Science and Medical Industry.

“By using innovative design methods, modern technology and advanced components, we strive to bring our customers state of the art, world-class products that make their lives easier every day.”

Taking a proactive approach to problem solving is what helps Atherton’s CEO Tom Atherton ensure that we remain an organisation that genuinely cares about our customers.

His career journey began when he became an apprentice plumber with Atherton in 1990. He then went on to build his skills outside the family business. This included the project management of the Mechanical Services installations at the new Walter & Eliza Hall Institute in 2010 and time at CSL Laboratories in 2012.

Becoming CEO in January 2019, Tom enjoys the diverse challenges and rewards that come with the unique and highly specialised industry of infection control equipment and services. He believes that building strong relationships within the team and with clients is what makes Atherton the company it is today.

“By ensuring there’s a commitment to continuous improvement throughout our organisation, we can be sure that we’re always delivering the most innovative and effective solutions to our customers.”

Leigh is a highly experienced COO whose knowledge extends throughout the Atherton business. He holds an Associate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering as well as Certificates in Quality Management, Management System Auditing, Leading Management Systems Audit Teams, Risk Management & Operational Planning, Clinical Evaluation for Medical Devices and Competitive Systems & Practices.

His focus is on ensuring that Atherton’s employees are happy in their jobs and that our customers are happy with our products and service. He achieves this through the continuous improvement of our processes and systems, and by initiating corrective and preventive action as required, so we are always delivering to the highest of standards.

Leigh was responsible for the development of the Atherton Integrated Management System (AIMS) that integrates the foundations of quality management into everything Atherton employees do every day. This allows us to maintain our quality certification to ISO 9001, ISO 13485, Therapeutic Good Administration (TGA), CE and Watermark.

He also developed and successfully managed the implementation of Atherton’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and introduced, implemented and developed the Atherton engineering design and development suite of products to an internationally recognised standard. This includes 3D design, electrical integration, finite element analysis and simulation, rendering, 3D printing, manufacturing plant communication, drawing and document control.

Leigh loves the problem solving aspect of his role and believes that with his commitment to finding the right solution to any challenge, he can make sure his staff enjoy what they do every day which in turn creates exceptional outcomes for our customers.

“The autonomy of Atherton as an Australian-owned company allows us to influence innovation and positive decision-making for the infection control industry.”

With almost 40 years experience in the industry, Brett has seen huge changes in the field of sterilization throughout his career.

Brett began with Atherton in a technical role, giving him a breadth of knowledge that he now applies as our business development manager. He manages our sales team and helps our customers meet current international and Australian standards by supplying them with the best infection control equipment. It’s always exciting for Brett and his team when they win an order, as it’s another opportunity to have a significant impact on patient care.

He’s committed to ensuring the health care industry in Australia is world class and was responsible for instigating the validation of hospital equipment to meet the requirements of AS/NZS4187 when it was first released. Brett believes that the autonomy Atherton has as an Australian-owned company allows us to make positive decisions that influence the products we supply to the local market.

As a committee member of Standards Australia, representing the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Brett keeps himself at the forefront of what’s happening in healthcare. This allows him to stay ahead of future trends so we can always find the right solution for our customer’s individual requirements.

“The experiences Atherton deliver through our products and services are important. I love being involved in a division that supports every touchpoint from suppliers, right through to our customers.”

An experienced people leader who has been dedicated to the finance industry for more than 15 years, Ben is responsible for the overall finance function at Atherton. Providing valuable insight, he helps to guide the strategic direction of the business while ensuring we meet our core compliance requirements.

As a Certified Practising Accountant who also holds a Bachelor of Business, Ben brings a practical approach to improvement in all areas with a focus on growth, efficiency and technology adoption. Using his ability to see the helicopter view of the business to help us function more effectively, Ben is able to continually improve the way we deliver business critical products and services to our customers.

As a key stakeholder, Ben jointly guides the implementation of ISO Standards 9004 Quality Management – Quality of an Organisation and 22316 Organisation Resilience within Atherton.

Good at adapting to change, Ben loves working within the diverse and dedicated Atherton team. He finds being part of an organisation that contributes so significantly to the healthcare sector very rewarding and is proud to be part of an Australian-based manufacturing company that supports the local workforce and local community.

“I’m proud of the contribution Atherton makes to the health industry. It’s my goal to ensure we’re continually improving what we do and how we do it.”

With a focus on building a supportive and motivating company culture, Hacia is passionate about good governance and strategic vision.

In her varied role as a company director, company secretary and chief commercial officer, she works with a great team of people, to guide the strategic and operational direction of the business. She enjoys developing strategies to navigate the company through any challenge.

Hacia was responsible for efficiently and effectively managing and implementing IFRS changes within Atherton, including the implementation of IFRS 15 Revenue recognition within our ERP system. This also involved educating our wider team around the affects of the new revenue recognition standards.

Representing Atherton at the Women in Manufacturing Summit, Hacia is proud of how the work she does ensures the efficient operation of an organisation that employs a wide range of people across such a wide range of specialties from welding and electrical, through to engineers, designers and sales.

A 5^th generation Atherton, Hacia loves working alongside her brother Tom and her father Stephen in making Atherton the leader it is today.

“I love interacting with our customers. I’ve been with Atherton a long time and I know them well.”

Alison is responsible for the servicing and validation of CSSD equipment to ensure it’s working to the highest standard. This helps our customers meet their regulatory requirements, maintain their equipment, and continue to keep their patients safe with the knowledge that their instruments are sterilized correctly.

Across her 17 years of experience, Alison has made life easier for Atherton customers by making sure they carry out their annual validation, which not only ensures they meet regulatory requirements, but extends the lifespan of their equipment and helps it run more efficiently, reducing the risk of breakdown, and saving them time and money.

“With a complete solution including exceptional after sales service and support, Atherton gives our customers values-based sterilization solutions that increase the impact of the important work they do.”

With more than 18 years’ sales experience in the Life Sciences industry, Ashish understands the importance of helping his customers invest in sterilization equipment that will deliver for many years to come.

Helping CSSD Managers in PC1, PC2 and PC3 labs to find the right sterilization solution for their needs, he ensures that they’re able to achieve the maximum output with the minimum possible footprint.

Ashish’s Bachelor of Pharmacy and MBA give him a unique understanding that allows him to find customised and values-based solutions for CSSD Departments. One of his favourite parts of the job is delivering to the needs of his customers, even when they don’t know what it is they need.

A Salesperson of the Year many times over, during his career Ashish was also responsible for the launch of both manual and computerised tracking products to the Life Sciences industry.

Ashish loves sharing the passion of Atherton’s energetic team, striving to deliver exceptional sterilization solutions, under all circumstances.

“By working to keep our employees happy, we create an environment that fosters innovation and enables Atherton to provide better products and services to our customers.”

By helping to make sure Atherton is a great place to work, human resources manager Brigid enables us to meet the needs of our customers and the wider community.

Brigid loves the variety of her role. It’s diverse and challenging and one day is never the same as the next.

She’s committed to the continuous improvement in the way we both support our staff and understand their needs. This has a positive effect on productivity and morale, making each member of our team an important part of the whole, which in turn helps Atherton achieve the goal of being at the forefront of our industry.

“By becoming a valued part of our customers team, we can help them to solve problems when they happen and make sure they’re getting the best from their equipment.”

State Service Manager for South Australia and the Northern Territory, Daniel strives for our service to be second-to-none. A qualified automotive electrical engineer, he helps our customers by providing a reliable service and reliable equipment so they can get on with the important job of keeping patients infection free.

A great technical problem solver, Daniel believes the best thing about his role is keeping his customers happy by helping them get the most out of their equipment and creating win-win situations at every opportunity. He also loves fostering a great working environment for his team, which in turn helps create great outcomes for Atherton’s customers.

“The loyalty and support that Atherton has shown me as an employee in my 30+ years with them, is something we also strive each day to deliver to our customers.”

A veteran of the industry with more than 40 years experience under his belt, Darryl started his journey as a sheet metal worker (1^st Class) before achieving his Associate Diploma of Manufacturing Engineering and becoming an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor.

As Atherton’s compliance manager, Darryl ensures all our customers have the current quality assurance and regulatory documentation they require to be able to complete their critical day-to-day tasks.

His involvement in new equipment design has all been with the intent to make the workdays of the end user more stress-free, efficient and effortless. Darryl believes the best thing about the work he does is the trust and support that Atherton and our customers put in him to manage the important task of compliance, so they can continue to deliver infection control to the highest of standards in their facilities.

“By bringing the latest in infection control products to our customers, I help make them feel confident in their partnership with us.”

With more than 30 years experience, Jeanette makes sure that Atherton’s product range stays at the cutting edge of infection control by bringing new products into our tracking and consumables product suite.

Jeanette was responsible for introducing Australia to a new range of tracking products more than 20 years ago and was instrumental in getting electronic tracking systems into five Monash Health sites in 2005.

In addition to the problem solving and innovation side of her role, Jeanette enjoys the close relationships she’s formed over many years with her customers because it’s these relationships that help create confidence in her and in Atherton.

“We have a unique ability to adapt to market needs and trends thanks to Australian-based manufacturing that’s supported by a positive team culture.”

With expertise in consumables and capital equipment sales across both the public and private sectors, John loves the variety of challenges he meets daily in his role as an Atherton Account Manager.

John strives for the best patient outcomes by delivering solutions focused results that are tailored to the needs of our customers. He has been responsible for helping the Atherton team to secure several key projects including Casey Hospital, Cabrini Malvern Hospital, Epping Private Hospital, Greensborough Day Surgery, Werribee Mercy Hospital and Monash Health.

A great communicator who believes in transparency, John’s ability to think outside the box allows him to regularly exceed customer expectations.

“My role is to look after my customers and their infection control needs so they can do what they do best.”

An electrician by trade, Ken has more than 20 years experience in the infection control industry. He brings this knowledge to Atherton’s customers, in his role as the state account manager for South Australia and the Northern Territory.

A highlight of Ken’s career was his involvement in the complete fit out of the Calvary Adelaide Hospital CSSD.

He’s is passionate about making sure his customers have everything they need to make the infection control process more effective and efficient so they can continue to keep their patients healthy.

“The best thing about my job is being part of a team that delivers a quality product, manufactured in Australia, by Australians, for Australians.”

With an Advanced Certificate in Engineering, Design & Manufacture as well as more than 20 years on the job, Mark is a master of product development.

He was part of the team that developed and manufactured two of Atherton’s innovative sterilizers – first the Tangent Series and more recently, the next generation of Gen5 Series sterilizers. He believes that every new product we supply to our clients gives them the opportunity to improve their processes, which in turn, helps them deliver a better result for their patients.

Leading our manufacturing team, Mark’s focus is on building an environment where people love to work and he thinks it’s important to be able to have a laugh while still getting the job done. With great camaraderie comes a great work environment and the result of this is a motivation to keep producing products to the highest standards.

He loves that he gets to produce a high quality, Australian made product and is committed to ensuring that the products we build will last, so they can deliver infection control solutions for our clients for years to come.

“Time is our most precious and finite resource. It’s my job to make sure our products and services help our clients make the best use of their time so they can do their most important work.”

A Mechanical Engineer, Nitin has been part of the Atherton team since 2009. He’s a member of the Institute of Hospital Engineering and spent many years working inside a private hospital as a Hospital Engineering Manager, which allows him to bring special insight to his role as our Compliance Support Engineering Manager.

Nitin is dedicated to the continuous improvement of the validation process so we can ensure that every product that’s being validated meets the highest of standards. This involves ensuring that staff are well trained, developing communication strategies that maintain a level of best practice, being a good listener and speaking up for changes in standards and operating processes so that things are always improving.

From product innovation, customer service, research and development, equipment validation and quality assurance, Nitin works with his team to make sure this improvement happens. He loves working at Atherton because of the shared vision where everyone is committed to infection control and in meeting the challenges and building the innovations that achieve this common goal.

“The best thing about my job is the diversity of the people I get to work with on a daily basis from Hospital Management to Engineers and Consultants, right through to CSSD staff.”

Rod is committed to leading best practice throughout the infection control industry by helping our customers improve their knowledge of Atherton’s continuously developing technology. By creating better outcomes for our customers he can create better outcomes for patients.

An A-Grade Electrical Mechanic with a Certificate in Instrumentation Engineering, Rod began as a service technician, something that benefits him in his current role as Atherton’s state account manager for Western Australia where he was responsible for winning a large public hospital tender within 18 months of being appointed. He brings his technical problem solving abilities to his customers on a daily basis and loves supporting our customers in regional hospitals.

Rod is passionate about the people he works with. He believes the infection control industry does incredibly important work and that by building strong internal and external relationships, he can help his customers on the journey to best practice and make their day-to-day easier.

“I get great satisfaction from helping our customers to ensure the reliability of their essential sterilisation equipment.”

Scott brings his many years of team leadership and account management skills to his role in supporting our service team in NSW and the ACT.

With a Certificate IV in Frontline Management, Business, Workplace Training & Assessment and OH&S, Scott resolves problems for Atherton customers by helping his team to provide quality, preventative equipment maintenance and responding promptly to urgent breakdowns.

A passionate problem solver, Scott loves working with a great team who are dedicated to improving their skills and providing innovative solutions to Atherton customers.

“The more we learn and innovate, the more we can help our customers so they have a partner they can trust and depend on.”

Jack manages his team of service technicians so they can effectively and efficiently keep our customer’s sterilization equipment operational so they can provide uninterrupted care for their patients.

A technician himself, Jack holds a Certificate III in Electrotechnology and is a Registered Electrical Contractor. He loves to solve problems using his wealth of equipment knowledge and works in consultation with our customers to ensure they’re getting the very best from their equipment.

His role includes consulting with Atherton customers about equipment progress and efficiency, making sure end-users know how to operate equipment, advising on cycle configuration, and even assisting with equipment manufacture.

Jack thrives in Atherton’s collaborative environment and believes that every day is another day to learn. He loves the challenge of understanding new and improved equipment so he can empower our customers in healthcare.

“Our team are extremely passionate in delivering outstanding products and service to our customers.”

As a Project Manager, Leigh takes the stress out of the equipment installation process by ensuring things go smoothly from start to finish.

Starting his career as a technician, Leigh worked his way up to the role of project manager for one of Australia’s leading laundry suppliers, before bringing his extensive skills to the Atherton team.

It’s Leigh’s job to make sure trades have the right information, issues are resolved quickly during installation and staff are ready to use the equipment on project completion thanks to the delivery of customised training. He takes pride in delivering outstanding service to our customers from the start of the project, until successful delivery.

Leigh believes the best thing about his job is the knowledge that he’s supplying customers with world-class, Australian made products that push the boundaries of innovation to deliver continuous improvements for infection control at our customers facilities.

“The work we do empowers the healthcare sector with superior quality equipment that enables them to achieve positive patient outcomes.”

An experienced engineer with qualifications in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Jean has been with Atherton since 2007. Starting as a Product Designer before he became State Account Manager in 2012, Jean works to ensure our customers have the best equipment to do their job to the highest standard which guarantees patients are treated as quickly and as safely as possible.

Responsible for helping to secure key projects including The Royal Melbourne Hospital (2012), The Monash Children’s Hospital (2015) and St Vincent’s Hospital (2018), Jean loves collaborating with his customers, designing floorplans and completing throughput analyses to deliver results that exceed customer expectations.

Jean loves developing long-term relationships with people across the healthcare industry. Every day, he looks for ways to go the extra mile to find the best product to fit a customer’s needs and budget, empowering them to do their job as efficiently and effectively as possible.

“The best part of my job is being able to develop innovative products that meet the needs of our customers and help them deliver infection control every single day.”

With a background as a service technician as well as qualifications in electrotechnology and business management, Martin has more than 20 years experience working in infection control products and services.

With a breadth of knowledge that spans from washers, sanitizers, steam and plasma sterilizers through to the often complex working environments of CSSDs and labs, Martin leads the product development and design teams at Atherton in creating incredible customer experiences with equipment they rely on each and every day.

Martin’s ability to solve problems and help customers to quickly resolve any issues is one of the things he loves most about his job. He was also part of the team that designed the next generation of Atherton steam sterilizers – the Gen5 Series – a product he’s proud to say was developed and built in Australia.

Martin’s goal is to help keep Atherton at the forefront of innovation so our customers can be too.

“I love making a difference in the healthcare industry by ensuring our clients can rely on their sterilization equipment to keep patients safe.”

Zaklina brings over 20 years of experience in the CSSD industry to her role as State Account Manager WA. She holds a Diploma of Management and Leadership, Certificate IV in Sterilizing Services, and several other qualifications in workplace safety, assessment and training, and sterilizing technology.

Throughout her career, Zaklina has excelled in managing the ongoing requirements of AS5369, ISO, and NSQHS standards. She identifies and manages risks associated with compliance gaps, actively participates in meetings with upper management and stakeholders, and conducts regular skills assessments for department staff. Zaklina also supports policy development and undertakes workforce analyses to address current and future needs, ensuring the recruitment and retention of skilled staff.

Zaklina’s strong commitment to team efficiency, coupled with her extensive knowledge of Reusable Medical Devices and Reprocessing Equipment, helps Atherton customers meet regulatory requirements and maintain their equipment. This dedication not only extends the lifespan of their equipment but also ensures that it operates efficiently, reducing the risk of breakdowns and saving clients time and money.