Stephen Forgacs passes away

It is with deep sadness that the Directors of Forgacs Engineering Pty Ltd announce the passing of the Company’s founder and Managing Director, Stephen Forgacs.

Stephen passed away on Tuesday afternoon (24 July 2012) after a short illness and is survived by his children Mrs Pamela Farragher, Mrs Elizabeth Burgess, Mr Stephen Peter Forgacs, and his six grandchildren.

Mr Forgacs’ Australian story is more than impressive.

He came to Australia as a Hungarian immigrant fleeing the Soviet invasion of Hungary.

In 1962, he bought Ullman Engineering in Newcastle where he worked as a machinist.

In the next 50 years he built a business that is today one of Australia’s largest privately-owned ship build, repair and heavy engineering companies … a Company trading internationally… and a major supplier to Australian Defence, all headquartered in Newcastle.

Forgacs Engineering Pty Ltd today employs 1,250 people at seven major industrial sites and shipyards in NSW and Queensland.

Stephen never forgot his early days as a tradesman.

His mantra was “nothing works like hard work but everyone needs an opportunity.”

This commitment of Stephen’s is evidenced by Forgacs now indenturing approximately 120 apprentices company-wide.

As per Stephen’s wishes, the company is taking a business as usual approach, driving forward to continue the significant company growth Forgacs has seen in recent years.

Projects such as the build of 44 Air Warfare Destroyer modules at Newcastle and Tomago for Defence will see Forgacs extremely busy for the foreseeable future.

To ensure a smooth transition Stephen’s direct family has increased their input into the decision making of the business at Board of Director level over recent months.

The current Forgacs Engineering operational management and staffing structure will remain unchanged.

Stephen Forgacs will be sadly missed.