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.
-
Founder and Managing Director of Forgacs Engineering, Stephen Forgacs (right) will be sadly missed.