Team Success at A&G Engineering

A&G Engineering has long been recognised for its innovation and craftsmanship in manufacturing stainless steel tanks and vessels for the wine, brewing, chemical, dairy, and edible oil industries. But behind this success lies a deeply embedded culture of valuing people—one that prioritises leadership, support, and the growth of its employees. According to Tom Gallagher, CEO of A&G Engineering, the company’s success is a direct result of its commitment to fostering an environment where every team member feels valued, trusted, and empowered. 

Leadership Anchored in Values 

Leadership at A&G is more than just steering the company’s strategy; it’s about exemplifying the values that have guided the company for generations. “It starts with demonstration,” Tom says. “If you say you’re going to do it, do it. And if you’re not comfortable doing it, say so.” This straightforward approach, which Tom inherited from his grandfather and fellow founder Lionel Irving, has become the hallmark of A&G’s management philosophy. 

Gallagher emphasises the importance of humility in leadership. “It goes hand in hand with trust,” he explains. “We encourage people to take pride in helping someone else get better, even if it means that person eventually outshines them.” This facilitative style of management fosters collaboration rather than competition, creating a culture where success is measured not just by individual achievements but by the collective growth of the team. 

Empowering Employees Through Trust and Autonomy 

A&G’s approach to management is based on mutual trust. The company places a high value on autonomy, ensuring that workers can complete their jobs without being micromanaged. “We’re not looking over their shoulders,” Tom states. “But that’s not to say we don’t expect accountability.” 

This trust-based management style creates an environment where employees feel respected and empowered. “Micro-management is not who we are,” Gallagher says, “but we do challenge the team to deliver quality work that they can be proud of.” He adds, “If we see someone with a particular talent or interest, we’ll foster it. It doesn’t have to follow a rigid policy; if it benefits the person and the company, we’ll make it happen.” 

This flexibility extends beyond daily operations. A&G fosters a work culture where managers are encouraged to run their teams with a degree of independence, tailoring rewards and recognition systems to suit the unique cultures of different departments. “We don’t enforce a one-size-fits-all policy when it comes to recognising achievement,” Gallagher explains. “We trust our supervisors to understand their teams and reward them in ways that are meaningful to them.” 

Supporting Employee Well-being and Growth 

A&G takes a comprehensive approach to employee well-being, recognising that a positive work environment goes beyond just the day-to-day job. Gallagher’s leadership philosophy includes an open-door policy where employees, whether they are apprentices or senior foremen, can discuss issues—work-related or personal—with the leadership team. “It’s a relationship, not just a job,” Gallagher says.  

This commitment to supporting employees is perhaps most evident in how A&G navigates difficult decisions. “Sometimes the right thing isn’t the thing that makes everyone happy,” Gallagher reflects. “But we’re always transparent. Whether it’s good news or bad news, we’re honest about it, and we expect the same in return.” This transparency, combined with a deep-rooted respect for each employee, builds a resilient workforce that is prepared to face challenges head-on. 

Fostering Talent and Growth 

A&G’s long-standing apprenticeship program is a testament to its commitment to talent development. Gallagher sees it as the company’s responsibility to provide young people with opportunities, even if those opportunities don’t always directly benefit the business in the short term. “If they walk out the door better developed as a person than when they walked in, we’ve done a good job,” he says. This long-term investment in people creates loyalty and a deep connection between the company and its employees. 

The company’s philosophy is grounded in the belief that investing in its workforce ultimately leads to broader business success. “Come with the right attitude and approach, and we’ll teach you the rest,” Gallagher often tells prospective employees. This willingness to nurture talent is one of A&G’s defining characteristics, allowing the company to maintain a high standard of workmanship while building a team that is both skilled and deeply aligned with its values. 

The Future of A&G’s People-Centric Approach 

As A&G continues to grow, its people-first approach remains a cornerstone of its success. “We’re not just a family business, we’re a family corporate,” Gallagher says, emphasising the balance between maintaining a values-driven culture and meeting the rigorous governance standards of a larger organisation. “Our people are the ones steering the ship, and we’re proud of that.” 

In a world where many businesses view their workforce as a means to an end, A&G Engineering sees its team as its greatest asset. Through a leadership philosophy anchored in trust, autonomy, and personal growth, A&G is not just building tanks and vessels—it’s building a legacy of integrity, respect, and mutual success. As Gallagher notes, “If you treat people right, the rest tends to work itself out.” 

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A&G Engineering have been manufacturing stainless steel storage tanks and pressure vessels for 60 years. The unmatched combination of experience, flexibility, expertise, and technology combine for every A&G project to minimise production and operational risk and ensure on-time, on-budget, and as-specified delivery.     

If you have a technical query or want to find out how A&G can help you with your next project, talk to our expert team by calling us on (02) 6964 3422 or email sales@agengineering.com.au with your inquiry.    

We look forward to hearing from you.