LOCAL company Lahey and Walker celebrated 70 years in business with family, friends and business associates at a gala event last month.
Rod Walker acknowledged the company founders – Tutin and Maureen Walker, Mervin Lahey, Lawrie and Dell Walker and Rod’s parents, Grahame and Glen Walker.
The company began as milk distributors, carrying milk from the dairies around Beaudesert to Brisbane in ten gallon drums, as well as having the Ampol distributorship for the Beaudesert area.
Lahey and Walker Ampol Distributor Beaudesert became a key player in the local fuel distribution market at a time of post-war recovery and economic growth.
The business continued to expand and modernise its operations, keeping up with rapid technological advancements through the ensuing decades.
In the 1960s a fuel depot was built on the Mount Lindesay Highway in Beaudesert and fuel and oil was sold from this premises for the Beaudesert area.
As bulk milk vats became common place, Lahey and Wlker moved into stainless stell bulk milk tankers, being one of the first businesses in Queensland to do so.
In 1987 they sold the milk cartage part of the business to concentrate on the Ampol distributorship.
They expanded during the 1990s, acquiring locations at Telemon Street, and two locations in Brisbane Street, Beaudesert.
Rod said many staff members have worked for the company for 40 years.
“We are very proud of the team at Lahey and Walker and their efforts can not but understated in the longevity of our business,” he said.
Customer service and community engagement have been hallmarks of the company since its establishment and Rod said this is reflected in the relationships they maintain with customers today.
“We wish to thank our customers, without whom we would not be here celebrating today,” he said.
“We are very fortunate that many of our customers have become our friends.”
Community engagement and customer service remain strong focuses of the business.
The business has navigated challenges and embraced opportunities, ensuring its continued relevance and success.
