We started as Southern States Thermo King and commenced business in a small shipping container in Laverton North on the 6th of September, 1993. A partnership was formed between Roger Partington and Cyril Taylor with seven people including three mechanics and a dream to create something great. As the Thermo King Dealer (transport refrigeration, bus and rail air-conditioning) for Victoria and Tasmania, we made a commitment to ourselves and to the industry to, “Deliver a service so good that they cannot afford to go anywhere else”. With that mindset, serious hard work, operations open 24/7, 365 days, a focus on great customer relations and delivering the best service in Australia.
Today, we remain a 100% privately retained Australian business, owned by Cyril Taylor and Wayne Taylor. That same drive for success continues and has created further opportunities and diversification. As one of the largest Thermo King Transport Refrigeration dealers, we have grown our footprint to cover all corners of Australia, expanding our business portfolio to include Transitair HVAC, Whiting roller doors, Robinson Roller shutters, Anteo tail gates, and Joloda Hydraroll.
And this year, we are immensely proud to be celebrating 30 Years of Business.
We challenge our staff to think outside the square and to deliver exceptional customer service at every opportunity. The words dynamic and innovative are not just spoken, but practised. We challenge the norm and have instilled a belief that every product we sell is the “World’s best, which deserves World’s best practise and Worlds best service”
Our State of the art purpose-built facility in Altona is recognised as one of the very best in the world. We lead the industry in safe work practices and servicing equipment, design and operate the best service vehicles. With over 100 staff and still growing, our people are the heart and soul of our business. We believe that empowering our staff celebrating success and building a great culture, provides an environment of positivity that is then extended to our customers through great service. Our prolonged success is driven by our long standing and trusted relationships with our customers.
We have a deep understanding of our customers business. We listen, and work hard to provide solutions that are mutually beneficial. If they succeed, so do we.
Cyril has spent the past 52 years working as a pioneer within the transport refrigeration industry.
With humble beginnings which began at American Refrigeration Co., India, Cyril worked as a technician and service manager gaining a plethora of experience working at Quirks Refrigeration, Mayne Nicolas/Templo and Transpec.
In 1983 Cyril Taylor Refrigeration and Air-conditioning services P/L was formed, where he worked as an independent service provider to many Transport Refrigeration and Bus companies around the country. In 1993 he was approached by an old associate Roger Partington to start Southern States Thermo King. Cyril still oversees the technical operations division of the business and continues to assist with the training of the new generation.
Wayne has worked with Southern States since its inception.
Wayne eventually joined Roger in 1996, working under him as a Sales representative.
In 1997 he was awarded International Thermo King Sales Manager of the year and was appointed as the Southern States Group Sales Manager in 1998. Since, Wayne has worked hard to advance Southern States Group to be Australia’s market leading dealer for Thermo King and Anteo products.
He succeeded in his pursuit and as such was appointed General Manager of Southern States Group in 2008. He established Thermo King Rail Australia and Whiting Australia, and is accountable for the strategic direction, profitability, growth and continued retention of the company’s long term and new relationships.
