Clr Chris Van der Kley, Greystanes Disability Service (GDS) chairman Noel Hiffernan, Member for Macquarie Louise Markus, GDS chief executive officer John LeBreton, Member for Blue Mountains Roza Sage and Minister for Disability Services Andrew Constance launch Megalong Positioning Service's new Lawson factory on October 3.
A factory that produces specialised mobility aids for severely disabled people across Australia and overseas was officially opened by NSW Minister for Disability Services Andrew Constance on October 3.
A one-off $482,000 grant by the O’Farrell Government for Megalong Positioning Service (MPS) made the move to the state-of-the-art factory floor possible after the company had operated from much smaller premises within Greystanes Disability Service at Leura for several years.
“MPS is a major supplier of seating and positioning equipment to help people with disability throughout NSW,” Mr Constance said at the launch.
“This is a fantastic service, operated as a social enterprise by Greystanes, that makes a real difference to people’s lives.
“Providing specialist equipment and support does and can mean the difference between people with disabilities accessing the community or living in isolation.”
The move to the factory at Livingstone Street in Lawson’s industrial park provides a spacious and more productive place for MPS’ seven full-time and part-time staff members, as well as and its manager Wim Hartog.
Mr Constance also launched a promotional DVD funded by the grant.
Last year the customised service received 237 orders to the value of $738,000.
Member for Blue Mountains Roza Sage said MPS specialises in innovative ideas to make the lives of people with disability easier.
“Whether it’s inserts for wheelchairs, rain coats or specialised side lying positioning systems, the service can make the equipment to suit any situation,” Mrs Sage said.
Greystanes president John LeBreton said “we couldn’t do this work without the fantastic community support that we get.”
Mr Hartog said MPS was established in 2001 and moved into the new factory in May this year.
“We are the only seating and positioning (aid) company tailored to providing equipment for people with severe disabilities in their own environment, be it the home or a care centre,” Mr Hartog said.
“We are also currently doing research to provide the best products to our clients.”
Chairman Noel Hiffernan called the move to the new factory “the end of some really hard work”.
“It comes down to governments with the foresight and vision to support this.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we say thank you.”
For more information on MPS, visit www.megalongpositioning.com.au.