Background

A Class Plating is located in Lonsdale, South Australia, it is a metal finishing supplier to many of Australia’s manufacturers. Originally established as A Class Metal Finishers in 1989 as a family partnership, A Class quickly developed a reputation for producing high quality surface finishes through the extensive industry (plating & polishing) knowledge and experience of the Wood Brothers (Rod, Phil and Greg). From a single 300 square metre factory workshop in 1989, A Class grew through several expansions to become probably the largest/most diverse metal finishing shop in Australia.

The next generation & the journey ahead…

At the end of July 2024 two of the buildings and the plating equipment of A Class Metal Finishers was purchased by Ian Thomas, with the new entity becoming A Class Plating.

We are also very pleased to say that the relevant business section A Class staff continue with us in the new entity.

Our primary focus is on offering quality electroplating and metal polishing services.

Ian believes steadfastly in sovereign manufacturing capability and our family have extensive experience in South Australia’s manufacturing industries. A Class has a strong 35-year history, and we stand ready to build on that and invest for the future.

‘Problems’ we solve for our customers

Make metal surfaces look good (e.g. shiny, matte, clear of bumps or scratches, a particular colour, or just clean)

Remove or prevent corrosion (to greater or lesser degrees, depending on the need)

Restore surface even-ness (minor resurfacing work)

Build up the surface (e.g. where wear has occurred)

Protect a surface from wear (resist wear)

Increase hardness of a surface (often for industrial purposes)

Apply ‘precise’ coating thicknesses when tolerances matter (We can work in microns of thickness. A micron is 0.001mm; one-thousandth, of a millimetre.)

Create better surface conductivity (e.g. enhance performance, or reduce interference, in electrical or radio frequency conduction)

Industry Knowledge

The metal finishing industry has greatly diminished in size since the auto industry ‘designed out’ many chrome parts and accessories. This part of the metal finishing industry has thus become relatively small. Despite this challenge, A Class has managed to attract or develop a high level of industry knowledge and expertise and grown the company out of this knowledge (whilst some operators have faded away). We do have challenges developing and retaining such specialised industry skills and knowledge; however A Class works proactively to identify alternatives for the future. Our skills and knowledge focus have earned us a reputation as metal finishing industry experts.

Process Technology Applicators!

A Class is NOT a developer of proprietary plating technology (the chemical companies are best at that). We are, however, very good at adapting our surface treatment technologies, capabilities and processes to meet a specific customer requirement. The information provided in each “process” related page of this website provides insight to the uses and benefits of various metal finishing processes. A Class is also able to develop capabilities in new processes or technologies to suit YOUR needs – if there is a business case for it.

Quality

Satisfying our customer needs for quality in both service and production are our primary aims.

Our MRP system underpins our quality control procedures, making it easier to track, control and prioritise the many customer jobs travelling through our plating, polishing and other treatment plants, thus ensuring timely delivery of jobs and customer confidence in our systems.

Other Company Features

– We supply many industries, including Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, Electronics, Defence, Aerospace and Mining.

– Plating to mil-spec or other specifications is available on request (subject to capacity or spec).

– A Class has been recognised as an innovative company and earned recognition in several business awards.