A new chapter for Glide Products
Glide Product’s journey of innovation and commitment to enhancing mobility challenges has reached a new milestone. We are thrilled to announce our relocation to a new, state-of-the-art facility in Wangara, Western Australia. This move for Glide Products marks almost five decades of dedication to manufacturing high-quality scripted wheelchairs in Australia. We want to share what it means for you and your mobility needs.
From left: Tracey Roberts, Federal Member for Pearce, in conversation with Peter Green and Steve Walsh during her visit at our new llocation in Wangara.
From Our Humble Beginnings
Our story first started when we were just a small engineering workshop in Balcatta WA. Two brothers with a passion for engineering and innovation, manufactured custom parts and equipment for various clients, including hospitals. In the mid seventies, they were approached by a major Perth hospital to develop custom-made wheelchairs with individual specifications.
Their reputation for locally manufacturing wheelchairs of excellent quality and in record speed, soon became well known and before long, their focus shifted solely to wheelchairs. In 1983, their company was rebranded as Glide Rehabilitation Products, and by 1994, they have expanded their product line to include both manual and powered wheelchairs, addressing the needs of their diverse clientele.
In 2019, the company was sold. Peter Green and Steve Walsh, took the helm, inheriting the legacy of innovation and excellence, while acknowledging the need to embrace modernisation and growth, propelling the company into a new era.
Welcome to Our New Showroom and Factory
Today, we settle into our new 20,132 square meter facility in Wangara, a testament to our commitment to progress. The facility includes an advanced showroom and administrative office, a vibrant R&D centre, and a sprawling manufacturing and production area.
Peter Green says "We recognise the need of expansion and modernisation, to cater to the growing demand and overseas competition. Moreover, we envision a workspace that will invigorate our team, and also reflects our resourcefulness."
Steve Walsh adds, "This isn’t just a new facility to us. It will become an innovative and collaborative powerhouse. It is equipped with new technology and lean production processes. It allows us to manufacture wheelchairs with greater efficiency, capacity and explore creative designs."
Embracing Our Customers
The relocation is not just about us; it’s also about you, our customers. Our new home amplifies our capabilities, allowing us to produce wheelchairs faster without compromising on the quality and craftsmanship you have come to expect. Furthermore, it enables us to test new ideas and products that is aimed at enhancing your mobility and comfort.
"Through facility tours, educational workshops, training sessions and immersive events, we're excited to forge deeper connections and gain insights from our distributor, clients, allied health workers like occupational therapists whom we all work closely with” shares Peter Green.
Gratitude and Beyond
As Glide Products embark on this exciting new chapter in our history we are thankful for your support, trust and loyalty over the years. This transition represents not just a physical move, but a shared commitment to progress, ensuring our wheelchairs continue to empower and elevate unique individuals. Join us on this path forward where we look towards innovation, dedication, and transformation, one wheelchair at a time.
Your chair. Your way.
As one of Australia’s leading wheelchair manufacturers, Glide Products specialises in wheelchair accessories and spare parts. Glide offers a range of power-assisted chairs, together with power add-on kits for manual models, designed to give you an extra boost of power whenever you need it.
Explore our spare parts or contact us for more information. For more information on power add-ons, read our article or check out the full range on the Glide website here.
