The ARA Group began operations in 2001. The founders of ARA, Edward Federman and Leo Browne, envisioned creating an essential building services business for facilities and infrastructures. Today, ARA remains privately owned, but more importantly it is now an employee-owned organisation.
The ARA Group comprises of four complementary operating divisions – ARA Electrical, ARA Products, ARA Fire & Security and ARA Property Services. The ARA Group also has a partnership with ARA Indigenous Services. The underlying products and services of each division are:
ARA Electrical provides industrial low voltage and high voltage installation and services.
ARA Products manufactures a range of high security products and commercial doors; distributes electronic security products.
ARA Fire & Security provides installation and service of electronic security systems and fire protection systems.
ARA Property Services provides building maintenance and repair services, cleaning services and installation and service of air conditioning and building automation systems.
ARA Indigenous Services is a majority Indigenous owned business with the ARA Group as a minority investor. ARA Indigenous Services provides cleaning services and is a conduit for all of ARA services.
Since 2001, we have worked to grow the company both organically and through strategic acquisitions. We have used cash flow from operations, a continued infusion of equity from our employees and shareholders and borrowings from our banks to fund our organic growth and our acquisitions. At all times, we have made certain that we kept our balance sheet strong and limited our borrowed funds to the extent that our earnings and cash flow could support those borrowings. And, we have worked hard to pay a good return to our shareholders with fully franked dividends.
Executive Chair and Managing Director of the ARA Group
Integration of & solutions for electronic security and fire protection.
Inspection & Testing
Sprinkler Systems
Detection & EWIS Systems
Passive & Fire Doors
Portable Systems
Special Hazards
Fire suppression systems
Access Control
Intrusion Systems
CCTV
ATM Security
Electronic Security Solutions
Safes, Vaults & Teller Units
Locksmith Services
Fire Fighting Systems
& Equipment
Hyperbaric/breathing
Air Systems
Pressure vessels, Relief Valves
& Mechanical Equipment
Ships Boats & davits
Lifeboats & Davits
Ship Repair &
Underwater Services
Marine Electrical
& Automation
Commercial cleaning, building services & building energy management.
Commercial Cleaning
Healthcare Cleaning
Food Processing Cleaning
Grounds Maintenance
Waste Management & Recycling
Remedial Building Repairs
Insurance Building Repairs
24/7 Emergency Service
Exterior & Interior Design
Fit Outs of Interior Spaces
Multi-trade Services
Thermal Imaging
Building Maintenance
HVAC Design
Mechanical Ventilation
Air Conditioning & Chiller Plants
Building Automation
Energy Management & Metering
Electrical, high voltage, data & engineering.
High Voltage Installation & Service
Low Voltage Installation & Service
Engineering Design & Solutions
Manufacture of Switchboards
& Switchrooms
Structured Cabling
Distribution & manufacturing.
Commercial Doors
Industrial Doors
High Security Doors
Physical Security Systems
Ballistic Glass
Bollards, Gates
& Commercial Bicycle Racks
Joinery & Lockers
Access Control
CCTV
Photo ID Systems
Identity Security
Architectural Hardware
2001 2003 – 2006 2007 2009The ARA Endowment Fund is established.
2016 2017ARA acquires CMC Property Services.
2017ARA acquires 49 per cent of CMC Indigenous Services and establishes ARA Indigenous Services.
2016 2018 2019ARA reaches new heights with a record revenue of $555 million.
2019ARA continues to expand in New Zealand with new acquisition Neda Facilities Management (NFM) and Metalbilt.
2020The ARA Group acknowledges the connection of people, land and communities within the areas that we work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
We seek to maintain meaningful partnerships by undertaking the appropriate engagement practices within our business and for our communities. We know the importance of respecting, understanding and sharing the oldest living cultures in the world.