Elemér Kozma
| Town/City | Melbourne |
|---|---|
| First name | Elemér |
| Last name | Kozma |
| Country of Origin | Hungary |
| Date of Birth | 11/3/2029 |
| Year of Arrival in Australia | 1957 |
| Submitted by | Attila Urmenyhazi |
Story
Part Two:
1975 saw the arrival of Toyota in Australia and Elemer’s company began to supply seats, seat adjusters and recliners, head restraints, etc. as well as car parts to their local assembly plant. Because the plant had no large storage facility, he supplied the materiel required regularly at pre-set times in keeping with mass assembly and production of Toyota cars. Working very long hours in manufacture to always deliver quality products on time, Kozma Engineering earned satisfaction and respect of the Japanese. Mr. Kozma visited Japan several times on business to study their technology and methods. His contract manufacturing company changed name becoming Kozma Industries to gradually expand its operations. The big expansion occurred in 1985 when, having outgrown the site of their production facilities, Elemer purchased a suitable large tract of land at Bayswater outside Melbourne, investing all his savings in the new venture. A steady and methodic construction of the planned buildings followed. In those days he devoted 16 hours daily to ensure that his project materialised. The spectacular growth of the company was helped by his employment of highly skilled and qualified staff headed by the Managing Director Charles Ellul who, as engineer with 30 years experience, greatly contributed with his specialist knowledge and designed at times machine tools necessary for the success of contract operations. Kozma Industries in Bayswater nowadays occupies five sites totalling 10,000 m2 comprising four principal manufacturing plants and a tool manufacturing plant, employing over 100 loyal workers and producing a wide range of articles to industry in general but car assembly plants in particular.
The Kozma children meantime grew as time went by. Martin nowadays works for himself, Andrew and Tim work for the family enterprise, whereas Felicity directs their business with Hungary. After Elemer handed over the reins, when a friend asked about his new project, he quipped that: “I’ve talked to St. Peter, He is waiting for me.. my heart won’t allow me to stay!”. The tenacious achiever, the happy natured man Elemer Kozma departed on 14 November, 2003 with a substantial corporate legacy.
Research: Attila Urmenyhazi (Ürményházi ).