Wardrobe Refractories was founded in 1956 by Arthur D Wardrobe. The company at that time was known as Arthur Wardrobe P/L and with Arthur at the helm the company serviced the local refractory industry in and around Sydney NSW, Australia. The company was founded on integrity, honesty and a personal attention to each customer’s requirements.
His hands-on approach ensured that the work was carried out to Arthur’s high standards and really saw the business succeed. Upon his retirement, the company was purchased by his long time manager, Ronald Gately. The business boomed, with an emphasis on attention to detail, service and quality. Ron retired in 1982, passing the business to his son, Colin Gately.
Colin has continued to direct the company navigating the huge changes over the years. In 2021, the company tradition continued with Reece Gately becoming the 3rd generation to manage Wardrobe Refractories.
Here at Wardrobe Refractories, we have over 60 years experience in the refractory industry, developing innovative solutions using the most appropriate and cost effective technologies. We are proud to offer our customers a solid background in the repair and maintenance of all types of heating equipment.
As we are an independent company, we can tailor the use of the best refractory materials, sourced from a number of refractory manufacturers, both from within Australia and overseas, to ensure they meet your requirements.
Our experienced supervisors and trades people carry out servicing our clients all over Australia with a high level of professionalism and skill.
Reece has been working for Wardrobe Refractories since he was 17. He first started working seasonally over the busier shutdown periods while he studied Chemistry at University. After graduating, Reece worked as a researcher and laboratory technician, following his passion for instrumentation and discovery.
In 2022, Reece took over from his father as Managing Director of Wardrobe Refractories, to be the third generation of Gately’s to manage the family business.
Mike started his career in 1983 working on the railways in train stations, where he then progressed to the role of Senior Traffic Inspector. From 1998 until 2006 he worked in the network rules section of the State Rail, where he was involved in major rule, procedure and policy redevelopment projects, while also conducting safety audits and investigations. Mike has been involved with Wardrobe Refractories since 1984 coming along for major shutdowns, and short stints of full-time work. When the opportunity to come on-board with Wardrobe Refractories permanently when his father, Paul, retired, he seized the opportunity to follow in his fathers’ footsteps.