A Phone Call That Changed an Industry
In 1998, Garry Thompson watched a news segment about oyster farmers struggling with inadequate equipment. "I know plastic," he thought. "Maybe I can help." That single phone call sparked 25+ years of farmer-driven innovation.
From Backyard Business to Global Leader
Garon Plastics started in 1990 in Garry Thompson's backyard in Somerton Park, Adelaide. It was a small injection moulding operation serving local businesses.
Eight years later, a television segment changed everything. Garry saw South Australian oyster farmers in Coffin Bay struggling with gear that wasn't built for purpose. They were bending extruded mesh into shapes to hold oysters, and the equipment wasn't lasting.
Garry picked up the phone and called the farmer featured in the program. That conversation sparked what would become SEAPA's founding principle: practical, co-designed solutions developed with those who use them.
Today, Garon Plastics operates from Edwardstown with 30+ employees running 24 hours, six days a week. Over 1.5 million SEAPA baskets are in the water across 30+ countries, all manufactured in Adelaide.
Our Values
Farmer First
Every product starts with farmer feedback. We don't design in isolation. We design with the people who use our equipment every day.
Relentless Innovation
We spent 8 years developing the REVO system. Good enough is never good enough. We keep improving until it's right.
Global Community
Oyster farming connects people across oceans. We facilitate knowledge sharing through events like the Global Oyster Farming Forum.
Australian Made Quality
All 1.5 million+ SEAPA baskets worldwide are manufactured in Adelaide. We never compromise on quality.
25+ Years of Innovation
Garon Plastics Founded
Garry Thompson starts an injection moulding business in his backyard at Somerton Park, Adelaide.
SEAPA Born
After watching a TV segment about struggling oyster farmers, Garry picks up the phone and offers to help. The first SEAPA basket is created.
First Export
SEAPA begins exporting to North America, starting our global expansion.
Global Growth
Offices established in USA and France to better serve growing international demand.
Australian Exporter of the Year
SEAPA wins both the Agribusiness Award and joint Australian Exporter of the Year at the Australian Export Awards.
GTX Launch & GOFF
Launch of the revolutionary GTX basket and the first Global Oyster Farming Forum connecting farmers worldwide.
25 Years of Innovation
Celebrating a quarter century of helping farmers grow better oysters, now in 30+ countries.
REVO System
After 8 years of development, the REVO system launches, representing the next frontier in adaptable oyster farming.
Award-Winning Excellence
In 2018, SEAPA was honored with both the Agribusiness Award and the joint Australian Exporter of the Year at the Australian Export Awards in Canberra, recognizing our contribution to Australian manufacturing and global trade.
Want to Be Part of Our Story?
Whether you're an oyster farmer, distributor, or industry partner, we'd love to hear from you.