standards organization. It forms technical committees, such as ME-025 Lifting Tackle, by bringing together relevant parties and stakeholders. Trough a process of consensus, these committees develop standards for Australia’s net benefit. A new national standard covering roundslings (AS 4497:2017) was recently launched that Ashley implores industry to note. He says, “Te scope of work [for the new standard] was largely completed prior to my arrival so I don’t want to take any credit for its production. However, I fully support publication of the document and recommend that everyone in the lifting industry absorb its content. Roundslings are an extremely useful rigging tool—we recommend their use on a daily basis—but they are more susceptible to physical and environmental damage than some other types of sling, thus, it’s important that they are only used by competent professionals who understand the equipment and its intended purpose.” Tey’re comments from a true thought leader, which must make his parents proud. Steve says as much: “As both my wife and I remain in the family business, we are both incredibly [proud] of his achievements at Ranger and in his personal life [Ash is married to wife Kristina and is a father, himself, to young son, Jackson].”


“WE SOURCE FROM ALL AROUND THE GLOBE AND ARE FOREVER TRAVELING TO MEET CURRENT OR NEW SUPPLIERS TO STAY AT THE FOREFRONT OF OUR INDUSTRY. WE TRAVEL TO ALL THE MAJOR EXHIBITIONS TO SEE WHAT IS NEW IN THE MARKET, AGAIN WITH SERVICE THROUGH KNOWLEDGE IN OUR MINDS.”


Steve continues, “When Ash first joined me and my


partner Brian he was a totally different person, so to see him develop from a teenager into the man he is today has been overwhelming. From going overseas to take LEEA courses, to being named the youngest member of its board, and then completing his Executive Masters, I know the company is in safe hands for the future. Maybe Jackson will take over the reins one day, himself. “I hope it’ll always be a family thing.”


Behind Every Great Man Enough about succession to the throne (Steve and Ashley collectively scoff at the analogy). Ranger wouldn’t be the company it is today without Verity’s involvement, as Ashley is (now) happy to admit. “I’ll be honest,” he begins, “Tere was a time when I said I didn’t want my mum involved with the business. She thinks completely differently to Steve and I, and initially we thought this


WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE MAY–JUNE 2018 27


would be an issue. I am delighted to be able to say that we were both wrong and we couldn’t have reached this point, or the next one, without her.” He continues, “My mother had 20 years of experience


working in New South Wales on QA [quality assurance] and administration. She joined the team around the time we were rebranding and completely rewrote our policies, procedures, manuals and everything else that we relied upon during tenders or bids for large contracts.” Steve adds, “I am very lucky that my wife of over


33 years has always been my biggest asset. I know that without her I could not have achieved half of what we have done. In the past she has always been my confidant but around eight years ago, Ash and I needed someone to help us achieve and manage our accreditations and we are so grateful we made a smart choice—and that she agreed to work with us.”


And Ashley concludes on the matter: “Neither Steve


or I are risk adverse and we’re very logical thinkers. Once we have a great idea between us we don’t stop until it’s achieved. However, we recognize that this isn’t always a


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