Workshop Tour: Plazmaman

The boys at Plazmaman have been at the game longer than most and it shows in every product they produce. But who are they and how did a small workshop in Western Sydney become the manufacturing machine it is today?

Jason Round: Tell us a bit about how the business got started?

Plazmaman: Plazmaman started back in 1988. Oyay, a qualified refrigeration engineer who has a massive portfolio from motorcycle racing to Top Fuel, met Vince Rigoli and started building intercoolers. The rest is history.

JR: What is the research and development process at Plazmaman?

P: We work with a number of race teams from many different motorsport disciplines. We use their feedback, data and results to improve the product. This allows us to ensure that our products function under the harshest treatment before we put them on sale to the public.

JR: Why are Plazmaman’s plenums so famous?

P: Because of the smooth finish, flawless welds and greater power. People love the look of the plenums but they work really well too so I guess you could say that it's win-win.

JR: Give us a quick rundown of the staff and their duties.

Oyay: Master welder, quiet achiever.

Ziggy: Engineer who turns the ideas into reality

Alex: The brains behind the kits and CNC machine programming, and new products when he isn’t sleeping on the job.

Danny: Is a master craftsman who makes the end tanks and plenum domes, and brings in the best cakes for morning tea.

Henry: Australia’s best rod builder and funny storyteller. He has a scientific background.

PJ: National sales manager and drag racer.

Blackie: The fattest local feral cat in the neighbourhood.

JR: What is Plazmaman’s best-selling product?

P: Our race air-to-air and water-to-air intercoolers. They have a reputation built on results and people love making big power with them.

JR: There’s a legend that Oyay has never missed a weld in his life. Is there any truth to that rumour?

P: One night he was ruined and…

JR: Has the strong Aussie dollar affected business?

P: Yes, basically it significantly hurt our exports for people who trade in the US dollar, but we still get a steady order from the UK and Europe.

JR: Tell us a little about Plazmaman’s involvement in the marine side of things.

P: Fishing, fishing and more fishing (laughs). There are a large number of 1000—2500hp race boats running our water-to-air intercoolers with top results. Plazmaman has a great knowledge of the workings of a marine engine. We have more products to come.

JR: What well-known cars and personalities use Plazmaman products?

P: The Pac Performance Mazda6 (world’s fastest rotary), Mr Mad 6sec twin-turbo Torana, all of the old Rotormaster cars, Horsepower Hero cars, Autosalon cars, eg. DVIOUS Prelude, and we also have a car on the video game Gran Turismo. The list goes on and on and on.

JR: When you’re not working, what do you guys do for fun?

P: Sleep!

JR: What cars do the staff drive?

P: Absolute nuggets. We’re too busy doing up customers’ cars. We all have our own projects though and some of them form part of the R&D program.

JR: What can we expect from Plazmaman in the future? Are there any new products on the horizon?

P: We’re working on SR20DET, 2JZ-GTE and RB26 plenums, plus a complete range of fuel rails and few more surprises.

JR: Any advice for people looking to start their own business?

P: If you want no life, do it!

CONTACT INFO

Plazmaman

9 Bond Crescent,

Wetherill Park NSW

Ph: (02) 9725 1728

Web: www.plazmaman.com