Successful for decades: Leister and Plastral

Success Stories29 Apr 2025

The partnership between Leister and the Australian distributor Plastral can look back on an exceptionally long history of success. Since 1954, the two companies have worked together closely, characterized by a pioneering spirit, innovation and trust – a success story that continues today.

Author: Tony Wetton, Managing Director, Plastral Pty Ltd

When Karl Leister traveled to Australia in the summer of 1954 and met Andrew Barton, Managing Director of Plastral, neither of them could have imagined the long-standing partnership this would become. The plastics industry in Australia was still young, but the country was in motion – industrialization, infrastructure projects, and economic growth offered huge potential.

Karl Leister (right) and Andrew Barton in Sydney, Australia, circa summer 1954

Together, Leister and Plastral laid the foundations for local market development on site. With a great deal of pioneering spirit, technical expertise, and a common goal: to bring innovative plastic welding solutions to Australia.

Growth with Leister technology

In the 1960s, plastics processing continued to develop – applications such as PE films, shrink sleeves, and packaging films became more widespread. Plastral was an important partner for the Australian industry during this phase – always with Leister’s reliable technology by its side.

In the 1970s, demand for durable transportation solutions grew – especially for truck tarpaulins and plastic membranes for tunnel construction and sealing applications. With Leister products and in-depth application knowledge, Plastral has become the leading provider of local warehousing, service, and repair across Australia.

Milestones: The Sydney Harbor Tunnel

A highlight of the collaboration was the support in the construction of the Sydney Harbor Tunnel at the end of the 1980s – a pioneering infrastructure project to relieve congestion on the busy Sydney Harbor Bridge. To this day, the tunnel is considered a masterpiece of engineering – and was also made possible by Leister’s precise plastic welding and sealing technology.

The Sydney Harbor Tunnel, considered one of the greatest technical achievements of modern Australia, was built in the 1980s.

The Sydney Harbor Tunnel, considered one of the greatest technical achievements of modern Australia, was built in the 1980s.

Knowledge that grows – to this day

As demand for water treatment, storage solutions, and new plastic applications grew, so did Plastral’s expertise. The partnership with Leister was and remains a key success factor – for sound advice, customized solutions, and reliable customer support.

Whether in industrial plant construction, tunneling, or plastics processing – Plastral and Leister are constantly discovering new application possibilities together and actively shaping the development and future of the industry. Even after more than 70 years, the partnership is still alive – with the next success story already in sight.

Plastral