About APV

APV Safety Products manufactures restraint products and systems for all types of vehicles, industrial plant, military applications and specialized requirements for fire trucks and ambulance patients.

APV has a reputation around the world as a high-quality supplier, excellent Delivery In Full On Time record; and we have long term supply contracts with large international companies here in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Fifty percent of APV’s sales come from International customers. This only occurs because of top quality product, satisfying the needs of our customer and building enduring long term relationships.

In a competitive world market, we are proud to be the ‘first call contact’ for many customers due to our strong technical and manufacturing ability, and our attention to working with our customers to enable a collaborative approach.

APV Engineering & Testing Services

APV-T (Test Centre) is a ISO/EC 17025 accredited industrial testing and service provider that operates the most advanced independent testing laboratory of its type within the region, as evidenced by our FIA and ISO/EC 17025 certifications. 

We are the Partner of Choice for testing services and certification of products for industry, defense, safety and regulatory bodies.

We provide an expansive range of dynamic, mechanical and environmental testing services, simulation, specialized photography, data acquisition and advisory services to meet the needs of Automotive OEMs, Industry, Defense and international customers.

Our FIA Test House Homologation is unique to the region and the southern hemisphere for dynamic crash testing and internationally we uniquely perform full vehicle development testing for major passenger vehicle OEMs.

This has established APV-T as an internationally recognized commercial laboratory for Environmental, Mechanical, Photography, Data Acquisition, and Dynamic Testing.

Products & Services Accredited By

APV Family of Companies

ABOUT APV SAFETY PRODUCTS

APV-S (Safety Products) is a global supplier of world-class occupant restraint systems. We partner with our customers to design and manufacture OEM occupant restraints for the Auto Aftermarket, Bus and Coach, Industrial, Mining, and Truck markets. APV-S develops high-value safety-critical products that are simple, elegant, and effective based on our systems knowledge. We are proud to develop well-engineered system solutions collaboratively with our customers. APV-S brings the products to market quickly and efficiently via lean engineering and data-driven lean manufacturing, and we provide customers with quality and service that is valued.

Meet the APV Safety Products Management Team

Harry Hickling

Managing Director

Doug Keesing

General Manager: APV-S

Carl Liersch

General Manager: APV-T

Michael Duncan

North American Sales Director

Natasha Hickling

HR Manager

Harry Hickling

Managing Director

Managing Director of APV Corporation Pty Ltd. The company derives approximately $15 million in turnover with exports to the USA, Europe, and New Zealand. The company employs over 55 personnel in Australia, the USA, and NZ.

During his career, Harry has developed a broad business background across Automotive, Defence, Aerospace, Logistics and Maintenance Management, and commercial distribution industries. He has extensive Strategic Planning and Operational Management expertise across several industries.

Harry has a Bachelor of Economics degree from Sydney University with a double major in Operations Research and Economics.

Doug Keesing

General Manager: APV-S

Over 20 years of experience in Automotive and Aviation Engineering, Manufacturing, and Management at Delphi, Vipac, and Airbus.

Roles included Engineering Manager for Delphi’s Australian Chassis and Steering Systems Divisions, General Manager of Vipac and Airbus Propeller services in Australia, and Managing Director for Safe Air Australia.

Doug has an Engineering Degree, Diploma of Engineering (Aerospace), and is a Green-belt certified six sigma expert.

Carl Liersch

General Manager: APV-T

Carl has worked in Design, Manufacturing, Project Management, and Management roles at PBR Automotive and Bosch Australia, including as General Manager for the Chassis Systems Engineering Division of Bosch Australia.

Working in the automotive industry for more than 35 years, he has specialized in vehicle safety. He led the introduction of Airbags and ABS into the Australian cars industry in the early 90s, and ESC in the early 2000s. He has participated in global automotive projects, spoken at international conferences on vehicle safety, and spent 6 years living and working in Germany on international vehicle safety projects. In 2015 he led the introduction of automated driving in Australia in a joint project with Bosch, VicRoads, and the TAC.

In 2019 Carl took over the role of General Manager at Australia’s pre-eminent crash and environmental testing facility, APV-T, in Campbellfield, Melbourne, and now has a focus on survivability through product impact, environmental, and life cycle testing.

Carl has a Mechanical Engineering Degree and Graduate Diploma in Project Management.

Michael Duncan

North American Sales Director

Michael has over 30 years in the aviation and defense markets with the last 15 years focused on occupant safety in the defense ground vehicle market. His roles included Senior Account Manager at IMMI, Senior Business Development Manager with Takata Protection Systems,  and Business Development Manager with BAE Systems. Mike has a strong Customer Service focus and in-depth understanding of the US Aviation and Defense markets. He has extensive experience in customer collaboration to design solutions that will protect occupants from injury.

Natasha Hickling

HR Manager

An experienced Human Resources Manager focused on people and culture, with a demonstrated history of working in the Manufacturing, Engineering & Hospitality Industries. Skilled in payroll management, recruitment, IR, change management, performance management, training and development, OH&S, and export regulations. Natasha works with people at all levels of the organization to support the business during a period of growth and development. Natasha is a strong human resource professional with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in HR & Business Management from the University of Canberra.