If you’re gazing at sharks or penguins at an aquarium in China, Denmark, UAE, Singapore or literally 20 other countries in the world, you may well be likely immersed in one of Advanced Aquarium Technologies’ (AAT) spectacular aquarium projects.
From their headquarters on the Sunshine Coast, AAT has completed over 100 aquarium projects in over 30 cities, bringing incredible underwater experiences to audiences worldwide.
John Langmead, AAT’s founder, owner and CEO, had the vision to take the business global from day one. Today, overseas projects represent more than 80% of revenue for the Australian-based operations.
Much of the business development, client services and aquarium design specialists operate from AAT’s international headquarters on the Sunshine Coast.
The local team is instrumental in the delivery of the business’ unique end-to-end service which is streamlined across three phases: design, delivery and operation.
Award winning technology
AAT are a testament to ingenuity and world-class local talent, receiving accolades four years running.
Sunshine Coast Business Awards:
2021: Winner Building & Construction (Large Business), Export, and overall Business of the Year!
2022: Finalists for Building & Construction (Large Business) and Export.
2023: Winner Building & Construction (Large Business)!
Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards:
Finalists for the Regional Exporter category in 2021, 2023 and again for 2024.
Pioneers with an in-house advantage
The success of the business on the global stage is a testament to the vision, technical competence and passion that drives Langmead and his team. Rather than outsource vital capabilities, AAT prefers to innovate and insource to control the aquarium delivery supply chain, improve the quality of materials and ensure its world class aquarium projects are on time and on budget.
The AAT Acrylics division manufacture the world’s largest cast PLEXIGLAS® panels, for use in aquariums, under license from Röhm GmbH of Germany, whose namesake Otto Röhm, a chemist and pharmacist, invented and trademarked the famous transparent material in the 1930’s.
The water treatment products, known as “Aquarium Life Support Systems”, and waterproofing solutions, are examples of where Langmead identified gaps in the aquarium technology market and activated his in-house team to create a best-in-class product range for new and established aquariums.
AAT’s capacity to produce acrylic windows, tunnels, domes and complete cylindrical tanks is another significant in-house advantage that removes the years long wait lists to source materials from other suppliers. These custom-made acrylic windows, portholes and floor panels are increasingly being seen as the defining, premium feature for luxurious above ground swimming pools around Australia.
Sunshine Coast is the place for smart businesses
The Sunshine Coast’s unique entrepreneurial ecosystem and incredible lifestyle advantages make it a mecca for innovative, adaptable businesses like AAT.
The region is home to the HQ of several industry leading brands including Youi Insurance, COYO, Kilcoy Global Foods.
Organisations with an international outlook benefit from the International Broadband Submarine Cable, the fastest data connection point from east Australia to Asia as well as access to the new international runway at Sunshine Coast Airport.
The attractive combination of telecommunications infrastructure, economic resources and the opportunity for innovation and collaboration makes the Sunshine Coast the smart place for business.
Sunshine Coast Council welcomes and supports the growth of local businesses and the establishment of new ones in the region.