The industry is mourning the loss of Neil Tieman, who founded Melbourne-based tanker manufacturer Tieman Tankers.
He passed away at home at the age of 95.
Neil Tieman began the company in 1953, producing stainless steel tanks, vessels and equipment for the dairy industry from his backyard.
As business grew, it brought about the need for a manufacturing factory, which he opened in Keon Park in 1961. Then in 1994 the current Campbellfield manufacturing site was purchased.
Still family-owned and operated, the company now manufactures a wide range of food grade, bulk milk collection, chemical, bitumen, fuel and aluminium dry bulk tankers.
In 2011, Neil Tieman was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his contribution to the Australian transport industry.
Tieman Tankers paid tribute to Neil Tieman on social media, “An industry icon in the true sense of the word, he leaves a legacy that is respected industry wide and will always be remembered as the man behind the brand of Tieman Tankers,” the company said.