The following is an obituary to the Michael Crouch AC, the man behind the success of Zip instant boiling water products.

The run-away success of Zip Industries instant boiling water units virtually shut the door on the need for traditional office tea-ladies; such was the impact of this affordable office item.

Point of use boiling water units were an Australian invention of Zip and the company was always able to stay one step ahead of the opposition over the past five decades. Today the modern Zip appliance has also become a hi-tech household kitchen appliance.

Michael was the proud hands-on owner and driver of Zip Industries, based in Bankstown Sydney. He had an unwavering commitment to Australian manufacturing.

Zip became an international name after Michael and his close knit team took the brand global. Zip was one of the few Australian plumbing product suppliers to exhibit at ISH Frankfurt during the 1980s.

Attendees at the 2016 Plumbing Supply forum event will remember the moving speech Michael gave, when he shared his views about local manufacturing, determination, commitment to staff and the value of patented design. It was a highlight of the event and likely the first time the broader plumbing manufacturing industry really understood the values of the man.

Michael sold down most of his shareholding in the business in 2013.

He will be remembered as a post-war industrialist who did things his way and was immensely successful. He was a philanthropist who has left a legacy on many causes. The world was a better place for knowing Michael Crouch AC.