Our History

The founder, Andreas Molnar, migrates from Germany and establishes a furniture making company in Victoria, Australia.

Andreas Molnar passes away.

His son, Julius Molnar and his wife Elizabeth, take over the family business and begin trading as J.E.M. Joinery (Julius, Elizabeth Molnar).

Manufacture is focused on residential fit-outs and custom bespoke furniture.

Introduction of technical furniture joinery and construction for RMIT University.

Julius Molnar’s son, Andrew Molnar, joins J.E.M. Joinery.

The combination of experience and youthful energy sets the foundation for product innovation and market expansion.

J.E.M. Joinery is renamed Jemson Pty Ltd.

Soon after, Andrew Molnar becomes Partner.

Move into a new Factory and Head Office in the thriving manufacturing area of Hallam, Victoria.

Investment in advanced plant and manufacturing equipment, complete with fully automated computerized cutting and machinery.

Development of a long term strategy to solely focus on commercial fit-outs and the manufacture of technical furniture for the Education, Government and Corporate sector.

The company’s outstanding reputation for excellent customer service and quality custom joinery continues to bring in projects for residential fit-outs for sometime ahead.

Launch of the first company website – jemson.com.au

Supports long term strategy and showcases commercial fit-outs and technical furniture solutions including: lecterns, computer desks, height adjustable tables, meeting tables, boardroom furniture, chairs and accessories.

Strengthened collaborations with Audio-visual companies and Architects.

Introduction of lecterns into more universities (e.g. Victoria University and Latrobe University).

Completion of commercial fit-outs for Hewlett Packard, Phillip Morris in addition to local cafes, offices and residential fit-outs for Ravida Homes.

Introduction to the design and manufacture of specialist automotive fit-outs with the roll out of the Launceston BMW dealership fit-out.

Refurbishment of 50+ BMW dealerships over the next 10+ years.

Close collaborations with Monash University and University of Melbourne to resolve their presentation needs.

Design and prototyping of height adjustable, steel lecterns to replace traditional, fixed height timber lecterns at both universities.

Release of the first generation of POD-4 Podium lecterns, MML Multimedia lecterns and MML-WC Wheelchair lecterns.

Jemson becomes the Official Contractor of Choice for the production and installation of BMW CI-Retail elements for authorized BMW dealers and MINI Garages in Australia.

Launch of a fresh, new website for Jemson to showcase the Automotive Fit-outs and Commercial fit-outs side of the business.

Simultaneously, a company subdivision, rebranding and a second website was in fast development to focus on lecterns and the education space.

The lectern business is separated from Jemson.

Under the new company structure, Jemson remains focused on the core joinery and fit-out business.

Lectern Hub would gain its own independence and resources to focus on the research, development and manufacture of lecterns.

Plans were quickly being put into place to move Lectern Hub into its own facility.

Launch of a lectern dedicated website (lecternhub.com.au) enabling browsers to easily request a quote for lecterns and accessories, download Tech sheets and view galleries.

Launch of a 36 page Product catalogue, available as a hard copy and online.

Introduction of the new company name, branding and its lectern range at Integrate, Australia’s leading event for industry professionals in AV and systems integration.

Introduction of the ultra lightweight podium lectern in POD-X. Featuring aluminum construction, tough enough to withstand heavy daily use, yet light enough to be easily portable from venue to venue. Full AV integration with custom branding and styling options.

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Introduction of our world-leading podium, multimedia and wheelchair lecterns at InfoComm, Las Vegas, USA.

InfoComm is the largest event in North America focused on the pro-AV industry, with 1,000 exhibitors, thousands of products, and 44,000 attendees from 110 countries.

Our team of Product Specialists and Design Engineers were on hand to demonstrate the functionality of our lecterns and the ease of customization to suit venue and branding.

On 1 July 2019, Lectern Hub was replaced with a complete rebranding. Our name change to Podion and brand tag-line “Empowering new learning” represents our recognition that the world of teaching and learning is changing.

We had rapidly evolved beyond our identity of Lectern Hub as we developed our product range to support new emerging modes of teaching.

Today, we offer even more collaborative products and services so that universities and institutions can be innovative and confident to implement the solutions they need to thrive in a fast-paced world.

In short, Podion represents our ability to reach new heights and deliver Australian innovation to the global market.