Francis Alexander (Frank) Cormack

19 April 1924 – 17 March 2012

A skilled engineer, Frank Cormack was instrumental in the design and manufacture of the first Polivac suction polisher. In reality, it was the world’s first suction polisher and a machine that put Australian cleaning equipment on an international stage.

While working for Vincent Brothers (part of Pye) during the 1960s, Cormack was responsible for developing the first Polivac (that was the brand used) polishers. In time Vincent Brothers was sold to the Reckitt and Colman group and during the 1970s Cormack worked on creating a suction polisher.

Subsequently Reckitt divested itself of the Polivac business and after various problematical ownerships Tony Antonious acquired the business and brand in 1989. By then Cormack had retired.

However, Cormack’s legacy is there for all to see and use, daily, on thousands of sites across Australia and the world.

His funeral service will be held at St Mark’s Church, Darling Point (Sydney) on 22 March at 11 am.