History That Defines Us
The Par Taps story begins, as many great Australian stories do, with migration and a dream. Nonno was the first to arrive, leaving behind his homeland in search of opportunity. With grit and determination, he worked tirelessly to build a better life not just for himself, but for the family he would soon bring over. In time, his wife Concetta and their sons, Paul and Joe, made the journey to join him, settling in the inner-city suburb of North Melbourne.
Life wasn’t easy, but it was full of purpose. The family embraced their new home, with Paul and Joe quickly finding their place selling newspapers on busy street corners and cheering on their beloved North Melbourne Football Club at games across the city. Music filled their home and community gatherings; Paul played the guitar, Joe the organ, and together they brought joy to family parties and local celebrations.
As they grew older, the brothers found their individual callings Paul took to plumbing with a craftsman’s care, while Joe entered the bathroom industry, developing his natural talent for sales and connection. What started as parallel paths soon merged with a shared ambition. Inspired by their upbringing, driven by their skills, and united by their family values, Paul and Joe founded what would become Pardol the beginning of a family business built on trust, service, and a deep understanding of the industry.
This was more than just a business. It was a legacy in the making. And from those humble beginnings, the foundations of Par Taps were laid a company that today still honours the work ethic, creativity, and family spirit that shaped its early days.
1980s
With Paul’s expertise in plumbing and Joe’s deep understanding of bathroom sales, Pardol launched with a humble yet dependable line of tapware, designed for practical, everyday installation. Word spread quickly the products were simple, reliable, and built to last, gaining a loyal following in homes and trade circles alike.
Operating from the family garage on Elm Street in North Melbourne, the business grew steadily. Soon, the brothers expanded their offering, importing Italian-made mixers and showers — a bold move that introduced European flair and performance to the Australian market. It marked a pivotal chapter in the company’s evolution.
This era also marked a defining moment in the brand’s identity: the launch of timeless, colour-finished tapware. With a keen eye for design and a passion for detail, Paul and Joe introduced a palette of finishes that combined functionality, style, and craftsmanship, setting the tone for what would become Par Taps’ signature approach to bespoke bathroom design.
1990s
During this period of transformation, Par Taps embraced innovation across both design and manufacturing. We introduced new ranges like Tudor and Bell, timeless collections that remain part of our offering today. The adoption of Italian ceramic disc cartridges elevated the user experience, delivering smooth operation and a refined sense of luxury.
A significant milestone was the construction of our purpose built factory in Preston, a move that allowed us to expand production and maintain the high level of quality we're known for.
This era also marked a defining shift in aesthetic direction. Par Taps pioneered the use of mixed electroplated and powder-coated finishes, offering an expanded colour palette that empowered clients to explore customisation and creative expression like never before. The ability to specify both single and dual tone finishes positioned us as a standout in the market, a reputation that continues to resonate with architects, designers, and homeowners.
2000s
As Paul and Joe entered their mid to late fifties, they made the decision to step away from the day-to day, choosing to enjoy the rewards of a lifetime of hard work. With the founding generation moving into retirement, leadership passed seamlessly to the next generation Paul’s children and son in law who embraced the opportunity to shape the future of Par Taps.
Under their direction, the brand has evolved into a design-led, forward-thinking company. With a renewed creative vision, we’ve expanded our product lines, explored cutting-edge finishes, and grown our manufacturing foot print both locally and internationally.
Through it all, Par Taps has remained proudly family-owned and Australian-made, carrying forward a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and the enduring values that started it all.
2010s
Par Taps proudly continues to champion traditional craftsmanship, with every product hand-finished by our skilled team of local technicians. Their care, precision, and pride ensure each piece upholds our enduring commitment to quality, longevity, and beauty.
With over 17 curated ranges and more than 40 decorative finishes, our collection offers unmatched versatility. Through our customisation program, clients can personalise finish options and adjust non-integral sizing elements, ensuring each piece is tailored to suit both aesthetic and functional requirements.
On 9 October 2018, we experienced a profound loss. Our beloved husband, father, father-in-law, and co founder Paul Pappalardo sadly passed away at just 72. His passing left a deep and lasting void within our family and our company. Paul’s warmth, vision, and unrelenting pursuit of excellence are woven into every product we create.
Though deeply missed, his legacy lives on in the hands of our craftspeople, in the values that guide us, and in every timeless detail we produce. At Par Taps, we continue his journey with honour, purpose, and pride.
2020s
As we celebrated 40 years in business in 2020, we reflect with pride on the enduring impact of our founders, Paul and Joe Pappalardo. Their dedication to honest craftsmanship, personal service, and uncompromising quality laid the foundation for everything Par Taps stands for today. We honour their legacy by continuing to uphold the values that have made us one of Australia’s most trusted names in tapware.
From our family to yours, we invite you to experience the Par Taps difference. Whether you're creating a new space or refining an existing one, our dedicated team is here to deliver beautifully crafted, bespoke products tailored to your needs. With care in every detail and pride in every finish, we’re committed to helping you bring your vision to life, just as we’ve done for Australian families for over four decades.
