About SHALE HVAC

Shale HVAC was founded by Michael and Danielle Sterling with a clear vision: to design and manufacture high-quality ventilation products that combine practical innovation, reliable performance and manufacturing excellence.

​

At the heart of the business is Michael’s extensive experience in the HVAC industry, spanning product development, manufacturing and national sales leadership.

​

Michael began his career in 1988 as an apprentice toolmaker with his family’s business, Westaflex / Uniflex Australia. During this time, the company expanded its plastic tooling design and manufacturing capabilities, producing duct fittings, ceiling diffusers, in-line fans, wall grilles, floor registers and other HVAC components.

Following the passing of his father, the company’s founder, in 1992, Michael took on responsibility for product research and development while also managing a rapidly expanding national sales team.

​

Over the following 32 years, through to 2024, Michael played a pivotal role in the design and manufacture of many products supplied by Westaflex / Uniflex to the HVAC industry. These included:

• Greenduct / Unilok flexible ducting.

• Centrifugal in-line fans incorporating polymer housings and air-deflection features.

• Anti-vibration fan mounting systems.

• Poly Connectors, enabling fittings to connect directly to zone dampers without an intermediate duct section.

• Univent PLUS, a multidirectional outlet (MDO) diffuser designed for fast installation.

• Reversible through-roof cowl ventilation systems.

Products Michael helped design and manufacture received recognition through Australian Design Mark and Consensus Manufacturing awards. Michael was also recognised by the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) as a “Future Leader” and remains an AIRAH member.

His technical expertise also led to collaborations with other industry professionals on projects including Honeywell GOLD actuators, Siemens zone control systems, small-duct HVAC components, air conditioner condenser bases, specialised solar panel mounting systems and custom plastic moulded products for industries beyond HVAC.

Among these achievements, Michael is particularly proud of his contribution to the design and manufacture of the Medihood clean air system, used in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. This experience strengthened his commitment to improving indoor air quality and inspired a deeper focus on technologies that help create cleaner, healthier indoor environments.

Today, Michael and Danielle bring this experience and sense of purpose to Shale HVAC, with a commitment to quality, Australian manufacturing wherever possible, and the continued development of ventilation and air purification solutions.

​

Underpinning that commitment is a simple belief: access to clean air is a basic human right.