Our Story
Procter Family Investments was founded after the sale of our family business, Sealite. Grounded in curiosity, discipline and real-world experience, we invest our own capital with a long-term view and a focus on building lasting value.
Shaped by Experience
Our journey began with Sealite, a company founded in Melbourne building marine lights for aquaculture farms. What began as a hobby, developed into an advanced manufacturing business serving seaports, airports and defence customers worldwide.
Over two decades, we expanded our product range and global footprint, developing high-tech navigation aids for marine and aviation applications. We established advanced manufacturing operations in Australia and the US, building capability across electronics, telemetry, optics, polymers and embedded systems. To further our global reach, we acquired key distributors and technology partners in the UK and North America, and became the chosen supplier of expeditionary airfield lighting to the US Department of Defence.
Sealite grew without outside capital — investing heavily in R&D, developing our own tools and software, and maintaining control of the entire manufacturing process. By 2021, Sealite was exporting to over 100 countries and had become the recognised leader in its field. After a competitive sale process, the company was ultimately acquired by NYSE-listed SPX Corporation (NYSE:SPX).
The experience of building something from scratch — and scaling it globally — continues to shape how we think, invest, and operate today.
Meet Chris Procter
Chris Procter is the founder of Procter Family Investments and former CEO of Sealite.
Chris joined the family business in 2000, working alongside his father to design and build solar-powered navigation lights. Over the following 20 years, he led the company’s evolution into a global player in marine and aviation safety systems, with exports to more than 100 countries and customers ranging from small harbours to the US military.
With a background in science and marketing, Chris brought a unique combination of technical rigour and commercial focus to the business. He oversaw international expansion, multiple acquisitions, and a deep investment in R&D and advanced manufacturing.
Today, Chris continues to apply that experience through Procter Family Investments. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Melbourne and a Master of Marketing from Monash University, and serves as a Business Growth Expert with the UniSA Australian Centre for Business Growth. He is also a board member of the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula.
Signature Project
The Mornington Peninsula Technology, Industry and Business Park is a $405 million, 37-hectare development led by the Procter family. Developed to meet a critical shortage of industrial-zoned land, the project will deliver over 1,100 new jobs and generate more than $800 million in economic value for the region and the state.
With low-rise buildings, landscaped buffers, open space and recreation areas, the campus-style precinct is designed to balance innovation with community benefit. Flexible floorspace, sustainable infrastructure and a planning overlay support long-term quality and high-value outcomes.
This is a strategic investment shaped by local roots, business credibility and a belief that sustainable growth starts with smart planning and strong partnerships.
Ready to build what’s next?
Let’s start the conversation
Building something meaningful starts with a clear plan and the right partners. Whether you’re growing, raising, exiting, or just exploring ideas — we’re here to talk. From one founder to another, we’d love to hear what you’re working on.