Born in July 1897, Alfred trained as an industrial chemist and founded the company, Moulded Plastics Pty Limited, in 1945. In 1944 he was elected as the first president of the NSW Plastics Institute. Alfred played an active role in founding the Plastics Institute of Australia; he was elected as its second president in 1947. Alfred always believed in the future of plastic moulding technology and its vast employment potential in Australia. Though now deceased, Alfred's vision for the industry continues through his daughter, Lynette Needs, and his son-in-law, Ken Needs, who is a Director of Roblan Holdings Pty Limited.