From its origins in 1914 as a Western Australian farmers' cooperative, Wesfarmers has grown into one of Australia's largest listed companies. Headquartered in Western Australia, its diverse business operations covers supermarkets and department stores; home improvement and office supplies; coal mining;insurance; chemicals, energy and fertilisers; and industrial and safety products. Wesfarmers is one of Australia's largest employers and has a shareholder base of approximately 500, 000.