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White Industries
IndustryFoundry, Manufacturing, Mining, CNC Machining
Founded1960, Dalby Queensland
FounderRobert White
Wilf Hagen
Headquarters
Dalby, Queensland
Ipswich, Queensland
,
Australia
Key people
Michael Shelford (CEO)
Bruce White (MD)
Craig White (MD)
Number of employees
100-200
Websitehttps://whiteindustries.com.au/

White Industries is an Australian family-owned foundry group headquartered in Queensland, with significant operations in both Dalby and Ipswich. It is the largest privately owned foundry group in Australia.[1] Established in 1960 by Robert White, the company specialises in producing both ferrous and non-ferrous castings. Its products are used in various industries including mining, rail, water, road transport, agriculture, and automotive.[2][3] In September 2017, White Industries was inducted into the Family Business Australia (FBA) Hall of Fame.[4]

History

White & Hagan

Robert (Bob) White was born in 1938 in Sydney. After completing his schooling in Port Macquarie, he studied First Class Machining and worked at the Toowoomba Foundry in the 1950s.[5] Initially operating in Bob White's backyard, the business faced challenges from the Toowoomba Council regarding its location.[6] In 1965, due to differing visions for the company's future, White and Hagan amicably ended their partnership, splitting their assets and establishing separate businesses.[7]

White Industries

Post-split, Bob White expanded White Industries, capitalising on the growth of the pig farming and cattle industries. By the late 1960s, the company outgrew its original location and moved to a larger site in Dalby.[7][8] During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Bob's sons Bruce, Neil, and Craig joined the business.

Rocklea Foundry Aquisition

In 2001, White Industries acquired equipment and clients from the Rocklea Foundry. Subsequently, the company saw growth in the early 2000s, bolstered by the installation of the German-made BMD automated moulding line in the Dalby foundry.[7]

Bradken Ipswich Acquisition

On June 10, 2021, White Industries announced its acquisition of the Bradken Ipswich site, encompassing both the business and its facilities. This move was a strategic response to Bradken's decision to shift its manufacturing operations overseas. Demonstrating a commitment to local industry and employment, White Industries decided to continue operating the foundry at the Karrabin site, hiring back many of Bradken's former employees.[9]

The Ipswich site was particularly significant for White Industries, as it was equipped to produce large castings, a capability beyond the reach of many other foundries in Australia. This capability allowed White Industries to diversify and expand its product range significantly. While the Dalby foundry was focused on producing castings ranging from 1kg to 1 tonne, the newly acquired Ipswich foundry specialised in manufacturing larger parts, ranging from 200kg to 20 tonnes. This expansion not only broadened White Industries' manufacturing capabilities but also enhanced its position in the Australian foundry industry.[10][9]

Local Impact

Education

In 2019, White Industries was recognised for its support of local education, notably contributing to the Trade Futures program at Dalby State High School. This program involved students building race cars from scratch, offering practical engineering experience. The company's participation is an example of local businesses engaging with educational initiatives in the region.[11]

References

  1. ^ "Dalby firm buys foundry site". Ipswich News Today. 8 November 2021.
  2. ^ Houghton, Des (8 October 2016). "Opinion: Why Dalby is the centre of the universe". The Courier Mail.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. ^ "White Industries' investment in young people pays off". Australian Industry Group.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ^ Flanagan, Sam (25 September 2017). "Hall of Fame painted White". The Chronicle.
  5. ^ Matthews, Kylie (2020). White Industries: The First 60 Years (1st ed.). Bounce Books. pp. 7–8. ISBN 978-0-6485927-9-2.
  6. ^ Matthews, Kylie (2020). White Industries: The First 60 Years (1st ed.). Bounce Books. p. 8. ISBN 978-0-6485927-9-2.
  7. ^ a b c "Case Study: White Industries". Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise. 1 October 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. ^ Matthews, Kylie (2020). White Industries: The First 60 Years (1st ed.). Bounce Books. pp. 12–13. ISBN 978-0-6485927-9-2.
  9. ^ a b McIvor, Lachlan (12 July 2021). "Bradken foundry Ipswich: Karrabin site sold to White Industries from Dalby after 180 workers lose jobs". The Courier Mail.
  10. ^ McIvor, Lachlan (2 August 2021). "Bruce and Craig White on purchase of former Bradken's Karrabin foundry in Ipswich and hiring local workforce". The Courier Mail.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. ^ Bradfield, Emily (25 October 2019). "Dalby students hit the racetrack in self-made cars". Dalby Herald.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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