History

When on the 1st April 1932 Mr. William Wallbank entered into partnership with Mr. J.R. Nicholson and commenced operations as engine reconditioners, he could not have envisaged the developments, which the following years would bring.

From the initial operation in the backyard of Mr. Wallbank’s Auburn home, the firm of William Wallbank & Sons. Pty. Ltd. has developed to occupy an area of 1.2 hectares with frontages to three streets in the Sydney suburb of Auburn.

This area has been purchased over a period of years, the first section being a block of land on Parramatta Road, Auburn in 1934.

Here a small saw-tooth type factory was erected and, over the years bays were added, until in 1964 the present modern brick building facing Parramatta Road was commenced.

Besides continuing development at Auburn, the company purchased the firm of C. Elliott, of Annandale in 1947. This company’s name was changed to Annandale Engineering Co. Pty. Ltd. and now operates from its own premises adjacent to the Auburn plant.

A further development was the acquisition of the plant and equipment used by G. Foster & Sons in the manufacture of brick making equipment in 1978. This followed the cessation of business by that company which had previously competed in the manufacture of brick making equipment. Subsequent development has enabled William Wallbank & Sons Pty. Ltd. to achieve leading position as suppliers of equipment for mechanising the production of bricks and tiles. This equipment has aroused much interest, particularly in the export field.

Today two generations follow the founder, William Wallbank, in management, Mr.Frank Wallbank, his son who is Chairman and Managing Director, and Mr. William Wallbank, son of Mr. Frank Wallbank, who is a Director and General Manager of Annandale Engineering Co. Pty. Ltd.

Both have an engineering background and have gained their expertise within the company. Mr. Geoffrey Wallbank, a son of the founder, was also a Director, but he and Mrs. Mavis St. John, a daughter of the founder, sold their interests to Mr. Frank Wallbank in 1968.

Vertical Boring MachineMr. Frank Wallbank’s accumulated knowledge since entering the company as an apprentice in 1939, provides him with a unique background which is employed in every sphere of the operation including the design of equipment.

A general view of the foundryThe illustrations depict some of the equipment and activities at the Auburn premises. Here the various steps in the production of a wide range of sheet metal machinery, including presses and guillotines, as well as brick and tile making plant, are carried out from design to pre-delivery testing.

A pleasing feature of the history of the company has been the relationship between management and employees. This is symbolised by the number of long serving employees.

William Wallbank & Sons Pty. Ltd. looks to the future with confidence. Its expansion, both past and planned, has been made possible by finance provided from accumulated funds built up by retaining profit within the company. It is this conservative approach to management combined with the progressive development of equipment to meet its customer’s needs that has laid the solid base for the coming years.