Dozens lose jobs as The Mower Place liquidated at Browns Plains, Moggill and Capalaba
A popular mower repair chain with shops at Moggill, Redland, and Logan has closed branches with 47 jobs lost, leaving hundreds of customers without a pick-up service for ride-on mowers.
Redlands Coast
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A popular mower repair chain with outlets at Moggill, Redland and Logan has abruptly closed its branches, with 48 jobs lost, leaving hundreds of long-time customers without a pick-up service for large ride-on mowers.
Three outlets of the Mower Place at Browns Plains, Moggill and Capalaba closed on May 30 along with the affiliated Generator Place after trading for more than 20 years.
The businesses had operated as Honda parts and retail dealerships until late last year.
A notice on the front door at the Logan outlet at Browns Plains blamed what it described as “Honda’s aggressive tactics” for the demise of the family-owned business, which went into liquidation last month.
Customers hoping to get their ride-on mowers and other petrol mowers serviced were alerted to the closure by the page-long notice.
Former owner Chris Slack said the business could not compete with Honda’s market power and tactics, which he said he had raised with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
Honda Australia supplies power equipment products and spare parts to many dealerships in Logan, Brisbane and Redland regions, including stores in Springwood, Loganholme, Victoria Point and Moorooka.
Honda said Mr Slack’s comments were inaccurate relating to Honda Australia.
“As this matter is currently ongoing, it is inappropriate for Honda Australia to comment any further at this time,” a Honda statement said.
In an online statement, Mr Slack claimed his business was pushed “to the brink” and wished his customers well.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the closure and the voluntary appointment of liquidators to the Generator Place and the Mower Place businesses,” he wrote.
“After buying this family-owned business in good faith, we have been forced out of the market due to Honda’s business practices.
“Despite our unwavering commitment to quality and community, the immense market power and ruthless strategies of Honda have made it impossible for us to continue.
“The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has investigated and prosecuted Honda for numerous recent violations.
“Despite these issues, Honda continues to undermine small businesses, prioritising profits over principles and community welfare.
“The particulars of this case have been referred to the ACCC for further investigation and have widespread implications for all Honda Outdoor Power Equipment Dealers.
“This matter was due to be heard at trial in the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2025, however due to the closure of the businesses, this matter is unlikely to be heard and Honda is unlikely to be brought to justice.
“With the termination of 47 employees, the ripple effects of Honda’s actions has had a major impact on many people and their families.
“Our loyal customers and suppliers have become like family to us. We have cherished every moment and every interaction, making this farewell incredibly painful.”
He thanked the long-time loyal customers who stuck with the business which had been severely affected by the 2022 flood.
The closure was a shock to staff who lost their jobs without warning.
Service manager Jamie Bradshaw, who had been a long-time employee and customer, is still waiting to find out if he will be paid long service entitlements as a secured creditor.
Mr Bradshaw turned up to work on May 30 to be told the business would go into liquidation at 2pm that day and all jobs would go.
“The real issue was about profit margins and an unresolved complaint about competition with Honda,” Mr Bradshaw said.
“It’s upsetting for staff because we all lost our jobs and yet we dealt with all major brands.
“But it was also upsetting for the domestic and commercial customers – many of whom have relied on us for years.
“If the commercial dealers can’t get parts, they can’t do their jobs so shutting that day meant great losses across the community.”
Long-time customer Anoushka Arro said losing the service centre was a significant loss as it had a truck that would pick up ride-on mowers from local and rural properties.
“I have a very heavy commercial pressure washer and they used to pick this up from my home as it doesn’t fit in a car. This closure is a significant loss to the local area.
“I suspect a shortage of mower repair service outlets across the southeast as manufacturers are no longer stocking petrol-fuelled machines and are forcing people to buy battery-operated machines.”
Customers have been told that Mr Bradshaw had opened his own servicing and repair business called Jamie’s Small Engine Repairs for all makes and models of outdoor power equipment in Logan and surrounding areas.
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