Superaxe and Rex maker Whitlands Engineering supports local jobs

RURAL manufacturing company Whitlands Engineering is celebrating 26 years of business and a decade of continuous growth.

Burning ambition: Whitlands Engineering CEO David Burder has stuck with the company’s North East Victorian manufacturing site for his Superaxe and Rex firewood products.

RURAL manufacturing company Whitlands Engineering is celebrating 26 years of business and a decade of continuous growth.

Based in Victoria’s North East, the company designs and manufactures Superaxe and Rex log splitters and firewood processors.

Head designer and CEO David Burder came up with the design for the Superaxe in 1993, and despite no previous experience running a business, turned the idea into a regional manufacturing success story.

Through exposure at local field days, word of mouth and belief in the innovative product, Whitlands Engineering expanded, and defied industry downturns during the drought and global financial crisis.

Today the business has two manufacturing sites, 25 staff and is eyeing export opportunities to New Zealand and the US.

Despite the temptation for cheaper production overseas, David remained committed to employing local people in the North East to keep manufacturing onshore. He said it underpinned the company’s philosophy and was fundamental to its longevity and reputation.

“Local manufacturing keeps money in the local economy, supports 25 employees and their families and most importantly keeps integrity in the manufacturing process,” he said. “The imported machines may be cheaper but they certainly don’t last very long. To say we are Australian-made means more than anything.”

David and Whitlands Engineering will exhibit the Superaxe at South East Field Days.