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History
In 1922, Geoff Russell opened Repco’s
doors for business, in Collingwood, Victoria. Some 80 years later the
Repco name is recognised as a benchmark of quality, range, knowledge
and service in the automotive aftermarket.
Our deployment of the very latest in IT technology ensures Repco
is ahead of the field in levels of service, information access and customer
support.
Coupled with Repco's extensive experience across a broad range
of specialist sectors in the automotive market, Repco delivers superior
levels of customer satisfaction across Australasia. Through the provision
of parts and components, machine and engineering services and value-added
support services, Repco has lead the aftermarket since its formally recognised
inception 35 years ago.
During that time our investment, training and research has made a valuable
contribution to the nation’s economy as well as employment levels
across the country.
In the 21st Century, Repco is committed to continuing its levels of investment
in the provision and development of better and more efficient products
and services to meet the expectations of our customers and employees.
| Historical
Dates |
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| 1922 |
Geoff Russell
started Repco (under the name of Automotive Grinding Company) in
Collingwood.
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| 1927 |
Ford &
GM began manufacturing in Australia, meaning that Repco could piggy-back
onto that production and consolidate its position in the Australian
marketplace.
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| 1932 |
Repco further
expanded during the depression as people repaired, rather than replaced,
their cars.
Repco also began to advertise.
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| 1937 |
Repco went
public as Repco Limited.
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| 1942 |
Repco expanded
its manufacturing works through manufacturing for defence production
during the war.
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| 1947 |
John Story,
the Chair of Repco, saw his son die of leukaemia aged 22. A donation
in John Jr’s name saw RMIT’s Storey Hall built.
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| 1948 |
Holden launched
the "Australian Car" made with exclusive Repco piston
rings and pins, and ring gears.
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| 1954 |
In January
1954, the Maybach won the New Zealand Grand Prix. "Charlie"
Dean, a Repco engineer, aided by 12 or so Repco car enthusiasts
built the Maybach. Stan Jones drove it.
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| 1955 |
Repco sponsored
the Phillip Island Racing Club for 4,000 pounds as a way of advertising.
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| 1959 |
Repco showcased
an unnamed futuristic sports car, also seen in the Ava Gardner film
"On The Beach", at the Silver Jubilee International Car
Show.
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| 1962 |
The sixties
saw boom times for Repco, with 14 factories in 1960 increase to
38 factories in 1970.
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| 1966/7 |
Brabham won
a number of accolades in the "Repco/Brabham" car, the
first cart with an Australian engine to win a world championship.
The team won:
Several European Grand Prix, Constructors Championships in 66/7
Brabham was the first driver to win the British Automobile Racing
Club’s Gold Medal three times.
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| Mid-70’s |
Repco diversified
into gymnasiums, air-conditioning, batteries, finance, hardware
and further offshore manufacturing.
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| 1981 |
On the 4th
of December 1981a new parent company for all of the Repco companies
was registered – Repco Corporation Limited.
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1988
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Pacific Dunlop
purchased the Repco business
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| 1996 |
First Repco
Super Centre opened. There are now more than 75 across Australia
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| 1996
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Sponsorship
of Rob Paine, triple Australian Nascar Champion
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1999
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Joint venture
with Atkins Carlisle - Car parts
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| 2000 |
Motospecs
formed
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| 2001 |
Automotive Parts Group |
2002 |
Repco's 80th
birthday
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