Holmwood Highgate – The Early Years

Holmwood Highgate’s story begins in the early 1950s, when the company was originally established as AMA Industries, founded by Adams, Mellish, and Anderson on the outskirts of Brisbane. With just £25 and a strong vision for the future, the company began servicing and repairing ex-military fuel tankers from the Korean War that had been sold into commercial use in Australia. This foundational experience with complex, heavy-duty equipment quickly positioned them as innovators in the emerging fuel transport industry.

In an era when the welding of light alloys was virtually unheard of in Australia, the company made a bold move — importing the country’s first aluminium welding equipment and technology. This innovation enabled them to pioneer lightweight tank construction, delivering their first tank to Shell in 1951. Their early focus on technical excellence and bespoke manufacturing laid the groundwork for the company's long-term reputation for quality and durability.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, the company underwent a transformation, rebranding as Holmwood Industries, a name drawn from personal roots within the Mellish family. During this time, Holmwood became a recognised name in the Australian transport sector, expanding its capabilities in tanker design, manufacture, and repairs.

A major turning point came in 1985, when Holmwood Industries acquired Highgate Engineers, a well-established manufacturing operation previously owned by Comalco and operating under the INDENG group. Highgate Engineers brought significant experience in truck tray bodies and structural fabrication. The acquisition allowed the newly formed Holmwood Highgate to combine its advanced tank manufacturing expertise with Highgate’s fabrication capabilities — creating a more diverse and capable business, able to deliver both tankers and tray bodies at scale.

This strategic move not only expanded Holmwood Highgate’s service offering, but also marked the beginning of its evolution into one of Australia’s most trusted names in tanker manufacturing.