The Holmwood story began in 1950–51 with the formation of AMA (Adams, Mellish & Anderson) on the outskirts of Brisbane. Early on, AMA secured a contract to refurbish an ex-war aluminium tanker — at a time when aluminium welding technology was virtually unknown in Australia. This led to the importation of the country’s first aluminium welding equipment and expertise, setting the foundation for industry innovation.
By 1956, AMA was manufacturing its own aluminium tankers, including some of the largest petrol tankers seen in Australia at the time.
In 1963, Sid Mellish and Eddie Gumbelis established Holmwood Enterprises, named after a park in England. The business grew steadily, with Colin Mellish continuing the family legacy in Queensland. In 1985, a partnership with Alex Stables expanded operations into Victoria, strengthening the Holmwood brand nationally.
