Rural manufacturing company Whitlands Engineering is celebrating it’s 32nd year of business throughout 2025 – marking also a decade of continuous growth despite the challenges facing regional business.
Located in a rural farming area in North East Victoria, the company designs and manufactures Australia’s leading brands of log splitters and firewood processors – Superaxe and Rex. Beginning with the famed Superaxe in 1993, David Burder had the design ready to go but no experience running a business but persevered with remarkable success.
Through exposure at local field days, word of mouth and a truly innovative product, Whitlands Engineering expanded, even through droughts, recession conditions and the GFC. These days the business has two manufacturing sites, 25 staff and massive export to NZ and the USA in their sights.
David is wholly committed to employing local people & manufacturing in north east Victoria. Despite the temptation for cheaper production overseas, this decision has now become the cornerstone of the company philosophy and is fundamental to its success, longevity and reputation.
David said local manufacturing keeps money in the local economy, supports twenty five employees and their families and most importantly keeps integrity in the manufacturing process.
“The imported machines may be cheaper but they certainly don’t last very long,” he said.
“To say we are Australian Made means more than anything.”
The other ingredient in their success is though is innovative design and benchmark manufacturing standards. They’re truly made to last. Beyond that, ergonomic design is key, making the backbreaking task of splitting wood simple and comfortable – the operator always has a straight back and lifting is eliminated with hydraulic log lifters fitted as standard. The Superaxe has certainly proven itself over the last three decades as Australia’s leading log splitter, setting new standards in performance, design and safety innovation.
Come down and say hello to the team at the Wandin Silvan Field Days, or freecall 1800 702 701 or visit the website for more details superaxe.com.au for more information.
