History of Dix Manufacturing Group

Claude Osborne or “Dick” as he is locally known began his working life clearing land for the Somerset Dam in the 50’s. When he returned home, with the experience he’d gained at the dam, he was employed at Tuan working with a Chainsaw Gang. From here he moved to the brick yards, and then commenced work at the Walkers Shipyards. Here he worked on the Kimbla Boom Vessel which was built for the Royal Australian Navy and launched on March 23, 1955. Following this, Dick had the opportunity to work for a local welding business. He had completed some night welding courses and, after a short time with the business, he decided that this was to be his line of work permanently.

In 1957, where the car park at Dix Manufacturing Group is now located, stood an old weatherboard shed on a spare allotment. Dick bought the block of land, and with an old plug in welder, he began carrying out small repair jobs at night while still working for his employer during the day. As well as small welding repairs, Dick’s major work was repairs to land clearing equipment. He soon became too busy doing both, and decided to commence work for himself. Dix Welding Works was officially launched in 1959. As work progressed, the shed became too small, and it was time to expand. The land wasn’t big enough for the shed he intended to build so he purchased the house and land adjoining his current allotment and in 1970 the new shed was completed. Today this shed is know as the “Cutting and Processing Workshop” and houses our stock supply and most of our machinery.

Anticipating the need to expand further, Dick purchased land across the road from the current location. At this time, he employed only a few members but, upon completion of his schooling Dick’s son Rod began work with the business. Rod completed his apprenticeship with Dix Welding Works and during this time, work was completed on the second shed at Dix. This shed is now our Production Workshop, where the majority of assembly and manufacture is completed.

Rod took on management of the business in his early 20’s with the aim of being the local business industry leader. Further expansions were completed in the early 90’s with a new office added to the Cutting and Processing Workshop, which today remains our main office. Rod’s management is commendable as Dix Manufacturing Group today employs a team of 20 members, servicing the Rail, Sugar, Road Transport, Marine and Mining Industries both locally and nationally.

2011 brings some big changes to the business as Dix Welding Works receives a face lift with a new logo and fresh name “Dix Manufacturing Group”. Rod’s son Clinton has also completed his apprenticeship and is employed with the business. Clinton is currently preparing to take over management at Dix Manufacturing Group. Our direction is clear as we aspire to be a world class manufacturing facility by building our capability through identifying, demonstrating and implementing World Class practices and techniques.