Our History
Established in Darwin in 1983, Winnellie Group is a proudly family-owned-and-operated Australian business built upon over 65 years of combined knowledge, insights and experience in providing specialised products and services to cornerstone industrial sectors across Australia.
Founder Richard Nicholson credits the business’s success to always putting our customers’ needs above our own, which – as the company continues to grow around Australia – remains a foundational value that remains part of the core way we conduct our operations.
The company remains in the family, with Max Nicholson (Richard’s son) now serving as General Manager across three core businesses, Winnellie Hydraulics, Winnellie Valve and Process and Waltan Tools and Equipment.
Originally specialising in the service of hydraulic components in the transport, commercial fishing and earthmoving industries, Winnellie Group grew with the rest of the Territory to develop a name for itself amongst the larger resource industries as they began to expand their presence around the NT.
To this day – and now right around Australia – we have retained these working relationships as our expansion continues across a wide range of industries that require specialised tools and equipment, service, training and technical support.
Our group is dedicated to maintaining first-class service levels and our strong reputation to our industry partners. We are passionate about our business practices, with innovation and continuous improvement at the forefront of our mission statement for large resources industries and associated companies across Australia.
We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver a level of industry knowledge, customer service and after sales/service support that is unrivalled in the industry supply sector. We consider open communication between our team and our customers the key to our success and encourage honesty within this process to ensure we preserve the highest levels of professionalism.
Our Future
We understand that our customers need somebody to take ownership of their problems and value our commitment to not only standing by and supporting what we sell with service capabilities, but also sourcing, supplying and maintaining equipment outside our usual scope as well. Within this process there’s often several hands that form the critical chain of supply, particularly when dealing with inter-state freight which we ultimately take responsibility for, allowing our customers to concentrate on what they need to. Run their business!
As Australia continues to position itself as a dominant global resources hub, we grow too. For all the challenges involved in maintaining the highest levels of service that the sectors we operate in demand, we wouldn’t have it any other way. As we continue to drive forward, so does the confidence in our ability to deliver. Your success, is our success.
“Winnellie Group has a strong long-term focus on the first-class delivery of industry-leading products, services and support, with a continuous improvement culture deeply engrained ensuring we remain a recognised market leader across Oil & Gas, Mining, Marine and Local Industry.”
Winnellie Group is started by Richard Nicholson from the corner of a rented shed on Graffin Crescent
Business slowly grows, servicing local earthmoving, transport and commercial fishing clients
First order received via fax machine. Big technological breakthrough for business!
Relocated to bigger facility on Reichardt Rd
Significant boost from construction of Conoco Phillips DLNG facility
Significant boost from mining industry
Richard’s son Max Nicholson joins Winnellie Group
Significant boost from construction of INPEX’s Ichthys Project
Directors Richard and Carol Nicholson retire after 30 years operating Winnellie Group
June
Winnellie Group engages the help of business experts Maurie Hill & John Mackenzie
Max Nicholson is appointed General Manager of company
June
Hire fleet capability expanded significantly
October
Offshore hose capability expanded significantly
Gas process valve capability expanded with a trip to France and other areas of Europe
Mobilising of offshore technicians for shutdown campaigns
Award winner
NTEIA Chief Ministers 2018 Resource, Supply and Service award winner
Community initiatives
Winnellie Group raises $14,000 for Food Bank NT by donating $100 per order placed in March
Winnellie Group expansion across Australia with offices now in Queensland and Western Australia
Winnellie Valve & Process division launched marking an exciting new chapter for our team, our suppliers and valued customers allowing us to provide an even closer focus to their critical valve & process applications Australia-wide
Appointment of technical experts across a range of disciplines further bolstering Winnellie Group's capability across Australia
Waltan acquisition September 2021
Established in 1999, Waltan Tools and Equipment has built a reputation as one of South Australia’s most trusted supply and service providers. Servicing the mining, defence, construction and oil & gas sectors Waltan's team of capable technical specialists pride themselves on their commitment to delivering for their customers. Winnellie Group was pleased to officially welcome Waltan to our group of companies.
Waltan acquisition September 2021.
Award of East Rockingham Waste to Energy Project March 2022
- New apprentices and trainees
- Increased national footprint
- Implement ‘Towards 2025’ vision
