Castlemaine’s iconic Flowserve TKL (formerly Thompsons Foundry) is turning 150 years old and will commemorate this incredible achievement with an open day at the local foundry at 5 Parker Street, Castlemaine, tomorrow October 18.
Flowserve TKL Project Engineer – Specialist and event organiser David Lawrence said they look forward to welcoming the community to this special event.
“It is not every day an Australian business turns 150 years old, operating continuously on the same site, and we encourage everyone to come along and help us celebrate this milestone,” he said.
The Mail caught up with a few longtime staff members and new faces at Flowserve TKL on Wednesday to get their thoughts ahead of tomorrow’s celebrations.
Project Engineer Tony Norris will celebrate 45 years with the company in January.
“I started at 15, and I am a fourth-generation employee at the foundry, and my son was the fifth. He has since moved on. My mum and dad actually met here so I wouldn’t exist if not for the foundry,” Tony laughs.
“Mum used to clean the phones and Dad worked as a trade assistant. He spotted her, and it was love at first sight,” Tony said.
Machine Shop Supervisor Tyrone Rice joined the company at 16 and will mark 48 years in January.
“I think the biggest change I’ve seen here was the introduction of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines in 1980. It was a game-changer,” Tyrone said.
Production Supervisor Greg Cue has worked at the business for 39 years.
“I started at 17. I’ve enjoyed embracing the evolving technology over the years. You’ve got no choice but to keep up,” he said.
“I have worked alongside the likes of Gordon Brown, who retired after 50 years but still plays a role six years on. The company has a strong community focus and has been happy to support organisations such as the CFA and SES and allow members to down tools and support the community when needed,” Greg said.
Manufacturing Manager Samir Verna said he has only been with the company for five years, but has been warmly welcomed by the local team.
“There are so many long-serving employees here with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their fields; they are very generously passing that on to the next generation,” he said.
The Open Day will run from 10am to 2pm. The well-known ‘whistle’ will sound across the town at 10am to coincide with the raising of flags on the Parker Street site and the gates will open.
Thompsons Foundry Band will be performing, and there will be historical displays, a plaque unveiling by Lisa Chesters at 10.30am and free barbecue running throughout the day.
Guests can also enjoy a PowerPoint presentation by longtime former employee and noted local historian George Milford. A number of other local organisations, including Billmans Foundry, Castlemaine Historical Society Inc and Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum, will be opening their days and holding events to coincide with the celebrations.
A brief history …
According to the research of J.G. Burnell, the founders of the original foundry, brothers David and James Thompson, migrated from Northern Ireland to Victoria in 1852/53 and formed a partnership.
They first erected a Quartz Crushing Plant on old Quartz Hill. For the next ten years, they continued mining operations, being principally engaged on the erection of engines, batteries, pumps and winding gears for various mines in central Victoria.
In 1864, they erected a Flour Mill at the corner of Kennedy and Parker Streets, part of which is incorporated in the present offices of the company. They obtained a number of prizes for their flour, notably an award gained at the Paris Exhibition of 1867. This award now hangs in the writer’s office and is particularly interesting in that it bears the impress of Napoleon III, who was then on the throne of France, three years before his defeat at Sedan.
In 1875, the Thompson Bros began taking engineering work at the same premises. Milling was carried on for a further two years but was then abandoned, the plant being sold to a firm in New South Wales. The Engineering Works rapidly expanded supporting the needs of the growing colony with general engineering work, the mining industry, and the new railways being constructed and, by 1887, had grown to employ 120 men.
Over the years that have followed, the business has been known by many names, including Thompson & Co, Thompsons-Byron Jackson, and more recently Thompsons, Kelly and Lewis. The business was purchased by Flowserve in 2004.
Events on tomorrow October 18 include:
To coincide with the Flowserve TKL Open Day, a number of other local organisations with a connection to the historic foundry will open their days to offer tours, displays and demonstrations.
Local business Billmans Foundry at 5-7 Langslow Street will also open its doors between 10am and 2pm.
View some of Billmans current projects and see a live pour. This will allow visitors to witness Billmans heritage metal casting craftsmanship firsthand, offering a chance to see the creation of a unique Australian-made product in action.
Join members at the Castlemaine Historical Society Inc at the Former Court House at 7 Goldsmith Crescent for a special Open Day as they showcase highlights from their archives, with a spotlight on Thompsons Foundry – celebrating 150 years since its founding. Explore a fascinating collection on historical films, photographs and employee records, offering a unique glimpse into one of Castlemaine’s iconic industries. CHSI will be open between 1pm and 4pm. Entry: Gold coin donation.
Community members are also encouraged to take the time to visit a number of other significant sites in around Castlemaine. These include:
– Quartz Hill: Take a self-drive tour to Quartz Hill, off North St, Chewton, the scene of the Thompson Bros gold discovery that would today amount to millions of dollars.
– Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum: The Thompsons Display at MVMM was awarded an Engineering Excellence award. Open 9.30am to 6pm.
– View the Castlemaine Pioneers and Old Residents Association shop front display at 81 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine.
– Pay a visit to the Mount Alexander Vintage Engine Club, Muckleford (alongside the Muckleford Station), which has a Thompsons Stamper battery on site.