Beneath the vibrant hues of Louise Paramor’s creation stands the Transformer. This striking yellow and red steel rocket-shaped artwork captures the essence of innovation. However, its name has a deeper resonance in Melbourne’s history. The Transformer echoes the legacy of the Wilson Transformer Company.
Let me tell you about Jack Wilson. He was the founder of Wilson Transformer Company. His story began in 1933. He arrived from the UK to work as a transformer electrical design engineer. He worked at a small factory in South Melbourne. A few years later he started his own business. It was called Wilson Electrical Products.
Wilson had a simple vision. He wanted to establish a high-performing business. He wanted to invest in its people, technology, assets and processes. Early employees knew him as “the Chief”. He had the ability to turn ideas into reality. This was a difficult task in those days. Technical experience, equipment and capital were limited. Jack was ahead of his time. He was an exceptional engineer, businessman and leader. He left an impressive legacy in Australian manufacturing.
The company is now known as Wilson Transformer Company Pty Ltd WTC. It is Australia’s largest manufacturer of distribution and power transformer solutions. They operate two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. One is in regional Victoria. The other is in metropolitan Melbourne. They also have service facilities across Australia and in the UK. WTC has also invested in joint ventures and subsidiaries. These are in South East Asia, the Middle East and the United States.
WTC offers end-to-end transformer solutions. This includes product specification review and design. They also handle manufacture and factory acceptance tests. Installation, site testing, condition monitoring and maintenance are part of their services. They also provide repair services, spare parts and asset disposal.
For over 90 years WTC has delivered high-quality and reliable transformer solutions. These solutions meet customers’ standard or complex requirements. Their team of experts are known as “The Transformer People.”
Wilson Transformer Company is a proud Australian-based and owned business. It spans three generations of the Wilson family. They are committed to further building their capabilities. This supports critical energy infrastructure. It also supports heavy electricity users across Australia. They also target overseas markets.
In 1933, Wilson Transformer Company was founded by Jack Wilson. It was in Sturt Street, South Melbourne. The initial company name was Wilson Electric Products. During the first four years, the Company moved twice. It first moved to Dorcas Street. Then it moved to Wells Street, South Melbourne. During this time, the Company changed its name. It became Wilson Electric Transformer Company. In 1987, the Company name changed again. It became Wilson Transformer Company.
In 1938, WTC moved to a 17000 square feet site in Crockford Street, Port Melbourne. This was the site of the old Port Melbourne market. In 1952, WTC moved its operations to Glen Waverley, Australia. This is the present site of its Head Office. It is also where power transformer manufacturing operations take place. The Glen Waverley site was continuously upgraded. Major expansions happened in 1959, 1963, 1969 and 2009.
So next time you see the Transformer artwork, remember the story of Jack Wilson. He powered Australia’s electrical future. The Wilson Transformer Company continues to innovate. They deliver power solutions across the globe.