Based in Mordialloc, in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs, Redline Engineering has remained internationally competitive through a simple strategy of ‘Engineering with Service’ combined with investment in the latest technology.
A third-generation family company, Redline commenced operations in 1969 when the legendary record-breaking drag racer Eddie Thomas decided to turn his passion for designing and manufacturing automotive speed equipment into a business. He launched what has gone on to become a precision component manufacturing enterprise, and the drive, passion and high-performance commitment continues today through Eddie’s son Ken Thomas, now Redline’ Managing Director, and his son-in-law Ken Stuart, the company’s Director and General Manager. The two Kens lead a team of highly skilled and dedicated personnel.
With an eye to precision, Redline purchased its first Okuma machine in the early 1990s. The company has subsequently developed an enduring, strong supplier relationship with the Okuma brand over the intervening period, with those early precision machines still in operation more than 20 years on.
“When reviewing the market for our next new machine, Okuma was the standout with their professional proactive approach,” says Stuart. “It is one of the few companies which has had a constant presence in Australia over many decades and is backed by a strong innovative parent company in Japan. Sales, service and technical personnel are outstanding as is their training support.”
The latest investment to complement Redline’s already-impressive machine line-up is an Okuma CNC Horizontal Machining Centre Model MB4000H, with an OSP-P300MA Control and an Auto Pallet Changer for six pallets. This new machine is already reducing machine set-up times in Redline’s workshop, significantly increasing manufacturing flexibility while delivering consistent high-quality accuracy. It also occupies a relatively small footprint for its significant output.
“With the new Auto-Pallet changer we are able to adapt to our customers’ needs and change from one job to another quickly with ease and efficiency,” explains Stuart.
Today the company’s capabilities include: alloy steels, engineering plastics, aluminium alloys, stainless steels, exotic alloys, brass and bronze. The extensive range of services provided by Redline today are the result of the company’s ongoing policy of proactively searching for ways to ensure that customers are delivered complete manufacturing solutions, through value-added services such as precision assembly, heat treatment, grinding, polishing, anodising, painting, plating, bending and fabrication.
Whilst direct export sales for the company are growing, a large percentage of the output from this engineering company ends up indirectly in the international market with components going into diverse markets such as aviation, defence, high-end automotive, medical and transport, including trucks, trains and light rail.
“The new Okuma CNC horizontal machining centre allows Redline to retain a competitive edge and is opening up further opportunities with existing customers,” says Stuart. “It provides us with greater flexibility, especially with the pallets, which enable jobs to remain set up between runs. It also ensures we continue to be at the forefront of our industry and our team see our investment in the latest technology as important for their long-term security and embrace the opportunities this brings.”
To ensure only quality components and assemblies are delivered to its clients the Redline facility has fully equipped metrology capabilities, including optical CMM measurement. These operate under extensive quality assuranwce (QA) systems supported by dedicated resources covering Redline’s accreditation to ISO 9001 standard.
“Ongoing success in manufacturing requires investment in technology to differentiate in a service-orientated business, and meet the broader requirements of our customers to truly provide ‘Engineering with Service’,” Stuart concludes.