History

After returning from military service following World War II, Malcolm Macfarlane and Ian Alladice founded M.A. Macfarlane & Co. Pty Ltd in August 1949. Starting with little more than a motorcycle and sidecar, they began building a business that would grow into one of Australia's leading power generation specialists.

From its Clayton base, Macfarlane grew into a highly regarded electrical contractor, serving Melbourne’s rapidly developing south-eastern suburbs. This period of expansion continued until founder Malcolm Macfarlane’s passing in 1967.

Following the acquisition of M.A. Macfarlane & Co. Pty Ltd by former apprentice Gerald Kay in 1969, the business entered a new phase of growth. Combined with Gerald's existing electrical contracting company, G.G. Kay & Co. Pty Ltd, which relocated to Clayton in 1970, the businesses operated side-by-side and established the foundation for the company's future success in the power generation industry.

Macfarlane entered the power generation industry through a partnership with Dunlite Generators, establishing itself as a nationwide installation contractor. The Victorian power strikes of 1977 proved pivotal, helping lay the foundations for what would become its Industrial Generator Hire Service. Around this time, the company acquired its first hire unit, HP001, marking the beginning of its rental fleet.

Macfarlane also expanded into the Australian film and television sector, supplying specialist generator systems for early productions with Crawford Productions and Seven Network (Channel 7). During this period, it developed trailer-mounted, silenced generator sets tailored for production use, including 4WD-capable units designed for remote locations.

Its equipment has supported some of Australia’s most iconic productions, including Picnic at Hanging Rock, ANZACS, Crocodile Dundee I & II, The Man from Snowy River, and Number 96, establishing Macfarlane as a trusted power partner for both critical infrastructure and landmark screen productions.

Expanded nationally with branches opened in Sydney and Brisbane, followed later by Darwin. The company supported customers during Queensland power strikes, providing critical generator solutions to maintain continuity of operations for essential services and industry.

The business formally adopted the name Macfarlane Generators Pty Ltd, reflecting its growing specialisation in power generation. The rebranding marked an important milestone in the company’s evolution and laid the foundation for its future identity as one of Australia’s dedicated generator specialists.

During an economic recession, the company undertook a strategic restructuring to ensure long-term sustainability. Operations were reorganised into four core divisions: generator set sales, workshop repairs, parts sales, and field service support.

The business consolidated its eastern operations, relocating its Sydney base to Castle Hill and its Brisbane operations to Zillmere. This improved efficiency and strengthened regional support.

By 1996, Macfarlane re-entered the generator hire market through a joint venture, forming the Southern Generator Hire Service. The arrangement supplied generator sets under a three-year contract, marking a return to its core hire business and reinforcing its position in the industrial power sector.

The company continued to invest in growth by relocating and expanding its Brisbane and Melbourne facilities, enhancing capability and improving service delivery to better support customers.

Brisbane operations were relocated to Brendale. A new enlarged facility was established, incorporating a showroom, workshop, spare parts division, field service, and hire services forming the company’s current Brisbane base.

Melbourne operations were relocated to 136 Fairbank Road, Clayton South, establishing a substantial 11,000 m² site. The facility included a large showroom, administrative offices, a warehouse, field service operations, and an undercover hire department, becoming the company’s current Melbourne base.

This period also marked the first engagement with Pramac via M Power, expanding supplier and industry relationships.

Relocated and expanded our Sydney operations in 2012, strengthening our market presence.

In 2020, we achieved our first sale with PowerLink.

Most recently, in 2024, as we celebrated our 75th anniversary, we established a new branch in Perth, enhancing our service capability and expanding our national footprint.

The company has enjoyed steady and sustainable growth over the years, supported by a long-standing and dedicated workforce, trusted supplier partnerships, and a loyal customer base. Building on a proud legacy and a commitment to innovation, we look to the future with confidence, continuing to deliver Power Anywhere, Anytime!