About Luxfords

The story begins in the late 1940s in Springvale, Victoria, when skilled pattern-maker Robert Oliver “Bob” Luxford established Luxfords Engineering at 126–132 Springvale Road. What started as a general engineering and pattern-making workshop quickly grew into a respected producer of high-quality machined components and custom work for local industry.

By 1954, the business had developed and launched its signature Luxford Pipe Trolley range — an innovative overhead materials-handling system that became an Australian industry standard and remains in production today. This product marked the company's first major step into specialised industrial solutions.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the business diversified strongly into the booming recreational marine sector. Bob Luxford — a passionate boater and competitive ski racer — personally drove the expansion. The family introduced the ROLCO brand (derived from Robert Oliver Luxford Company), which encompassed marine engine conversions adapting popular car engines from Ford, Holden, Chrysler, and Chevrolet for marine use, along with non-ferrous castings, exhaust manifolds, and complete petrol and diesel marine engines.

ROLCO products quickly gained a strong reputation for reliability and performance. Bob raced famous ski boats named ROLCO III and ROLCO IV on the Murray River, helping pioneer events like the Southern 80. During this period the business also built small steel workboats and tugs.

By the early 1970s, the marine division had formalised as Luxfords Marine, operating alongside the engineering arm from the Springvale base. The company evolved into a leading distributor and solutions provider, supplying premium marine and industrial products including heat exchangers, oil coolers, steering systems, exhausts, plumbing, shaft seals, and an expanding portfolio of international brands.

In 1992, the original engineering and conveyor business was restructured, with the industrial conveying and pipe-trolley legacy continuing independently (now operating as Luxford Conveyor from Sunbury). The marine distribution arm continued separately, later relocating to Mornington on Victoria's beautiful Mornington Peninsula and trading as Luxfords Marine & Industrial Solutions.

In July 2007, Mark and Jodie acquired the business, continuing operations under the established Luxfords name. Under their leadership the company expanded its product range, strengthened customer relationships with shipwrights, boat builders, and owners, and upheld the same commitment to quality and service that had defined the brand for decades.

In late 2025 the business changed hands once again, with new owners honoured to become custodians of this iconic Australian name. They are committed to building on the proud legacy while embracing innovation and the highest standards of customer support.

Today, Luxfords Marine Industrial Solutions remains a trusted, family-oriented supplier with deep roots in Australian engineering and marine innovation. As the Australian distributor for Bowman, Savage, Exalto, and PSS, and the authorised Victorian distributor for Vetus, Maxwell, Hydrive, Cathodic Anodes Australasia, and Poly Flex Couplings, the company serves shipwrights, boat builders, repairers, and boat owners across Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia–Pacific region.

From a small Springvale workshop in the post-war years to a modern specialist operating from Mornington, the Luxfords story is one of resilience, ingenuity, and a genuine passion for the sea and industry.