Hello ODK history lovers Under the Golden Rule of “not placing all your eggs in the one basket,” some Aussie companies diversified into seemingly un-connected enterprise …
Some companies did so out of necessity. There are heaps of those; particularly post-war companies, that had to engage in new enterprise to survive in a changing world.
Other companies did so because they could! Remember Victa’s eclectic mix … lawnmowers, public phones, pre-fab housing … aircraft! What was Merv thinking? I do not think this arose out of necessity though – but from brilliant entrepreneurial spirit. Merv had the money to foster bigger ideas. Some worked; some didn’t.
This story is about a more humble ‘survivor' – a company that diversified probably to survive in the modern world. I am discussing a company that survives to this day, and started by Joseph James Boseley in the late 1950s.
So … what company springs to mind that made this eclectic mix: food warmers, food cookers, hair clippers, shavers, battery terminals,a lawn edger [that has sold over one Million units over the last 5 decades!], and a lawnmower! Did I mention ... pillows...?
Do you know who I’m discussing here?
This company deserves recognition and an ODK History Record.
