OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Company Histories STROMBERG-CARLSON - Who Were They?

Hello ODK History Lovers

Stromberg-Carlson would have been a household name when they were at their peak in the 1920s and 1930s.
Their manufacture of just one lawnmower model in the early 1960s was really about company survival.

Apart from an initial controlling financial interest of its Parent Company, the records tell us that
Stromberg-Carlson (A'SIA) was a fully independent operation in Australia and developed many products
and engaged in commercial endeavours of its own initiative.

Initially, it was a radio company and it imported receivers from the United States.
However, it quickly started its own Australian manufacture of receivers and associated electrical
components, including loud speakers. Stromberg also made receiver components for other radio
manufacturers, including Audiola and Crosley.

The company's biggest event was probably the opening of its new factory at Bourke Road, Alexandria,
in Sydney's inner-east in 1936. Here is a 1960s photo of that factory:-



The new factory was a result of a very healthy demand for Stromberg radios and components.
Indeed, with much fanfare, the Alexandria facility was officially opened by the Prime Minister
of the day, The Right Honourable Andrew Lyons.

I reproduce an extract from an article about that opening. I do so because it is a good summary of
the protectionist policies employed by governments of the time to foster secondary industries.
It was about Nation building:-



TO BE CONTINUED ...

POST WAR

In the war years - 1939 and 1945 - Stromberg continued with receiver radio manufacture, though at a
reduced rate. Their war production included the manufacture of telephones and telephone switchboards
for the Australian Army.

Post-war, there were new possibilities.
Time and time again, I read about companies that adapted to a new, more modern, and affluent Australia.
Many of the 'radio companies' diversified into other consumer goods ... televisions, vacuum cleaners,
polishers, kitchen appliances ... lawnmowers.

In my view, Stromberg were either under-capitalised or left their run too late. After the
advent of televisions in Australia, Stromberg attempted to participate in this new medium,
but failed to excite the consumer. They made some kitchen appliances and even commenced electronic
organ manufacture. Lawnmower manufacture began in 1960. I discuss that machine in another post.

The historical record says that a lack of working capital and investment in new technologies pushed
Stromberg into financial stress. The company was liquidated and delisted on the 1st of October, 1962.

The rest is history.

Here is a stunning restoration of a Stromberg lawnmower.
A larger image is available as a Model Record (link below)


Owner: Patrick Image: Vintagemowers.net

STROMBERG-CARLSON LAWNMOWER



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