The Legacy of Davell Products – 80 Years of Australian Craftsmanship
Davell Products Pty Limited stands as a testament to the enduring strength of Australian manufacturing.
For eight decades, the company has operated from its original location in Kirrawee, New South Wales maintaining a steadfast commitment to quality products that began in 1946.
Founded in the post-war era by Mr Ross Davies and Mr Thomas Bidewell – combining their surnames to create the name – Davell, a permanent tribute to their partnership. What started as a modest venture in a recovering economy has flourished into a third-generation family business that continues to champion locally made steel products along with exceptional customer service.
From Kitchens to Commercial Storage & Lockers
The evolution of Davell’s product line reflects the changing landscape of Australian industry:
- The Post-War Era: Initially, Davell met the needs of a growing nation by manufacturing electric stovettes.
- An electric stovette is a compact, self-contained electric cooking appliance – essentially a smaller version of a stove or oven unit.
- Historically, stovettes were designed for homes or apartments that needed a space-saving cooking solution.
They typically included a combination of:- One or more electric hotplates on top for cooking in pans
- A small built-in oven or grill compartment below
- Simple controls for heat settings
- They were especially popular in the post–World War II period when housing was smaller and electrification of kitchens was expanding.
- The second generation ushered in the “Golden Age of Appliances” for the business.
Under the leadership of Ross Davies’s sons, Allen and Esmond and Thomas Bidewell’s sons, Stanley and Brian, the company developed a highly successful range of upright and benchtop electric ovens and clothes dryers.
These products became household staples, distributed primarily through the various County Councils of that era.
A Strategic Pivot: In 1987, facing intense pressure from overseas imports, Davell made the strategic decision to sell its oven division to St George Ranges Pty Ltd, allowing the company to refocus on its core strengths of high grade steel storage solutions.
Manufacturing a range of Card Cabinets, Stationery Racks, Stationery Cabinets, Smokers Trays, Waste Paper Bins, Filing Cabinets, Lockers, Hinged Door Cabinets and Adjustable Steel Shelving.
Modern Expertise: Secure Storage for a Digital World
Today, Davell Products is owned and operated by Brenton Gray, the husband of one of Thomas Bidewell’s two granddaughters, making him the third generation of the family to lead the company.
Davell is recognized as a market leader in precision engineered steel lockers who’s expansive locker catalog caters to schools, workplaces, and industrial sites, blending traditional durability with modern technology.
Davell’s current specialisation includes:
- Education & Workplace Lockers: A diverse range of school, clothes, and multi-storage lockers designed for heavy-duty use.
- Specialised Charging Solutions: As technology has evolved, so has Davell. We now offer sophisticated laptop, mobile phone and power tool charging lockers, ensuring devices remain secure and powered.
- Compact Storage: From mini lockers for personal effects to specialized lockbox systems, every product is built with the same “Davell-tough” philosophy.
Complimenting the extensive locker range are locker stands, lockers stands with intergrated seating, bench seating, hinged door cabinets and adjustable steel shelving.
Davell also manufactures innovative custom designed products to meet the particular needs of customers.
All products are finished with durable, scuff and scratch resistant thermoset powder coat that is environmentally friendly and available in a wide range of colours.
Why Davell Stands Out
“Eighty years on, our mission remains unchanged: to provide Australian-made products that outlast the competition, backed by the kind of service only a family-run business can provide.”
By choosing Davell, clients aren’t just buying a locker, they are investing in eight decades of engineering heritage.
Every product that leaves the Kirrawee factory carries the legacy of Davies and Bidewell – built by Australians for Australians.
