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It all began with the perseverance and determination of the young man after whom
the company is named. Having been part of one of Britain's great 'railway families'
during the Industrial Revolution of the nineteenth century, William Adams set out
for the new world and unknown challenges of Australia in 1883.
After a modest start as a Vacuum Brakes salesman, Adams began to focus on greater
ambitioins, starting his own business. With his knowledge of the British railway
scene, he won contracts for rolling stock, then set out to acquire the agencies
of some of the best locomotive products of the day. In doing so, he established
the ethos that has served the company ever since - to link engineering skills, marketing
and technical expertise to the best there is in machinery.
The William Adams company prospered across the decades, thanks largely to its ability
to adapt to the rapid changes in technology. The emergence of electricity saw the
company developing steam generators to make the new power source. Later, petrol
and diesel engines took their place on the production line. But the strongest relationship
was forged in 1926, when William Adams imported a two tonne CAT diesel tractor,
which was sold to a Mr Hughes of Kooba Station, at Whitten, New South Wales. Since
that very day, the links between Caterpillar and William Adams have grown and flourished.
Today,William Adams and Caterpillar are inseparable. The William Adams company focuses
all its considerable resources upon selling, maintaining and servicing the wide
range of Caterpillar equipment, in the ongoing quest to meet the demands of Caterpillar
customers on the land, in maritime surroundings, in industry and in construction.
Nearly a century after young William Adams first set foot on Australian soil, an
ambitious apprentice mechanic began his rise within the ranks of the company. Dale
Elphinstone learned his craft quickly, and by the age of 21 was off to America to
learn more about Caterpillar. Returning in 1974, he was full of ideas for Australia's
mining industry. The William Adams company, however, was not yet ready to diversify.
This was the impetus for the founding of Dale B Elphinstone Pty Ltd.
By 1987, Dale B Elphinstone was able to acquire William Adams Pty Ltd. Since this
time, his knowledge of Caterpillar, combined with formidable business skills, has
produced a team full of dedication and enthusiasm for the business and the people
they serve.
So the quest begun by William Adams continues into a third century. The company
he founded has grown, prospered and changed in many ways since that first step was
taken back in 1883. But the heart of the business is the same as it ever was - to
serve through its machinery, and to continue doing so long into the new millennium.
“ Let's not get lost in our bigness. Let's retain the advantages
of a small company - the congeniality, the flexibility, the respect for people."
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