TERRAIN TAMER
DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS AND ITS AUSTRALIAN ROOTS…
Terrain Tamer is a 4WD Parts company, for the mechanic. Owned and operated by our founder and his family, we successfully take Australian innovation to 80 countries world-wide through our network of company owned, overseas branches.
TELL US SOME OF YOUR COMPANY HISTORY WITH AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING…
Since day one, Frank was extremely focused on customers service and a big part of this was hearing the mechanical issues they would have with a genuine part. He loved nothing more than developing an Australian made aftermarket solution to an OE problem. This would often involve several people doing different roles to produce the product. Early days there were many diesel conversions, upgraded engine rebuilds or modified gears and shafts.
By remaining family owned, we are always in contact with the direct customer and over decades we have developed a network of Australian people we can call on to discuss a solution. In the end, the product became a result of many people’s input and something we were all proud of.
WHY DO YOU CHOOSE TO MANUFACTURE IN AUSTRALIA?
There is an obvious quality factor that allows us to work with the Australians, but manufacturing in Australia also brings with it benefits that are hard to measure but certainly positive. Knowledge begins with conversations and then experience. We are able to have some really interesting conversations face to face, which gets our minds ticking over and creating some really intelligent solutions. Everyone in the room also appreciates the extreme conditions found by our Australian customers, so you don’t need to educate about this part of the equation.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN DEALING WITH AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURERS?
Firstly, our Intellectual Property is respected and policed. Then the ability to get in a car and have conversations with the man on the assembly line, allows for dynamic interaction and ultimately a better product. Finally, it’s an ongoing conversation where we can take our customer’s issues, explain them clearly and sometimes discuss them for a number of years till we all find a way forward. Such interaction is not easy with an overseas manufacturer.
WHO USES YOUR PRODUCTS?
The mechanic who really cares enough to fit the best, and is willing to explain the reason the customer needs to pay a little extra to keep save and avoid issue. In our country, a faulty part can be a very expensive and a dangerous recovery.
DO CUSTOMERS RESPOND DIFFERENTLY TO AUSTRALIAN MADE PRODUCTS?
In the past I would have suggested just as a nice-to-have benefit, but now we are seeing a real pride in Australia and willingness to pay a little extra for it. Covid 19 has made us all take stock of what is made here, not only to protect ourselves of short supply but also to keep Australians working and creating. In our case it also powers an Australian Family owned business forward!
WHAT AUSTRALIAN MADE PRODUCTS ARE IN DEVELOPMENT NOW?
Our range of exhaust systems are growing in size, a new range of comfort seats has just been released, our seat belt range is expanding, the range of “Smart” coil springs is extending, the Flashlube range is growing rapidly for us, seat covers continues to climb, snatch straps, Elockers and then some beautifully made RM Williams Recovery bags, Ute bags and merchandise.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOUR COMPANY?
It’s the ability for us to take the Australian made products to the world. That is where we are excited by our new South African branch opening up and allow us to take Australian innovation into all parts of Africa. This will be Terrain Tamer’s 7th international branch and evidence that our industry’s knowledge is in high demand with the wider 4WD community.