Australian WW2 Factory Reserved Engineer Kelly and Lewis Factory Lapel Badge

Frosted white metal and enamel. Officially numbered on the reverse with brooch pin .


Founded in 1899, Kelly & Lewis has a proud history as a pump design and manufacturing company that extends over a century. Continuing the coverage of the history of the Australian pump industry, which we began in the November 2014 edition, here we explore the company’s long history. We map their growth through both world wars and their evolution into Thompsons Kelly & Lewis, through to the company’s eventual decline as tariffs forced an end to Australia’s manufacturing industry.

Kelly & Lewis was founded in 1899 by Edward Powell Lewis and George William Kelly after the pair met through Atlas Iron Works. Their business relationship soon developed into a solid friendship, and the two had often discussed going into business together. But a murky economic climate still recovering from its slump, and the need for start-up capital, left Lewis hesitant to leave his position of Works Manager at Thompson’s Foundry.

Despite his hesitations, Lewis managed to source financial backers, and in September 1899, they established their firm under its original name of Geo W. Kelly & Lewis.

The firm began with £6,000 in capital, and progressed well up until the First World War. They initially worked out of Kelly’s original blacksmithing shop in Melbourne, and staff included a clerk, a typist, and several draughtsmen. Steady business allowed the firm to grow, and they soon employed 50 men across their three departments: blacksmithing, boilermaking, and the machine shop. Eventually, a large order placed by Victorian Railways for locomotive cylinders demanded greater capacity, and the firm moved to larger premises which they continued to expand over the years.

In its first 15 years, Geo W. Kelly & Lewis experienced continued growth, taking on larger and larger contracts. In 1913, the firm had been converted into a proprietary company and had capital of £50,000. When World War I began, the company moved into munitions production, with a contract for 18 pounder shells. The company also collaborated with inventor Mr A. de Bavay to build the required equipment. They also produced the first aircraft engines made in Australia. Though wartime production deadlines placed considerable pressure on Kelly & Lewis, they continued to plan ahead and commenced two developmental projects to be continued when peace was restored, which included expanding into other states.

When peace arrived in 1918, the firm had established its position and reputation. George Kelly passed away in 1919, and control of the business passed to Edward Lewis and his son E Llewellyn Lewis, who was a Director of the company. By 1921, the Lewis family had repurchased all of the company’s shares. Expansion required the firm to move, and by 1927 the new plant in Springvale was fully operational. The economic recession of the 1930s curtailed production, and the firm experienced a difficult economic period. Edward Lewis passed away in 1930, with management passing to his sons Llewellyn and Kelvin Lewis. The firm began producing high speed diesel-powered engines, and established a subsidiary engine business. In 1939 the proprietary company was converted into a public company, and in 1940 the company’s name was changed to Kelly & Lewis Ltd.

Throughout World War II, Kelly & Lewis greatly expanded its range of equipment. The company designed and manufactured steam generating sets, high-pressure portable pumping plants, portable electric generating sets, tank transport trailers, fuel pumps, and steel telegraph poles and radio masts. The company also supplied thousands of centrifugal pumps for water supply to industry and camps.

Post-war, Australia proceeded with many large-scale development works. Kelly & Lewis accordingly established and acquired multiple manufacturing subsidiaries. Having diversified their group structure, the company focused on product research and development, setting up laboratories at the Springvale site. By 1950, a range of centrifugal pumps had been developed in the hydraulic laboratory, which had a range of equipment including generators, dynamometers, switchboards, flow measuring systems, and calibration tanks.

Above Ref- Kelly and Lewis Website.

Code: 2688