Historical information

McPherson’s Pump Works was established in 1939 at 213–221 Sunshine Road, Tottenham, as part of McPherson’s shift from hardware merchandising into Australian manufacturing.

The McPherson’s Pump Works operated alongside the Wiltshire Files factory. The Wiltshire Files factory was located at the front, facing Sunshine Road, the McPherson’s Pump Works at the rear.

The Ajax Pumps Company was the operational name for McPherson’s pump manufacturing division.

The Tottenham plant produced industrial pumps, cast metal components, engineering fittings and wartime industrial supplies.

The peak operations of the plant were during the 1950’s to 1970’s period. This was before the decline of the late 20th century that saw manufacturing consolidated into fewer sites, and parts of the Tottenham complex were demolished and the remaining structures suffered vandalism and deterioration.

Significance

Today, the 1939, 1947, and 1965 sections remain highly intact, making the site one of the most important surviving industrial complexes in the region.

The site is significant for its association with McPherson’s, one of Australia’s major industrial firms, its role in wartime and post war manufacturing, Its modernist industrial architecture and contribution to the industrialisation of Tottenham and the western suburbs.

The site is now protected by Heritage Overlay HO163.

Physical description

Digital black & white photograph

Inscriptions & markings

An Ajax International series pump casing being machined at Mcphersons Pump Works at Tottenham, Victoria.