Thompsons of Castlemaine
Thompsons of Castlemaine was a very significant manufacturing business during its approximate 100 years of operation under the Thompsons name and, in a limited sense, continues to operate under the name of Flowserve after its takeover. Thompson's Engineering Works has historical significance for the important role it has played in the development of an engineering and manufacturing industry in Australia.
It was one of the three main employers in Castlemaine during its heyday, employing up to 800 workers during World War II and produced some of Australia’s greatest engineering accomplishments. The company became one of the major manufacturing industries in Victoria and throughout Australasia, designing and manufacturing machinery, sluicing and dredging equipment, pumping plants, railway points and crossings, steam locomotives, revolutionary stationary steam engines and various turbines among many other things.
The recognition of the Thompsons of Castlemaine is aided by a collection of over 50,000 engineering drawings and several pieces of Thompsons designed and manufactured machinery held by the Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum.
The large and prominently situated Thompson’s complex has been built and extended over a period of more than 120 years. The site is currently divided between several occupants, with Flowserve holding the majority of the original property. The towering 1919 chimney stack, a prominent landmark in Castlemaine, as well as the two-storey tuck-pointed brick office building provides the opportunity for a link between Thompson Castlemaine and the relics associated with it.
Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
| Marker Type | Engineering Heritage National Marker (EHNM) |
| Award Date | August 2015 |
| Heritage Significance | During its early years Thompsons specialised in the production of equipment for the mining and pumping industry, pioneering hydraulic gold sluicing systems, but after receiving a contract for the manufacture of locomotives in 1913 there was an emphasis on this work alongside of the production of machinery, sluicing and dredging equipment for the mining industry, pumping plants and equipment, railway points and crossings. Later the focused turned to engines, pumps and turbines. |
| Nomination Document | Available here. |
| Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report |
Not Available. |
| Plaque/Interpretation Panel | Available here. |
