ENGINEERINGThe Past
R. Moore & Sons
The Early Years
When 16-year old Robert Moore and his brother Tom arrived from Ireland in Fremantle in 1897, no one could have imagined the incredible impact Robert would have on the developing state of Western Australia.
During his first two decades here, Robert Moore went wherever there was work, giving him a handy familiarity with the people and places of regional Australia – and a lot of experience.
From working in the Kalgoorlie mines, where he accumulated enough capital to buy two hotels in Anaconda near Leonora with his new wife Amelia, to purchasing cordial factories in Kalgoorlie and Norseman, Robert had his finger in many pies. At age 24, he employed 24 staff.
In 1918, he moved his family to Perth where he transported oils, kerosene and petrol for the Vacuum Oil Company. He also bought a market garden in Jandakot, which he built up and later sold to buy a fleet of trucks to deliver bulk newspapers for West Australian Newspapers.
In all of these ventures, Robert used his strongest and most fundamental skills – understanding people, trusting his intuitions and repairing things; diesel engines were his specialty.

Engineering the future
Entering The Engineering Business
In 1920, Robert Moore saw an opportunity in the short supply of engine parts and vehicle components such as axles, gears and differentials to be made locally. He set up a workshop at 60 Short Street, Perth, behind the family home.
The business grew and employed 10 staff and 8 apprentices by 1927, surviving the Great Depression of the 1930s because the demand for tractor, car and truck parts continued. Then, as now, R. Moore & Sons remained competitive because they produced a high-quality product suited to the market.
R. Moore & Sons
RMS & WWII
In early 1939, few workshops had the experience, expertise and machines to manufacture engine components in WA. Prior to hostilities, RMS requested approval and certification to manufacture and repair of aero engines and components.
Following a General Motors Holden audit of capacity, a contract was issued to RMS to make Bren Gun Carrier, Tiger Moth aircraft and Bofor Gun parts.
The Ministry of Munitions supplied the company with extra specialised machines and equipment and issued it an A1 Priority which, among other things, excluded the 46 male employees from military call up.
Further contracts were awarded by the Australian Army, Navy and Air Force and, by 1942, the company was at capacity undertaking munitions work, with double shifts to meet the demand.
In March 1942, guards were supplied to protect the R. Moore & Sons facility and these Special Peace Officers remained until the end of the war.
During this wartime period, RMS also carried out work for the US Navy.

Engineering the future
After The War
RMS was able to maintain its 50 staff after the war as the demand for agricultural and automotive replacement parts returned. Larger machines were purchased, increasing the company’s range of capacity.
In 1948, the Moore’s made their first venture into fishing (jumping on the WA Government’s desire to develop the north to open up industries for export and employment) and within two years became a public company which started many new fishing industries, creating seasonal employment for more than 200 staff.
The RMS workshop provided maintenance for the vessels and industrial equipment needed to support these endeavours.

R. Moore & Sons
The Passing of Robert Moore SNR
When Robert Moore (Snr) died on 5 July 1957, aged 76, a tribute was paid to him for the development of the engineering and commercial fishing industry in Western Australia and the results of his years of hard work and leadership.
He was described as one of WA’s pioneers and great industrialists.
Robert’s three surviving sons Bob (RB), Lindsay (LA), and William (Bill) were by now experienced and capable managers and formed a close working family team at RMS. Bob Jr. soon took on the roll of manager RMS workshop.
Engineering the future
RMS Expands
By 1960, RMS was facing stronger competition in the light automotive field. To combat this, small branches were established in Fremantle, Welshpool, Morley and Bunbury, offering garages same day service for small, light work. These also offered a range of exchange components.
While other company ventures were developed, the original RMS workshop faced new challenges and opportunities. The highly technical servicing of Diesel Fuel Injection components, firmly held by Original Equipment Manufacturers, saw RMS step up to create a fuel engine room at its Kewdale site. This quickly grew to employ 12 fitters, allowing the company to dominate the market. By 1972, this service was offered at 5 locations.
