Through the years
Alan Rushton with Sammy Capozzi
CNC machinist circa 1980s, Kensington
Flexible Drive is building an organisation for the future on a foundation laid in the past.
Established in 1939, our company originally focused on repairing automotive instruments and mechanical cables - brake, speedometer, throttle, clutch, bonnet, and boot release, which quickly became the core of the business.
In the mid 1980s, a management buyout led to the formation of the modern Flexible Drive, with ownership held by Alan Rushton. Driven by passion for the automotive industry, entrepreneurship, and innovation, Alan worked tirelessly until his untimely death to shape the company's strategic direction and vision. He was highly respected throughout the industry and by his staff.
In 2014, Alan’s daughter Andrea Rushton, took on the role of Executive Director retaining majority ownership. Alongside industry veteran Kevin Holmes, Managing Director, and shareholder, their partnership revitalised the family business steering it toward a progressive future.
The new management team conducted a thorough review of the core business and decided to leverage the company's strengths - its long-standing supplier and customer base in original equipment manufacturing and the automotive aftermarket. Flexible Drive is now streamlined and focused on clearly defined markets and control systems products.
As Australia’s leading manufacturer, designer, and repairer of cables for diverse applications, we continue to produce essential products, from micro medical cables to large scale rotational shafts used in Australian Naval vessels. However, our scope extends beyond these core products. Our business evolves with industry advancements, using new technologies to develop bespoke solutions across our product categories.
Flexible Drive operates a national network of sales and warehouses across Australia serving sophisticated customers. Our mission remains true to Alan’s original vision: to pioneer new techniques and drive change in a traditional industry, ensuring a seamless user experience in creating, sourcing, and delivering control systems solutions for OEMs, regulated fleets and aftermarket transportation customers.
Andrea and Kevin are committed to driving continuous improvement and sustainable growth throughout the organisation, supporting both current customers and future generations. It’s a remarkable journey. Nearly four decades after Alan Rushton's vision first guided the business, Flexible Drive's iconic brand remains widely respected and instantly recognisable through its distinctive orange branding.
Who we are today
Flexible Drive Head Office
Keilor Park, Victoria
Today the world presents more challenges than ever before since we first launched our business. As technology has evolved, so have we. From mechanical systems to hydraulics, and then to electronics, we've continually adapted. Now we're at the forefront of innovation with advanced 3D printing allowing us to produce components directly from 3D CAD data, as well as, developing digital systems to support product search and ecommerce.
Yet, one thing remains constant: our commitment. We are a proudly independent Australian manufacturer and distributor, steadfast in providing the solutions that OEMs, regulated fleets and aftermarket distributors need.
Originally based in Flemington and then operating from Kensington for over 25 years, we moved our head office to a state-of-the-art facility in Keilor Park, Victoria, in 2020.
We are dedicated to supporting forward-thinkers: those who build, maintain and supply exceptional equipment. Our mission is to offer superior solutions with excellent availability, outstanding value and long-term support. That's our unwavering commitment to you.