By Deanne Jeffers
THE FURPHY commemorative tank end was officially unveiled at Greater Shepparton City Council Thursday, March 28. It is one of only 15 manufactured to mark 150 years of Furphy manufacturing in Shepparton.
In late 2023, Shepparton businesses Furphy Foundry and J. Furphy & Sons celebrated 150 years since the company founder moved operations from Kyneton to Shepparton, thus establishing an Australian manufacturing icon.
The Furphy’s were among the first 10 families to settle in Shepparton. Adam Furphy, managing director of J. Furphy & Sons, said the location remains the heartbeat of the business.
“It’s a great privilege to have had the history we have had in Shepparton,” said Adam at the presentation at Council’s customer service centre, “It’s location on the wall here is something we’re proud of because Shepparton has been a great part of our story, [and] our 30 businesses have also been part of Shepparton’s success as well.”
Sam Furphy, managing director of Furphy Foundry, said, “When we arrived in Shepparton all those years ago, it really was the start of the foundry operations which kicked off the manufacturing of the actual water cart end, which was cast iron back then.”
The last two additions of commemorative tank ends, including that at Council, have been made in cast aluminium. One is stationed at the Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE), where the spectacular 150 years event was held last year, others have been auctioned off with the proceeds going to charity. During the 150 year event in November, one tank end was auctioned for $50,000.
On behalf of the Council, mayor Shane Sali expressed gratitude for the generosity of the Furphy family. He said, “The history behind Furphy is a great Australian story, and the family is ambitious to keep growing what are already leading businesses here in Shepparton.”
