ARB racks up half a century

LEGENDARY Aussie off-road accessory manufacturer and distributor, ARB 4x4 Accessories (after Anthony Ronald Brown, the company’s founder) is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, a half century during which the Kilsyth, Victoria-based company forged a reputation for engineering quality and off-road innovation.

From humble beginnings in a Melbourne garage, ARB has become a global leader in the 4x4 accessories industry, remaining at the forefront of off-road exploration, empowering adventurers worldwide with premium-quality products.

It all began in 1975 when company founder Tony Brown identified the need for more durable off-road accessories after a rugged trip to Cape York.

Back then, off-road drivers relied on homemade or ill-fitting equipment that was not designed for extensive outback expeditions. Endless corrugated roads, extreme temperatures, and the heavy loads carried by Australian travellers were tremendously punishing on vehicles that regularly tackled these kinds of conditions.

Tony’s many years spent toiling on his Series 1 Land Rover proved extremely beneficial to others in the top end during his travels. Damaged bull bars and broken roof racks ensured Tony’s expertise was regularly called upon, and through this experience an idea was born – well engineered, durable equipment that would meet the vigorous demands of 4WD owners.

His determination to create stronger, more reliable products led to the development of ARB’s first roof racks and bull bars, setting the foundation for what would become an internationally recognised brand.

ARB’s unerring focus on engineering, manufacturing and distribution has been its backbone underlined by “countless” hours of design, testing, and production that go into every product.

Its attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality, adventure-ready solutions to off-road enthusiasts worldwide has facilitated global expansion across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

ARB products are distributed in over 140 countries, supported by an extensive network of international partners and subsidiaries. Ford Australia dealers use ARB off road products for the Ranger and Everest utility and SUV models.

Today’s requirements for more complex designs are met with highly advanced, Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) sheet fabrication facilities.

ARB’s design and engineering team utilises the latest CAD, CAM parametric modelling systems and finite element analysis packages, and is supported by independent companies and universities for special projects like vibration, strength and crash testing.

The company’s production facilities are also equipped with a range of state-of-the-art machinery suited to the manufacture of metal products including laser cutting, brake pressing, guillotining, CNC bending, machining and turning.

With welding intrinsic to its products ARB is equipped with MIG, TIG, robot and spot-welding facilities and also have powder coating and spray-painting centres.

Aided by automation, stringent quality controls are in place to maintain high standards as exemplified in the company’s ARB Earth Camper vehicle that can withstand virtually any off-road environment.

ARB says it plans to maintain its position as an innovator in the industry by utilising the most modern, state-of-the-art fabrication equipment and machinery and through investing in research and development covering “future-forward” innovation.

The company’s 50-year celebrations will be marked, among other things, by hitting the “tracks” in a rolling 4x4 adventure that started in April out of Melbourne heading into the Victorian High Country, where ARB put its gear to the test in one of Australia’s most iconic off-road destinations.

After that, ARB will take on four other epic locations across Australia from the rugged terrain of Cape York to the vast dunes of the Simpson Desert, before heading overseas for four international adventures all aimed at highlighting ARB’s expertise in equipping vehicles for the toughest conditions.