THE HISTORY OF DOWNEE: 96 YEARS OF INNOVATION AND CUSTOMER CARE
February 11, 2025
Downee’s legacy of resilience and innovation
Downee’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the people we serve. It all began in 1928 when a young W.H. “Bill” Downey, inspired by a vision of practical solutions, set up a small manufacturing workshop in Sydney. During the Great Depression, Bill’s ingenuity offered a lifeline for many struggling Australians with his invention, the Down-ee Rabbit Trap. This creation didn’t just showcase Bill’s problem-solving spirit—it enabled countless families to provide for themselves during tough times. Paving the way for Downee to become the complete perimeter solutions partner offering gate automation, fence, door and gate hardware for residential, commercial and industrial projects.
Listening and learning: Bill’s journey across Australia
Bill was more than an inventor; he was a man of the people. Determined to understand his customers’ needs first hand, he journeyed over 13,000 kilometres across Australia in his 1927 Chrysler. His travels weren’t just about selling rabbit traps; they were about building trust and community, listening to those who relied on his products, and learning how best to support them. This dedication to customer care and going the extra mile—literally—became the heart of the Downee brand.
Adapting through the decades: A commitment to innovation
As times changed, Downee continued to evolve, expanding beyond rabbit traps to automotive components and eventually gate and fence hardware. Bill’s ethos of innovation and quality carried the company through challenging times, from wars and economic downturns to global changes, always maintaining a focus on customer service and reliability.
In recent years, Downee has further embraced innovation by developing its own range of gate automation products. By staying true to Bill’s commitment to quality and dependability, we have cemented our place as a trusted partner in perimeter solutions, serving a diverse range of customers with products that simplify security and enhance convenience.
Downee today: A partner in Complete Perimeter Solutions
Today, Downee is more than just a manufacturer; we’re a partner for businesses, tradespeople, and communities across Australia and New Zealand. As an Australian brand with a proud 96-year history, our commitment to quality and innovation endures. Downee is the complete perimeter solutions partner offering gate automation, fence, door and gate hardware
Our approach is rooted in trust, expertise, and an unwavering dedication to understanding what it takes to succeed. We don’t just sell products; we offer a partnership built on mutual respect and a deep understanding of our customers’ needs—carrying forward the spirit of Bill Downey’s dedication to our communities.
For trusted perimeter solutions and a partner in success, explore Downee’s range today and discover the legacy of quality and care that has been our foundation for 96 years.
