Information & News
Backer Cynebar Ohmic Expands Brisbane Manufacturing with Acquisition of Hurtle Webster Wire Wound Resistor Range
by JN ·

At the end of August, Backer Cynebar Ohmic proudly completed the acquisition of the Hurtle Webster wire wound resistor product range, marking a significant milestone in the company's continued investment in Australian manufacturing and electrical engineering capability.
Following the acquisition, production successfully commenced in September after the complete transfer of machinery, tooling, inventory, and technical documentation from Melbourne to our Brisbane manufacturing facility.

Strengthening Australian Manufacturing
The integration of the Hurtle Webster resistor range aligns with Backer Cynebar Ohmic's long-term strategy of expanding locally manufactured electrical products while preserving the expertise and quality that Australian industry has relied upon for decades.
By relocating the production equipment into our existing Brisbane facility, we have been able to streamline manufacturing operations, improve production efficiencies, and ensure continuity of supply for customers across Australia and overseas.
The move also reinforces our commitment to maintaining critical electrical manufacturing capability in Australia at a time when many specialised products are increasingly sourced from offshore suppliers.
Continuing a Trusted Product Range
The Hurtle Webster wire wound resistor range has a long history of serving industries including:
- Mining and resources
- Power generation
- Renewable energy
- Rail and transport
- Industrial automation
- OEM equipment manufacturing
Known for their reliability and robust construction, these resistor products are commonly used in:
- Motor starting applications
- Dynamic braking systems
- Load banks
- Neutral earthing systems
- Current limiting circuits
- Industrial control equipment
Customers can continue to expect the same proven resistor designs while benefiting from the enhanced manufacturing capabilities and engineering support available through Backer Cynebar Ohmic.

Seamless Transition to Brisbane
The transfer project involved relocating manufacturing machinery, production tooling, raw material inventory, and technical assets from Melbourne to Brisbane. Once installed in our facility, the equipment underwent commissioning and production validation to ensure product quality remained consistent with previous manufacturing standards.
With production now fully operational, customers can confidently place orders knowing local manufacturing and technical support are available from our Brisbane headquarters.

Expanded Engineering and Manufacturing Capability
The acquisition further strengthens Backer Cynebar Ohmic's position as one of Australia's leading manufacturers of electrical heating and power resistor solutions.
In addition to the Hurtle Webster resistor range, our Brisbane facility manufactures:
- Neutral Earthing Resistors (NERs)
- Dynamic Braking Resistors
- Load Bank Resistors
- Industrial Heating Elements
- Duct Heaters
- Process Heating Systems
- Trace Heating Equipment
- Custom Engineered Electrical Solutions
The addition of the Hurtle Webster product line allows us to provide an even broader range of resistor technologies while maintaining local design, engineering, and manufacturing expertise.

Looking Ahead
This acquisition represents more than simply relocating production equipment. It is an investment in Australian manufacturing capability, skilled jobs, and the long-term support of critical industrial infrastructure.
We would like to thank our customers and suppliers for their support throughout the transition process and look forward to continuing the legacy of the Hurtle Webster wire wound resistor range under the Backer Cynebar Ohmic banner.
For more information about our wire wound resistor solutions or to discuss your application requirements, contact the engineering team at Backer Cynebar Ohmic.
