Penrite has celebrated 100 years of Australian manufacturing and automotive industry history, bringing together employees, customers, suppliers and partners at a centenary gala in Melbourne on 24 September.
The Australian-owned company, founded in 1926, held the event at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, recognising its history in automotive lubricants and the contributions of the people involved in its development.
Penrite CEO Toby Dymond said the milestone reflected the support of the people and organisations associated with the business over generations.
“Reaching 100 years is an extraordinary milestone, but Penrite’s story has never just been about the products we make. It’s about our family, our people, our customers, suppliers and partners who have supported us and grown with us over generations,” Dymond said.
The gala featured a display of vehicles and motorcycles connected to Penrite and the Dymond family, reflecting the company’s links to Australian motoring and motorsport. Three generations of the Dymond family attended, with a discussion exploring the business’s history and future.
Penrite Head of Strategy and Content Engagement Priscilla Robb said the event aimed to reflect the company’s history and its relationships across the automotive industry.
“We wanted our 100-year celebration to be more than a gala dinner. We wanted people to experience Penrite’s story: the family, the cars, the motorsport heritage, the people and the moments that have shaped the brand over the past century,” Robb said.
The celebration also raised approximately $70,000 for charity through live and silent auctions. Beneficiaries included Beyond Blue, the Australian Men’s Shed Association, The Shed Door Mitcham, Australian Working Dog Rescue and The Generosity Collective.
As it enters its second century, Penrite said it would continue developing its automotive business through Penrite Automotive, which brings together its lubricants operations and other automotive businesses, including Australian Automotive Parts, Brandlines and BLAHST.
Dymond said the company was looking ahead while maintaining its established values.
“We’re incredibly proud of where Penrite has come from, but this celebration was also about looking forward. We have a strong Australian business, an incredible team and an exciting vision for what the next 100 years can bring,” he said.
