This is video of a family firm that has provided a good living for at least two generations, building up an impressive skills base while manufacturing essential farm machinery for more than 90 years. The Austin family has run a foundry in Timaru for 93 years. Ken Austin, grandson of the founder, says the business has faced increasing headwinds since the Covid-19 pandemic, so he has tested the winds of change and decided to close down. The Shed visits to celebrate their technical foundry skills, the likes of which we may never see again in New Zealand.
As featured in The Shed, magazine October/November 2023, issue 111
Photography by Brian High
The Shed July/August 2021 Issue 97, on sale now across Australia
Restoring motorbikes is what South Island sheddie Hayden Tasker loves to do in his workshop, but not just any motorbike.