12 BUSINESS NEWS THIRTY MEMBERS OF Central Coast industry Connect visited Elecbrakes facility at Lisarow in late May hearing how Managing Director Craig de Leon transformed braking technology that is revolutionising the towing industry. The Elecbrakes story started in 2012 with Craig de Leon inventing a pioneering Brake Controller called the “Brake Commander “after recognising a need to have the flexibility in not having a controller mounted in a car. This invention and innovation was all done in his garage at home In 2016 Elecbrakes Pty Ltd was established and the first Elecbrakes controller was launched in November. As the product became known, production increased and as a consequence the business moved to its first manufacturing facility in Tuggerah in 2019 employing 8 team members. Sales were at this stage all online and in 2021 the product is taken up by Autobarn as a retail product. It quickly became popular with the product being stocked by other auto retailers. The Tuggerah facility was quickly outgrown and in 2022 following the incredible success of the company the business relocated to Lisarow where today the business employees 40 team members across production, engineering, marketing and sales. Along the way Elecbrakes scored a number of awards including three awards in the Hunter Manufacturing Awards • 2021 – Excellence in Manufacturing Capability Award • 2022 - Excellence in Manufacturing Capability Award • 2023 - Craig de Leon won the Manufacturing Leader Award. Innovation continues to be the main game for Elecbrakes with improved versions of their brake controller, integration into car systems such as Apple Car Play and Android , new elecConnect adaptor for easy connection of the system between the car and trailer and vehicle mounted brake controllers. After the presentations a tour of the manufacturing facility took place where a range of technologies from CNC machining to injection moulding was witnessed together with some of the manual systems still in place where technologies are yet to be put in place. Executive Director Frank Sammut said, “ The elecbrakes journey is one that shows having an innovative idea and taking a risk can lead to great success. Investment in Research and development is a critical element in maximising technological benefits to products and consumers. Craig and his team’s work is testament to this. Again, Central Coast Manufacturing shows its innovative capability and strength through manufacturers like Elecbrakes CCIC members hear Elecbrakes innovation journey WHY BUSINESS OWNERS ON THE CENTRAL COAST CHOOSE CCBR TO GROW THEIR BUSINESS ✓ They can reach over 20,000 business readers every month. ✓ Most widely read and trusted business publication on the Central Coast. ✓ The repetition of your ad every month means readers will get to know you and remember you. ✓ Independent surveys show 94% of readers will use the CCBR for reference when looking for suppliers. ✓ The quality of the publication and the content means readers retain the CCBR for future reference. It’s simple. Call Edgar Adams now on 0404 472 571 or Email: edgaradams@ccbusinessreview.com.au CCIC members at Elecbrakes factory at Lisarow Craig de Leon explaining the Elecbrakes journey and plans for the future CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS REVIEW JUNE 2025
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