History of JP Pistons

The JP Pistons story

 

The JP Pistons story starts in postwar Adelaide with Jack Wise. A speedway motorcycle racer who competed internationally, Jack opened Wise Engine Service in early 1946 offering engine reconditioning, reboring and re-sleeving services in the Adelaide CBD.[1] In June 1951 the business offered exchange engines for popular models, reducing customer wait times.[2] After 24 years in England where he raced in speedway and worked as a competition manager, Dick Wise returned to Australia in March 1953 and joined Jack.[3] Continuing their association with speedway, the brothers sponsored the Wise Engine trophies for best rider or driver in the solo, sidecar and speedcar sections.[4]

Wise Engine Service, c 1959. Source: State Library of South Australia, B14271.

Business success brought expansion in company structure and premises. In August 1954, Wise Exchange Engines was formed with £30,000 nominal capital as a distributor of engines reconditioned by Wise Engine Services. Directors of the new company included Jack, as managing director, Dick and Jim Patterson, the works and technical manager.[5] Wise Engine Service moved in December 1952 to new, larger premises on Gilles Street and Hutt Street altering three existing shops. As well as engine reconditioning and exchange engine services, the company offered chassis and suspension repairs, engine and brake servicing and re-ringing for cars and trucks.[6] The Hutt Street property was replaced in the early 1960s by a new two-storey building to include offices and retail counter.

Identifying the advantages of production, the company began to manufacture engine parts, including pistons. By 1962 the Weslite brand was selling pistons, piston pins, rings, bearings, valve guides and gears throughout Australia. Export markets, including the US, South Africa, South-East Asia and South American countries, had grown to £5000 per annum.[7]

Wise Engine Service news article. Source: Adelaide News, 20 December 1954. 

Around this time Jim Patterson started on his own business, forming JP Engineering Pty Ltd in June 1962.[8] Similar to his work with the Wise brothers, Patterson offered engine reconditioning services. When Wise Engine Services encountered financial difficulties and was placed in receivership, Patterson purchased the plant and stock. With a larger firm, he built new premises at Windsor Gardens and replaced the Weslite brand name with JP. Engine parts continued to be manufactured for Villiers, Westinghouse Brake & Signal and Chrysler Australia as well as the aftermarket. Following the purchase of Chrysler by Mitsubishi in 1980, JP Engineering produced a range of parts for the locally assembled Astron engine.[9]

New production methodology and equipment were introduced. Under instruction from Mitsubishi, JP Engineering implemented just in time management practices, permitting inventory reductions and other efficiencies. A first in Australia, new machinery, such as CNC lathes, were installed.[10]

The reliance on one customer, though, proved costly. While the Mitsubishi contract was very profitable for Patterson, the introduction of the export facilitation scheme in March 1982 allowed local carmakers to import a certain percentage of components duty free. Rocker shafts, for example, could be sourced by Mitsubishi finished for the same price that JP could purchase the unfinished goods. Unable to compete, the contract was lost. However, a 12-month allowance was given by Mitsubishi to run down existing stock. While this was happening, negotiations began with Mitsubishi to provide other parts. This, though, came to nothing. With a significant percentage of business lost, JP Engineering retrenched staff in 1983, sold equipment and was placed on the market the following year.[11]

The business was purchased in 1985 by Lawrie Chadwick, owner of a small manufacturing business that produced parts for the whitegoods and automotive industries. Chadwick had previously bought Globe alloy wheel company, which was in a strained financial position, turned the business around and sold it to another wheel manufacturer. Profit from this sale, and the experience of rescuing an endangered company, facilitated the purchase of JP Engineering. By this time JP Engineering had lost significant market share and reputation. To counter this, a new sales force was employed and worked hard to convince existing customers that product quality was improved and management was sound. Export markets became a focus, with new customers found in New Zealand, the UK and western Europe. Car and motorcycle clubs proved valuable associations, providing new product demand and technical information. With these associations the product range was rapidly expanded. 

New branding for pistons was introduced. A graphic design firm was engaged that produced new packaging, advertising and promotional material. The existing JP logo and name were used for brand consistency. Print advertising in specialist publications proved fruitful with new customers from Australia and New Zealand responding positively. 

In parallel with the performance brands of JP Engineering, production techniques were improved. Old equipment was retired and replaced. Dedicated CNC lathes were located in their own line to enhance production flows. A Takisawa cam turning lathe was purchased increasing finish accuracy and reducing machining times. 

One-off piston manufacturing became an integral part of JP Pistons. With so many pistons manufactured, no company could produce all of them. Although the JP Pistons catalogue was extensive, orders for specific engines or requirements grew in demand. Pistons for some of the oldest vehicles ever produced were manufactured. Historic racing needs – such as for specific head designs – were developed for engine builders and racers.

JP Pistons is now the world’s largest supplier of pistons for vintage, veteran and classic vehicles with new products added regularly to its extensive catalogue.