Written by Craig Seckerson
From Outback Workshop to Global Powerhouse: The REDARC Story
When you think of rugged and dependable electronics gear built for harsh conditions, that can take on the dunes of the Simpson Desert or the high-altitude Haunted Stream Track of the Victorian highlands, one name increasingly comes to mind, REDARC. From its humble beginnings in August 1979, the South Australian organisation we know today was founded by electronics engineer, Robin (Bob) William Mackie, and has gone from strength to strength. REDARC’s story starts on the back of Bob developing vehicle ignition systems and voltage convertors, I am led to believe that the name REDARC came from the colour of the spark developed in his first ignition system and having a “red arc”.
Following the sad passing of founder Robin William Mackie, a fortuitous turn of events in 1997 saw a change in ownership and Anthony and Michelle Kittel purchased the company with Michelle’s Father Denis Brion. I have the pleasure of meeting Anthony today to discuss REDARC and to tour the new Head Office and manufacturing complex. Anthony explains that prior to 1997 he had zero involvement with REDARC, only the clear ambition to own his own business. His involvement with a small wheel manufacturer in South Australia had given him his first exposure to SEMA and the broader automotive industry.
After winning the “wheel of the show” at SEMA in 95 he truly had the bug for an automotive challenge. Following an exhaustive search of businesses for sale and several dead ends, both Anthony, Michelle and REDARC found one another and as history shows they have never looked back. In 2002 Anthony and Michelle purchased 100% of the business when Denis retired and they continued growing REDARC.
Starting from a modest tin shed in South Australia, REDARC moved premises several times as it outgrew its existing location, the company is now located in a state-of-the-art facility in Lonsdale, still in South Australia. Throughout this growth, the company consistently invested in research and development, along with staff training and development to support the successful expansion of its Australian-proven products into international markets. Anthony confirmed he is a strong advocate of R&D, making a personal commitment to reinvest 15% of sales revenue back into the business for research and development.
A glance at the staff long-service board highlights the company’s culture of loyalty with five of the eight staff at gold level still employed at REDARC. When Anthony and Michelle took ownership, the company had just 8 employees, today, the workforce has grown to 347 personnel. While I was looking at the staff long-service board, Anthony recalls how fortunate he was to have his education paid for early on in his career by a company he worked for.
It was an opportunity he deeply valued and never forgot. Determined to carry that forward, he established the same philosophy within his own organisation, with REDARC offering to support higher education for all employees. Notably, there are many names on the long-service board for a company of this size, a strong indication of REDARC’s positive workplace culture and reputation as an employer of choice.
One of REDARC’s defining strengths is its unwavering commitment to testing products in conditions far more severe than most customers would ever encounter. This rigorous approach underscores the durability of its designs and helps explain why the company supplies two of the world’s most demanding sectors: Defence and Mining. Both industries operate in unforgiving environments where reliability is not merely desirable, it is critical. Anthony proudly leads me into the Vibration Test Lab, a standalone building built on very specialised foundations.
Inside, advanced machines simulate relentless stresses of extreme off-road driving, subjecting products to multi-axis vibration while also cycling extreme temperatures ranging from -100 to 200 degrees Celsius. The Vibration Test Laboratory performs highly accelerated lifetime testing, compressing up to a decade of real-world use into just two days.
Anthony explains that products are intentionally driven to failure, enabling REDARC engineers to pinpoint weaknesses and eliminate them from the final design. While cheaper alternatives exist, witnessing this level of validation makes it clear why REDARC has earned such a strong reputation in its home market and continues to grow its presence globally.
The testing doesn’t finish there, Anthony ushers me back into the main factory too see the Anechoic Chamber. This specialised enclosure evaluates radio interference both to and from the REDARC products. Stepping inside is a surreal experience, something that wouldn’t look out of place on the next film set of Star Wars, the walls and roof are lined in a distinctive acoustic and electromagnetic absorption structures resembling oversized egg cartons.
The chamber functions as a Faraday cage, engineered to eliminate external electromagnetic signals while absorbing reflections within the room. The result is an environment free from outside noise and interference, allowing exceptionally precise acoustic and electromagnetic testing. This capability enables REDARC to conduct controlled, repeatable tests to refine product development and meet crucial certification.
Headquartered in South Australia, REDARC’s advanced manufacturing and global operations centre is based in Lonsdale, approximately 24 kilometres south of Adelaide. The facility has expanded manufacturing space by roughly 3000 square metres and increased production capacity by an impressive 250%. While the company’s core operations remain firmly based in Australia, Anthony explains REDARC also works with strategic finishing partners in the United States, helping to reduce shipping cost and navigate fluctuating trade conditions.
Centralising design, testing, manufacturing and distribution from the Lonsdale site, gives REDARC tight control over quality and product lifecycle management. Even customer support is housed on site, ensuring that, in the unlikely event of an issue, assistance comes from a knowledgeable team only metres away from leadership. Adding a touch of personality to the high-tech environment, REDARC employs autonomous robots, affectionally named Wallace and Gromit, which assist with moving components and finished goods across the factory floor. Wallace proved happy to pose for a photo, while Gromit remained somewhat camera-shy.
REDARC’s reputation for product and service excellence is echoed by an independent 4×4 product installer I have known personally for several years. He speaks highly of the company’s technical support and emphasises how vital dependable manufacturer backing can be when challenges arise. While cheaper alternatives exist in the market, witnessing REDARC’s relentless testing-to-failure philosophy clarifies why the brand commands such strong trust. Customers gain confidence knowing these products are engineered to perform consistently and reliably in remote, punishing environments.
When I asked Anthony, which REDARC product he is most proud of after nearly three decades with the company, Anthony pauses before requesting permission to name two as he is unable to separate them. Foremost among his favorites is the Dual Battery Isolator, also known as the Smart Battery Isolator. Despite modest initial investment, the product proved transformative for the company. Competing dual battery isolator solutions existed, but persistent quality failures created opportunity. REDARC reengineered the concept from the ground up, eliminating potential weak points to deliver a far more robust system.
During development, Anthony was asked how many Dual Battery Isolator units do you think we will sell, his estimate was 2000. In 2002, REDARC invested $20,000 (AUD) into research and development of their Dual Battery Isolator, that same year the competitor withdrew its product following failures linked to vehicle fires, REDARC sold 50,000 units and the Dual Battery Isolator remains a cornerstone of the company’s success today.
Anthony’s second selection is the Tow Pro Elite, designed and introduced in 2012. Prior to its release, REDARC was already recognised for brake controllers, though primarily time-sensitive systems. Sales were largely confined to a limited network of installers, while OEMs showed little interest, favouring the sensor-based controllers. In response, REDARC committed to developing its own sensor brake controller system, entering a segment dominated by a competitor holding approximately 85% market share. Approaching the challenge differently, REDARC engineered a system focussed on simplified installation and a noticeably smoother, more controlled braking experience.
Once launched, feedback from installers highlighted the products ease of fitment, enabling greater workshop efficiency and improved profitability. Drivers, meanwhile, praised the progressive and refined braking performance. The Tow Pro Elite brake controller quickly reshaped REDARC’s position in the category, and today the company commands roughly 80% of the domestic market.
Modern vehicles present increasing technical complexity, yet REDARC’s sustained investment in research and development continues to deliver practical solutions that address evolving OEM requirements. Electric vehicles, for example, remain a significant consideration for overlanders seeking to extend travel capability. To help bridge this gap, REDARC has developed a portable dual-battery system compatible with EVs, designed to reduce range anxiety while supporting auxiliary loads such as a fridge for up to 7 days.
When asked what advice he would offer those preparing a vehicle for remote travel, Anthony noted that many owners tend to undersize what they need by underestimating their electrical requirements. His recommendation is to work backwards, first determine the intended duration of stays, then identify the devices requiring power, and finally assess available charging sources and recharge times. This structured approach helps ensure no critical element of the system design is overlooked. I on the other hand would take a slightly different approach and consult an authorised REDARC installer with the information noted above. With accurate usage data, installers can specify a system precisely matched to your vehicle and travel requirements.
Whether you are new to overlanding and seeking a proven, robust setup, or a seasoned adventurer aiming to extend off-grid capability, the REDARC product range is well worth exploring. Having used their products in my own vehicles and personally witnesses the rigorous testing, I cannot recommend them highly enough. The REDARC product range can be seen at https://www.REDARCelectronics.com/us/, alternatively speak to one of their highly qualified installer companies. Watch this space, further insights into specific REDARC systems and applications will follow in the coming months.
Finally, sincere thanks go to Anthony and the REDARC team for an engaging and informative headquarters and factory visit.
