Attracting manufacturing firms to South Australia: The case of Philips in Hendon, 1946-1980

Martin Shanahan; Pierre van der Eng

doi:10.1111/aehr.70011

Attracting manufacturing firms to South Australia: The case of Philips in Hendon, 1946-1980

Martin Shanahan^*, Pierre van der Eng

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Philips Australia established its manufacturing branch in Adelaide in 1946. At its peak, the Hendon plant had 3500 employees and was one of many manufacturers that reshaped the city's north-western suburbs. Philips was enticed by the offer of relocation subsidies, access to Commonwealth buildings, and State provision of affordable housing. The company's approach to employee welfare included providing staff training and sporting and cultural amenities. The social impact of industrialisation and Philips' presence lasted several decades but faded after the company left in 1980 and immigrant workers aged. It did, however, contribute to permanent social changes in Adelaide's north-western suburbs.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	376-396
Number of pages	21
Journal	Asia-Pacific Economic History Review
Volume	65
Issue number	3
Early online date	5 Oct 2025
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1111/aehr.70011
Publication status	Published - 25 Nov 2025

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abstract = "Philips Australia established its manufacturing branch in Adelaide in 1946. At its peak, the Hendon plant had 3500 employees and was one of many manufacturers that reshaped the city's north-western suburbs. Philips was enticed by the offer of relocation subsidies, access to Commonwealth buildings, and State provision of affordable housing. The company's approach to employee welfare included providing staff training and sporting and cultural amenities. The social impact of industrialisation and Philips' presence lasted several decades but faded after the company left in 1980 and immigrant workers aged. It did, however, contribute to permanent social changes in Adelaide's north-western suburbs.",

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AB - Philips Australia established its manufacturing branch in Adelaide in 1946. At its peak, the Hendon plant had 3500 employees and was one of many manufacturers that reshaped the city's north-western suburbs. Philips was enticed by the offer of relocation subsidies, access to Commonwealth buildings, and State provision of affordable housing. The company's approach to employee welfare included providing staff training and sporting and cultural amenities. The social impact of industrialisation and Philips' presence lasted several decades but faded after the company left in 1980 and immigrant workers aged. It did, however, contribute to permanent social changes in Adelaide's north-western suburbs.

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JO - Asia-Pacific Economic History Review

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Attracting manufacturing firms to South Australia: The case of Philips in Hendon, 1946-1980

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Turning adversity into opportunity: Philips in Australia, 1945-1980

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Managing political imperatives in war time: strategic responses of Philips in Australia, 1939–1945

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