"I'm
proud to introduce Mako Alloy Wheels and pay tribute to the
long and distinguished history my forebears have in the
Australian steel and alloy wheel industry. It's a history
which stretches back over 75 years since the first member of
the Tonkin family entered the wheel industry way back in
1932."
"Our
family really knows the wheel business and I have been daily
exposed to the day to day operation of that industry every
day of my life. I'm just as passionate about it now as I was
as a child when I used to point out various wheel brands and
styles from the kiddy seat of my mother's car. Given my
background, who could be surprised?" Check the family
history below.
Executive Director
Mako Wheels Australia Pty Ltd
1932 - My
great uncle, Jack Tonkin started Tonkin's Wheel Works on
Parramatta Road, just west of Sydney University.
1936 - My
grandfather Keith Tonkin joined his brother at Tonkin's
Wheel Works.
1957 -
Grandfather Keith Tonkin established Speedy Wheel Repairs,
initially in the Sydney suburb of Brighton.
1963 - My
father Gary Tonkin commenced work at Speedy Wheel Repairs.
Grandmother Win Tonkin also joined the business.
1968 - Keith
Tonkin died on the job. Grandmother Win Tonkin assumed
control of the business whilst my Dad ran the sales and
manufacturing operations. My uncle Brian Tonkin looked
after the accounting side on a part time basis.
1976 - Brian Tonkin
joins Speedy Wheels (Aust) Pty Ltd on a full time basis
responsible for marketing, office management and
accounting.
1986 - Brian and Gary
Tonkin convert Speedy Wheels to a Public Company listed on
the Australian Stock Exchange.
1990 - My cousin Luke
Tonkin joins Speedy Wheels. He continues to play a
valuable role in that company to the present day.
2001 - Gary Tonkin
establishes Allied Wheels and soon makes it Australia's
leading distributor of alloy wheels for large pick-ups,
4wd's and SUV's.
2005 - Martin Tonkin
realises a long cherished dream to start Mako Wheels
Australia Pty
Ltd, a company specialising in uniquely styled alloy
wheels not obtainable from other sources. He salutes the
successes of so many other "Tonkins" in the
Australian alloy wheel industry and intends to further
enhance the considerable fame and respect that his family
name enjoys.
