Henselite has been making and selling lawn bowls in Melbourne since 1918. In 2023, the company made the strategic decision to relocate its bowls manufacturing facility from its home of more than 20 years in Fairfield to Kilsyth in the city’s east. This marked only the third time in the company’s 106-year history that the factory had moved — and the undertaking was significant.
As with many large-scale projects, the move took longer and proved more complex than initially anticipated. The transition involved a substantial operational pause in production. During this period, supply to customers was delayed and stock availability was limited. However, since restarting operations in the new facility, demand for Henselite bowls has remained high, with products being sold as quickly as they can be manufactured.
Despite the challenges, the long-term benefits of the relocation are expected to far outweigh the short-term disruption. The investment in the new facility, together with the resilience and loyalty of Henselite’s dedicated team, is a testament to the company’s commitment to the sport of lawn bowls and its confidence in the game’s future.
Increasing Efficiency
The relocation has already begun to deliver on its promise of improved efficiency. For the first time in many years, production and warehousing have been brought back under one roof. This has enabled more streamlined operations, improved communication across departments, and better overall workflow.
The move was underpinned by a strategic vision to reduce overheads, optimise manufacturing processes, and better meet the needs of bowlers across Australia and around the world. The new facility, situated in a location with improved access to transport links, has helped alleviate previous logistical constraints.
The layout of the Kilsyth factory was purpose-built to enhance production capability while maintaining the exceptional craftsmanship Henselite is known for. By optimising the workflow, the company expects to increase the volume and variety of bowls produced, reduce wait times, and continue to deliver the highest quality products with consistency and care.
In a sport where precision is paramount, even the smallest refinements to a bowl’s shape or finish can have a major impact. Henselite’s long-standing investment in innovation and manufacturing excellence has made the Dreamline XG Australia and New Zealand’s bestselling model, with the Tiger Series continuing to lead the way in the UK and other regions globally.
The new facility will support Henselite’s mission to help every bowler Be Your Best. By enabling increased capacity, greater choice, and faster delivery, the company is better equipped than ever to support bowlers in playing the game they love.
Looking Ahead
The decision to relocate the factory represents more than just a change of address — it marks a pivotal step forward in the evolution of a proudly Australian brand. By leveraging the opportunities offered by the new site, Henselite is well positioned to grow, innovate, and better serve the global bowls community.
At the same time, the move reaffirms the company’s commitment to its core principles: to craft the world’s most accurate and precise bowls, and to do so with care, pride, and deep respect for the sport. Henselite bowls continue to be made and hand-finished in Melbourne by people who are passionate about the product, the players, and the future of lawn bowls.