About Us
One of Australia’s leading suppliers of safety, lighting and electrical products, Auto Electrical Imports (AEI) celebrated 30 years of operation in 2017.
In late 1987 with a staff of 2, AEI began life operating from a 40m² facility in Cleveland, supplying rotating parts and accessories to the auto electrical trade in QLD. From these humble beginnings AEI has grown to become a significant supplier of safety, lighting and electrical products to the automotive, mining, transport and construction industries both in Australia and internationally.
During its first decade of operation AEI focused on supplying heavy duty starter motors, alternators and associated rotating parts along with general auto electrical consumables. In the 1990’s, the company began to forge its future direction with an entry into the Lighting and Safety markets, securing distribution rights for Vision Alert® beacons and Nordic lighting products. The introduction of these brands allowed AEI to expand its industry focus to the Mining, OEM and Industrial markets. At the same time, AEI began manufacturing, with the introduction of Vision Alert light bars to the local market. During this period the Company moved twice to larger premises in Rocklea QLD.
From 2000 through 2010, the business continued to grow strongly necessitating a further move to new premises, providing a doubling of warehouse capacity to 2000m², further increasing it's manufacturing capabilities. The product range continued to expand with the introduction of Brigade® and Class1 products. The company’s manufacturing capability also continued to develop with a greater focus on servicing the product needs of the mining and construction industries, minebars and switching systems.
2011 heralded the beginning of a new era for the company with the launch of the IONNIC brand. IONNIC is now well recognised in the global marketplace as the market leader in the provision of electrical, safety and lighting products across a range of industries. This period also marked the start of the company’s transition to product design, development and manufacturing, utilising both in-house capabilities and those of strategic global partners. Drawing on over 100 years of industry knowledge AEI’s in-house design and development capability allows the company to deliver a comprehensive range of heavy duty and made-to-order products tailored specifically to the demands of the market.
To accommodate the company’s continued growth, the business again moved in July 2012, to a new 5,000m² office, warehouse and manufacturing facility in Archerfield QLD.
Also in 2012, AEI secured the Deutsch (TE) distribution for Australia, further enhancing it's ability to service customer’s needs by providing a comprehensive range of environmentally sealed connectors to complement the company’s existing range.
Throughout its 30-year history, AEI has focused on sourcing and supplying the highest quality products supported by exceptional levels of customer service and technical expertise. In responding to ever changing market needs and technological developments, AEI partners with many of the industry’s most recognised and highly regarded global manufacturers to continually bring innovative products and technologies to market. AEI's 30th year sees it continue to uphold its core values of customer service and technical expertise, whilst at the same time maintaining a focus on product development and supply to support continuous change to customers’ requirements.
“I firmly believe AEI is now better placed than ever to provide exceptional service to our expanding customer base, both in the domestic and global marketplace. I would like to thank all of our customers for their loyal support through the years. I look forward to continuing our association for many years to come.”
Norman J Haupt - Managing Director