1914
Grifco, founded by Charles Henry Griffith in Sydney, Australia, begins with electrical and mechanical services.
About Grifco
Grifco is a brand of the Chamberlain Group, the world’s largest manufacturer of automatic garage door openers. Our global experience and innovation has resulted in industry leading designs and some of the most reliable and efficient products available in Australia and New Zealand.
Grifco’s products comply with Australian and New Zealand standards and Certificates of Suitability are available on request. We offer a full suite of monitored entrapment protection systems to ensure every installation is safe and compliant.
We are determined to maintain and continue our reputation as an industry leader by exceeding our customers’ expectations and providing exceptional products and services.
Our Australian manufacturing allows us to refresh our product range with innovations, technology and continual improvement to maintain our leadership position.
We aggressively reinvest in our services and products, promote open communications and demand the highest ethical standards in all our relationships.
Our Story
1920s
With the ever-increasing availability of electricity, Grifco transitions to electrical contracting; a young Morton Nicholson joins as an apprentice.
1950s
Charles Henry Griffith appoints Grifco successor, son Leonard Griffith, who then partners with Reginald Turner and Morton Nicholson, before eventually selling to Nicholson. Grifco invents the first roller shutter opener and expands into rewinds and sirens for the Armed Services, Fire Brigade, Ambulance and Police.
1960s-80s
Morton Nicholson's son, Errol, takes over Grifco. The company introduces commercial can openers, the MD58 door opener, and a CNC lathe. Errol's children join the business.
1990s
Grifco relocates to West Gosford and adopts CAD and computer systems that introduce a new era of possibilities in design and document control. Grifco launches employment programs for people with disabilities, gaining industry recognition and for three consecutive years are awarded New South Wales Employer of the Year. Grifco expands product lines, including poultry shed automation, fire door openers, flameproof openers and control stations.
2000
ACEM becomes standard in Grifco openers. 120 fire door openers are installed at Sydney Olympic Stadium for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
2005
Grifco launches next-gen electronic door openers; one of the first electronic limit based commercial door openers in the world. The range evolves into the eDrive that still dominates the Australian market today.
2006
Grifco is acquired by The Chamberlain Group – the world’s largest manufacturer of residential and commercial access solutions, providing Grifco with an expansion of capabilities through the global scale of Chamberlain.
2011
Chamberlain Group introduces myQ, a first of its kind app that allows users remote access and control their residential or commercial doors and gates.
2014
Grifco celebrates 100 years as a leader in commercial access solutions, keeping innovation at the forefront.
2019 – 2022
Grifco continues to gain industry recognition receiving a variety of awards and accolades across manufacturing, excellence in people development, sustainability, design, and innovation.
- 2019 - Hunter Manufacturing Awards - Manufacturer of the Year
- 2019 - Hunter Manufacturing Awards - Excellence in People and Skills Development
- 2020 - Hunter Manufacturing Awards - Excellence in Sustainable Operations
- 2021 - Hunter Manufacturing Awards - Excellence in Export and Global Supply Chain
- 2021 - Good Design Award - Grifco LR-Drive Roller Door Opener
- 2022 - Hunter Manufacturing Awards - Apprentice of the Year
- 2022 - Business NSW Central Coast Region - Excellence in Sustainability
- 2022 - Business NSW Central Coast Region - Business of the Year
2024 and beyond
Grifco relocates to a state-of-the-art facility in Somersby, New South Wales, celebrating 110 years of Australian manufacturing, including 30 years on the Central Coast. The investment provides a dynamic environment for expansion, product innovation, and represents the next phase of growth for the iconic Australian brand and the local community.