One of the world’s first Caterpillar dealers, William Adams now celebrates over 80 years of association with Caterpillar. It’s an alliance that dates back to 1926 – just a year after the first Caterpillar branded two-ton tractor rolled off the assembly line.

Eight decades of partnership has cemented robust links between the two companies, and in the 20 years since Dale Elphinstone took control, William Adams has never been stronger.

Today, we lead the way with great product, terrific support and, of course the best asset in business, our people.
The Williams Adams story begins back in 1883 with the arrival of the keen young engineer to Australia.

Quick to realise an opportunity, the entrepreneur began a trading business marketing famous brands of railway equipment in the booming economy.

It soon became a merchant company of note, featuring a remarkable line-up of products.

Agency lines and storefronts multiplied, selling everything from light globes to whale oil. Nuts and bolts to rabbit traps.
 
The company prospered and built a reputation that remains with us today.

Linking the best in engineering skill, marketing and technical expertise to the most durable brands available, William Adams forged a template for success that now spans over 125 years.

Nowadays, of course, the company is synonymous with just one brand - Caterpillar.

Gone are the many and varied product lines. What remains is the commitment to customer service, respect and integrity.

And, above all else, customers still understand, that dealing with William Adams means dealing with the best people in the business.
Through the past 80 years, and the social and industrial rise of Australia, William Adams has proudly made its mark.
We’ve helped build the roads and highways, towering city skyscrapers, an industrial heartland and agriculture in the bush. We’ve helped build dams for water and power generation.

And together with Caterpillar, we’ve been there for customers - selling and servicing the best equipment in the world - on land, at sea, in construction, mining, agriculture and industry.

Through economic boom times and recessions alike, we’ve delivered service our customers know they can rely on.

For more than 40 years now, William Adams and Caterpillar has been a part of dealer principal, Dale Elphinstone’s life.

Scaling the ranks from ambitious company apprentice to later build his own range of underground mining equipment, Dale Elphinstone bought the company in 1987, although he started his career at William Adams 20 years earlier.

Since this time, through his knowledge of Caterpillar, and his formidable business skills, he has brought together a team of dedicated and enthusiastic staff to serve the business and customers alike.

William Adams now moves into a third century, founded on the vision and energy of one young entrepreneur, and grown and prospered on the strength of another.

The people who are the heart and soul of William Adams will continue to serve our customers, and the world’s best equipment, long into the new millennium