SA Chapter HALL OF FAME

Web: www.rosewarnes.com.au

The son of a migrant Cornish miner, John Henry Rosewarne established J.H. Rosewarne Pty. Ltd. trading as Rosewarne’s of Kadina on its current site in 1882 as a maker of farm machinery and horse-drawn vehicles. John Henry quickly diversified, primarily into motor vehicle dealerships and repairs, selling his first motor car in 1903.

JH retired in 1917 and his three sons took over the business as equal partners.  They changed the emphasis of the business from farm machinery sales to the sales and service of Oldsmobile, Buick and Chevrolet cars and commercial vehicles.

In 1937, John Clarence ‘Jack’ Rosewarne joined the firm as a partner and took over management in 1946.  Two years later, the first Holden car was released and became a cornerstone of the business, although Jack again expanded farm machinery sales and became sole proprietor in 1964.

Jack retired on the day of Rosewarne’s centenary in 1982, when his son, David took over both ownership and management.  As a result of the high interest rates and low rural commodity prices of the 1980s the farm machinery agencies were relinquished, the firm concentrating on new Holden and Hyundai sales, service and used cars.

David Rosewarne is the fourth generation Rosewarne to direct the company. His eldest son, Tom, is following hotly on his heels and is already establishing himself as the fifth generation and as an important member of the workforce.

The present day finds the company as a successful Holden and Hyundai dealership, managing a first-class mechanical workshop and is also the District Office for the Royal Automobile Association of South Australia.

Rosewarne’s attributes its long-term success to a commitment to customer service and satisfaction.

Celebrating 129 years, Rosewarne’s proudly claims, and is believed to be, the oldest General Motors dealer in the world, still operating from the same site, bearing the same name and under the ownership of the same family. The company ranks as one of South Australia’s oldest family businesses as recognised at The Family Business Association AGM in 2002.

Rosewarne’s of Kadina was inducted into the FBA (SA) Hall of Fame in 2002.