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CoolDrive Distribution - A family owned company since 1977
From humble beginnings assembling aftermarket air conditioning systems, Cooldrive Distribution has grown to be Australia's largest automotive air conditioning wholesaler.
1977
Company was founded, began selling automotive air conditioning parts from the family garage. Later that year moved to new office and warehouse in Camberwell Road, Camberwell.
1981
Began trading as Melbourne Auto Air out of the same Camberwell location. Agency for Unicla automotive air conditioning systems. Founder John Blanchard Senior is on the far right of the picture. Next to him is Robert Picone, current branch manager of CoolDrive Distribution Sydney.
1984
The company purchased a larger premises in Greenaway Street, Bulleen. This building soon became too small and several adjoining buildings in Greenaway Street were leased to hold stock. Even still, closing up was a delicate process of moving pallets around to ensure the forklift would fit inside and allow the roller door down.
1986
Became the first Australian company to supply OE replacement air conditioning condensers to the aftermarket. Produced the first automotive condenser catalogue, similar to this one.
1989
The Melbourne Auto Air range of products gained a much wider distribution as they began supplying Repco nationally with automotive air conditioning parts.
1990
Melbourne Auto Air purchased and moved to larger premises in Lexton Road, Box Hill. This building was about 25,000 square feet and allowed all of the stock to be housed under the one roof. This building, at 30-32 Lexton Road, Box Hill, is still used by CoolDrive for storing stock. In 1990, Melbourne Auto Air opened an office in Taiwan.
1994
Began supplying Mazda with air conditioning systems, including Mazda 121 Metro, Mazda 626 and Mazda MX5.
1995
Purchased adjoining land for expansion and new warehouse. This land contained several small warehouses that were about to make way for the new Melbourne Auto Air warehouse and office complex, where CoolDrive Distribution Melbourne is located today.
1996
Secured contracts with Kia, Nissan and Paccar (Kenworth) to supply air conditioning systems and parts. Produced the first complete Melbourne Auto Air pictorial catalogue of air conditioning parts
1997
Produced the first edition of Jayair catalogue in the current format. At over 400 pages, the Jayair catalogue quickly became the industry 'bible', and the preferred source of parts information for automotive air conditioning specialists.
1998
Formally launched the Jayair brand, and developed in house brand packaging systems to support the Jayair name.
1999
Secured contract to supply air conditioning spare parts and components to Ford Australia. Construction began on the new, purpose built warehouse at 22-28 Lexton Road, Box Hill.
2000
Launched the Jayair website. Construction of the new Melbourne warehouse is completed. Opened first interstate branch in Brisbane, Queensland (pictured above.) QS 9000 accreditation granted.
2001
Moved into the new Melbourne warehouse. Launched new 626-page Jayair 2002 catalogue. Launched Jayrad brand of radiator products. Signed distribution agreement with DENSO.
2002
Opened second interstate branch in Sydney, NSW (pictured.) Ford Q1 accreditation granted.
2003
Launched new 2004 Jayair catalogue, now coming in at over 700 pages, with a print run of over 10,000 requiring 2 semi trailers for delivery. Gary Powell from CoolDrive is shown in from of some of the catalogue stock, holding the first catalogue and the 2004 Jayair Catalogue.
2004
Opened branch in Adelaide, South Australia. This is the 4th branch, giving CoolDrive Distribution/ Melbourne Auto Air full coverage of all of the eastern states of Australia.
2005
Opened 5th branch in Townsville, Queensland, to service Far North Queensland. Moved both Brisbane and Sydney branches to larger premises.
2006
Opened 6th branch in Perth, Western Australia. The launch of the Jaylec brand of automotive electrical products signalled the entry of CoolDrive Distribution into the auto electrical parts market. Launched CoolDrive iShop, a fully functional eCommerce web site. Launched new-look Jayair, Jayrad and Jaylec web sites. After almost 30 years of trading as Melbourne Auto Air, the Melbourne branch changes its name to CoolDrive Distribution in line with the other states.
