Noyes Brothers
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Engineering, Construction, Civil engineering |
| Founded | 1888 |
| Founder | Edward Noyes, Henry Noyes |
| Headquarters | Sydney (originally) , Australia |
Area served | Australasia |
| Products | Engineering consultancy and contracting services for transportation and mining industries |
Noyes Brothers is an engineering company from Australia, established in 1888 by Edward and Henry Noyes.
History
Originally founded in Sydney as importers specializing in engineering equipment, Noyes Brothers rapidly diversified into engineering consultancy and contracting, catering to the transportation and mining industries throughout Australasia.
In 1907, the enterprise divided into two separate entities: Noyes Brothers Limited based in Sydney under the leadership of Edward Noyes, and Noyes Brothers (Melbourne) Proprietary, Ltd. headquartered in Melbourne, managed by Henry Noyes.
Around 1991, Clough Engineering acquired the firm and operated it under the name Noyes-Clough until 2004, when ownership transferred to Project Solutions Australia.
Edward Noyes
Thomas Edward Woodhams Noyes (circa 1858 – 1920), co-founder and inaugural managing director of Noyes Brothers Limited, guided the Sydney branch from its formal establishment in 1907 until his passing. He also held a directorship position within the Melbourne company. Edward relocated from Northamptonshire to New South Wales around 1886 alongside his siblings before founding the business.
Between 1894 and 1900, Edward secured several patents for engineering advancements, including mechanisms for leather perforation, enhancements to wire ropes, airbrake control systems and compressors, as well as incubator egg frames.
Henry Noyes
Henry Obed Noyes (20 June 1861 – 20 March 1922), born in Creaton, Northamptonshire, was the son of Reverend Thomas Edward Noyes. He emigrated with his siblings to New South Wales circa 1886 and co-founded Noyes Brothers in Sydney in 1888. After the 1907 division of the company into two limited entities, Henry assumed leadership as managing director of Noyes Brothers (Melbourne), while Edward continued heading the Sydney operation.
A recognized expert in steel technology, Henry was affiliated with the Iron and Steel Institute of Great Britain, the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, and the American Institute of Mechanical Engineers. Under his direction, the firm executed significant projects such as electric lighting installations, railway construction efforts, and tramline electrification for the Prahran & Malvern Tramways Trust. During World War I, he served as vice-chairman of Victoria’s Recruiting Committee and collaborated with Sir John Monash. His contributions extended to supporting the Red Cross and donating X-ray machinery. Henry was esteemed for his proficiency in commercial practices and maintained connections with prominent engineering organizations in both England and America.
In 1891, he married Martha Elizabeth Halliday; they had three children. His residence named "Holmby" located in Malvern, Victoria—designed by architect Beverley Ussher—symbolized his prominence. Later in life, Henry was survived by his second spouse Winifred Noyes.
Their sister Jane Noyes married James Brown in 1900.
J. H. D. Brearley
Joseph Henry D. Brearley (circa 1872 – 14 October 1941), who studied electrical engineering at Sydney University, began his career with New South Wales Government Railways before joining Noyes Brothers. He played a key role in implementing an electric tramway system in Roslyn, Dunedin, New Zealand, succeeding engineer W. G. T. Goodman. In 1907, Brearley became part of Adelaide's Municipal Tramways Trust and later worked alongside Goodman after Noyes Brothers secured the contract to electrify Adelaide’s tram network.
Serving as chief engineer and board member at Noyes Brothers (Melbourne), Brearley succeeded Henry Noyes as chairman and managing director following his death; he retired in March 1932. Outside engineering, he chaired the Morning Star gold mine at Wood's Point, Victoria. A long-standing member and secretary of Melbourne’s Yorick Club, Brearley lived in South Yarra and was interred at Brighton Cemetery.
Recognition
In honor of substantial contributions of electrical apparatus, the Noyes Electrical Engineering Laboratory at the SA School of Mines was designated with the company’s name.