About Elizabeth Machines Co.

Our beginnings: established in 1960

Elizabeth Machines Co. was established by Max Skurrie in 1960 in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne.

Originally specialising in domestic sewing machine sales and service, the business quickly expanded into used industrial sewing machines to support Melbourne’s growing apparel manufacturers and small-scale production workshops. As local demand increased, we began working more closely with commercial operators who required dependable machinery capable of consistent daily output and long operating hours. As Australia’s textile and garment industries grew, so did the need for reliable, production-ready industrial sewing machines designed for performance, durability and straightforward maintenance.

Expanding into international partnerships

In the late 1960s, with demand for industrial equipment rising, Max travelled to Japan to secure the Yamato Sewing Machine agency for Australia. This decision reflected a clear strategy: to align Elizabeth Machines Co. with established global manufacturers known for engineering precision and manufacturing consistency. In the years that followed, agencies including Mitsubishi, Seiko, Treasure and Summit were added, strengthening our technical capability and broadening the range of specialised industrial sewing machines available to Australian businesses.

In the early 1970s, Max travelled to Taiwan and was appointed Australian agent for the Siruba range of machinery — a brand we have now represented for over 40 years. Siruba is internationally recognised for both industrial sewing machines and commercial embroidery machines, and our continued partnership demonstrates our preference for long-term manufacturer relationships rather than short-term distribution arrangements.

National growth and industry expansion

In 1992, we opened our Sydney office in Yagoona after acquiring the Sewing Machine Exchange business, establishing a permanent base in New South Wales. This expansion significantly improved response times for servicing, spare parts supply and technical support for customers operating multiple industrial sewing machines across larger production facilities.

In 1999, we further expanded with the acquisition of Lightning Cutting Machinery. This iconic textile brand broadened our offering beyond industrial sewing machines into specialised cutting solutions. The addition of cutting systems allowed us to support a wider section of the textile production process, integrating machinery solutions that improve workflow efficiency from material preparation through to final stitching. We continue to manufacture Lightning machinery in Melbourne today.

A major milestone came in April 2014, when we merged with Capron Carter Australia, a company with more than 100 years of service to the textile industry. Through this merger, we established offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane and became sole Australian agents for Juki Corporation and Union Special — global leaders in industrial sewing machines.

Elizabeth Machines Co. in the present day

Today, Elizabeth Machines Co. employs more than 30 staff across four states. We supply a comprehensive range of machinery and spare parts from leading global manufacturers including Juki, Union Special, Siruba, Seiko, Miller Weldmaster, Gammill, Yamato and Lightning.

Our portfolio includes high-performance industrial sewing machines, specialised seam sealing systems and modern commercial embroidery machines used in garment manufacturing, automotive trimming, marine upholstery, technical textile production and branded apparel decoration.

With professionally trained staff — many with over 40 years of hands-on industry experience — we provide practical guidance, installation support and technical servicing across Australia. 

More than six decades after opening our doors, our priorities remain consistent: supply dependable industrial sewing machines, represent trusted global manufacturers, support Australian textile businesses and provide straightforward technical advice grounded in real-world experience. 

What we stand for

Commitment to quality machinery

Quality machinery underpins every part of our operation. We carefully evaluate the engineering standards, production tolerances and long-term service support behind every industrial sewing machine and commercial embroidery machine we select and represent. Machines must deliver consistent stitch quality, stable operation at speed and durability under continuous commercial use.

We also prioritise access to genuine spare parts and factory-backed technical documentation. This ensures customers investing in our machines receive long-term operational support rather than short product lifecycles.

Long-term partnerships

Our supplier relationships span decades because we value stability and accountability. Representing established global brands, such as Brother, Melco, Miller Weldmaster, Oshima and more, in industrial sewing machines and commercial embroidery machines enables us to offer continuity of supply, consistent product development updates and direct access to manufacturer expertise when required.

The same long-term approach applies to our customers. Many Australian businesses have expanded alongside us, upgrading older industrial sewing machines, increasing automation or adding commercial embroidery machines as their service offerings grow. We focus on building working relationships that extend beyond the initial purchase.

Supporting Australian textile businesses

Australian textile manufacturers operate in a competitive and constantly evolving environment. Reliable access to high-quality and advanced machines enables local businesses to maintain productivity, improve efficiency and meet strict delivery schedules.

With offices across four states, we provide localised technical support backed by decades of industry knowledge. Our technicians understand both mechanical and electronic systems within modern industrial sewing machines, allowing faster diagnostics and reduced downtime.

Our technical capability and industry expertise

Beyond supply, our strength lies in practical technical knowledge. Selecting the right machines requires careful consideration of fabric type, stitch requirements, seam strength, production volume and operator skill level. We guide customers through these decisions to ensure equipment is suited to its intended application.

For businesses investing in commercial embroidery machines, factors such as stitch field size, multi-head capability, thread management systems and software compatibility are critical. We provide clear advice on these operational considerations so that customers can scale production efficiently and maintain consistent output quality.

We also support production planning by advising on machine configuration, workflow layout and equipment compatibility. Whether it’s integrating new industrial sewing machines into an existing line or introducing additional commercial embroidery machines into a decorated apparel operation, our recommendations focus on efficiency, reliability and long-term performance.