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When it began as Machinery Traders in the mid 1960s with three partners it was a part-time operation and was based on motor reconditioning.

In 1968 the three partners left their full-time positions to set about building a national business. Trading as Parameters from Gouger Street in the heart of Adelaide, the enterprising trio opened offices in Sydney and Melbourne with a founding partner in each city. With pressure to relocate head office to the eastern states, one partner, Bill Sharpe elected to go it alone remaining SA based and headquartered as Parameters SA P/L.

Now working around the corner at 35 Market Street, Bill continued to expand the range of products he was distributing and to cope with the ever-increasing workload brought in Ray Freer to manage Machinery Traders. In 1974 Ray and Bill joined forces with Don Ryder and his company Compar Distributors. The three companies then moved into a purpose built office at 177 Gilbert Street, Adelaide and continued to operate as separate businesses. In an effort to improve efficiency and customer service the three companies eventually merged – hence the name Trio Electrix Pty Ltd, which was born in January 1978.

From there it was onwards and upwards until the early ’90s it was time to move again – this time to current home 10 James Street, Thebarton. Now under the guidance of Ray Freer, Don Arthur and Bill’s son Jeff the company continued to perform well. Following the retirements of Ray and Don, Jeff and then new partner Rob Billing, restructured the business with a new image and name, TRIO Test & Measurement Solutions. Each Director then became responsible for business segments including – IT and quality controls, finance and administration and sales and marketing – TRIO Test & Measurement Solutions also appointed product managers to head its Sales Team. Partnerships with suppliers such as LeCroy and Fluke have accelerated the company’s growth with its Sydney office opening in 1999, Melbourne in 2000 and Brisbane in 2001 under the product manager network.

In July of 2005 Charles Holtom joined the business to once again form the Trio. Charles brought with him many years of international experience after working in Europe and the USA with Agilent and Tektronix. With an extensive range of products, TRIO Test & Measurement Solutions had a service ethic ensuring that if it didn't have something a client wanted, and couldn't get, it would provide advice and guidance to the right supplier. Trio, as its name suggested was a one stop shop for Test & Measurement Solutions employing 18 people and establishing itself as one of Australia’s most successful distributors of quality equipment, service and support to industry, education and defence sectors.

Trio has also designed and continues to enhance and manufacture the best known Australian made portable electrical appliance tester (PAT), the SafeTcheck. Like Trio itself, this PAT started life back in the late 60's, before the Australian and New Zealand Standard outlined a procedure for testing appliances for electrical safety. The name SafeTcheck is now synonymous with quality and reliability when used in relation to PATs and electrical testing.

In July 2006 TRIO merged with Australia's most experienced Tektronix service, repair and calibration provider, Smartcal Pty Ltd. Smartcal was formed by ex-employees of the Tektronix service department when Tektronix closed their Australian Test & Measurement office in 2001. It also has NATA Accreditation and offers repairs and calibration on many brands, taking pride in its integrity and loyalty to its customers. The decision to merge was a logical one for both companies. TRIO was primarily sales focused whereas SmartCal supported existing owners of test equipment. In order to grow and enhance customer service levels, both companies needed the resources that the other had to offer. Both companies shared a common customer base yet had no service or product overlap. This means that the result of the merger has produced a company that customers can rely on for all their general purpose Test & Measurement acquisition and support needs.

The new company, TRIO Smartcal Pty Ltd, can therefore offer customers a complete Test and Measurement solution. This includes pre- and post- sales advice, technical support, repair and calibration. TRIO Smartcal provides national geographic coverage with offices in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne. TRIO Smartcal is also the fastest growing Australian owned and operated test and measurement company with sales and service capability. Please Contact us for further information or assistance.