From a small contractor, Nilsen has grown into a national business delivering complex infrastructure and tech solutions. Our journey is one of growth and reinvention — the evolution of a company, a family, and the country as a whole.
In 1916, Oliver John “OJ” Nilsen founded Oliver J Nilsen & Co in Melbourne. What began as a local contracting business with just 20 employees quickly expanded under his leadership. The business grew into a publicly listed company, with interests in media, manufacturing, and its core strengths in electrical contracting and service.
From our beginnings in 1916, Nilsen has expanded across continents, embraced change, and adapted through shifting industries, enduring where many others have not. Each generation has built on the last, shaping an organisation that remains as resilient and forward-looking today as it was over a century ago.
OJ founded the company in 1916 and helped shape Australia’s electrical and broadcasting industries. Serving as Lord Mayor of Melbourne, he was a natural leader and visionary. His pioneering spirit and business acumen laid the foundation for Nilsen’s enduring legacy and success.
Vic led the company through major post-war growth and international expansion, establishing global partnerships and new markets. His leadership helped modernise Nilsen while preserving its strong family-focused culture.
John led Nilsen through industry disruption, deregulation, and global competition. Never afraid of change, he made tough decisions and guided the company through transformation, leaving a lasting legacy of resilience and renewal.
With a background in economics, Mark became Managing Director in 2006. A driver of change and consolidation, he modernised operations, strengthened financial performance, and positioned Nilsen as a leader in large-scale infrastructure projects.
This was both into manufacturing, becoming a shareholder in the Nilsen Cromie business, but also establishing operations in SA.
In 1925, a mistaken delivery of radio equipment led to the company securing Victoria’s first commercial radio licence. 3UZ or “The Voice of Victoria” was born, marking the start of Nilsen’s venture into broadcasting.
For the next sixty years the station achieved consistent top ratings across the nation as “The Greater 3UZ.” The station was always ahead of trends, adopting a highly successful Top 40’s format in the early 1960s and boasting a line-up of entertainment legends such as Bert Newton, Happy Hammond, Graham Kennedy and Don Lane.
In 1932, Nilsen Porcelains was established. This business would become a significant part of the Group for decades to come.
Made by Nilsen Porcelain Australia in the 193Os, the iconic Nilsen Electric Kookaburra jugs were unique for their charming art deco bird shape. While metal and plastic have dominated production for the last 35 years, the original ceramic kettles are becoming popular again.
At 15, Graham Kennedy was a shy kid in the 3UZ Record Library — until host Nicky Whitta spotted his spark and put him on air as his comic sidekick. Kennedy quickly won over listeners, turning fan mail into a flood and becoming a show highlight. Despite clashes, the duo lasted six years and are still remembered as Aussie radio’s greatest double act.
The pinnacle of Nilsen’s founder OJ’s political career came in 1951, when he was elected as the 70th Lord Mayor of Melbourne. During his mayoralty he was eager to promote Melbourne to the world as a modern, vibrant city and contributed enthusiastically to preparations for the upcoming royal visits and Olympic games.
Manufacturing operations flourished, and 3UZ became a household name in Victoria. In the 1970s, the company consolidated its manufacturing operations under Nilsen Electrical Industries and expanded into Malaysia and Singapore. Founder OJ Nilsen passed away in 1977, but his vision for growth remained.
Originally aiming to introduce pay TV to Australia, the company pivoted to film production when the service was slow to take off. Their first project was the action-packed kids’ adventure BMX Bandits.
Nilsen Premiere oversaw the production from start to finish, investing over $1.17 million and sourcing facilities and talent. Among the young cast was a fresh-faced redhead — 16-year-old Nicole Kidman. Audiences and critics fell in love with both the film and Nicole, whose breakout role as a BMX Bandit marked the start of her journey to Hollywood stardom.
He introduced a new financial and strategic direction. Under his leadership, Nilsen returned to single family ownership and entered its most significant growth phase.
With just twenty employees and £200 of capital, he set the company on a path of steady growth from a modest office in Melbourne’s Flinders Lane
This was both into manufacturing, becoming a shareholder in the Nilsen Cromie business, but also establishing operations in SA.
In 1925, a mistaken delivery of radio equipment led to the company securing Victoria’s first commercial radio licence. 3UZ or “The Voice of Victoria” was born, marking the start of Nilsen’s venture into broadcasting.
For the next sixty years the station achieved consistent top ratings across the nation as “The Greater 3UZ.” The station was always ahead of trends, adopting a highly successful Top 40’s format in the early 1960s and boasting a line-up of entertainment legends such as Bert Newton, Happy Hammond, Graham Kennedy and Don Lane.
In 1932, Nilsen Porcelains was established. This business would become a significant part of the Group for decades to come.
Made by Nilsen Porcelain Australia in the 193Os, the iconic Nilsen Electric Kookaburra jugs were unique for their charming art deco bird shape. While metal and plastic have dominated production for the last 35 years, the original ceramic kettles are becoming popular again.
This era also saw the company expand into powder metallurgy.
At 15, Graham Kennedy was a shy kid in the 3UZ Record Library — until host Nicky Whitta spotted his spark and put him on air as his comic sidekick. Kennedy quickly won over listeners, turning fan mail into a flood and becoming a show highlight. Despite clashes, the duo lasted six years and are still remembered as Aussie radio’s greatest double act.
Over the next decade, Nilsen expanded its manufacturing, consumer electrical sales and contracting services, strengthening its footprint in South Australia and beyond.
The pinnacle of Nilsen’s founder OJ’s political career came in 1951, when he was elected as the 70th Lord Mayor of Melbourne. During his mayoralty he was eager to promote Melbourne to the world as a modern, vibrant city and contributed enthusiastically to preparations for the upcoming royal visits and Olympic games.
Manufacturing operations flourished, and 3UZ became a household name in Victoria. In the 1970s, the company consolidated its manufacturing operations under Nilsen Electrical Industries and expanded into Malaysia and Singapore. Founder OJ Nilsen passed away in 1977, but his vision for growth remained.
Originally aiming to introduce pay TV to Australia, the company pivoted to film production when the service was slow to take off. Their first project was the action-packed kids’ adventure BMX Bandits.
Nilsen Premiere oversaw the production from start to finish, investing over $1.17 million and sourcing facilities and talent. Among the young cast was a fresh-faced redhead — 16-year-old Nicole Kidman. Audiences and critics fell in love with both the film and Nicole, whose breakout role as a BMX Bandit marked the start of her journey to Hollywood stardom.
The sale of 3UZ marked the end of its broadcasting era. In the 1990s, the company was returned to full family ownership, and Nilsen Power Services was established to meet the growing demand for reliable infrastructure support.
He introduced a new financial and strategic direction. Under his leadership, Nilsen returned to single family ownership and entered its most significant growth phase.
Nilsen has powered Australia’s progress: from launching 3UZ radio to installing switchboards at Parliament House, we’ve helped build a brighter tomorrow.
While our footprint has grown, the foundations remain the same: strong local connections and a commitment to communities across Australia.
Today, we remains committed to building a better, more connected world. While the tools and technologies have changed, our commitment to integrity, reliability and innovation guides everything we do.
From health care to defence, education to renewable energy, we deliver across major commercial developments, transport networks, data centres, industrial facilities and more.
