James Shields & Company is an independent, family-owned business specialising in wholesale and retail of L.P. gas equipment.
A Brief History.
Established in 1948 by Mr. William (Bill) Shields and his son James (Jim), the company initially specialised in wholesaling and distributing Aladdin Kerosene Lamps, Primus and Companion Blowlamps, Camping Stoves, Tilley Lanterns, Fyrside Kerosene Heaters, and Vulcan electrical products.
In 1957, James Shields and Company expanded into the small appliance and cylinder market due to its association with Nelson & Co. This shift coincided with the introduction of L.P. gas to Australia.
In 1964, the company embraced oil heating, with Vulcan Ltd emerging as Australia’s largest oil heater producer. James Shields and Company handled sales and distribution in Victoria and Tasmania.
James Shields and Company has always been an independent, family-owned business. After the Shields family retired, Bob and Lucy Spencer took over the company, which is now operated by Tony Spencer.