ARB
The origins of ARB can be traced back to Australia's remote Top End, circa 1975. A region of vast distances and rugged terrain, it was fast becoming a Mecca for the nation's burgeoning 4WD community. However, the very environment that attracted 4 wheelers also wreaked havoc on their equipment - when driving in extreme conditions, only the best 4×4 accessories will do. This was the conclusion drawn by Tony Brown during his travels at the time. While exploring the treasures of the Top End, the skills Tony gained from working on his Land Rover were regularly called on to mend damaged bull bars and broken roof racks. Bar work back then was crude, not at all suited to overland touring, and through this experience an idea was born - high quality equipment that met the vigorous demands of 4WD owners.
Upon returning to Melbourne, Tony put theory into practice via the family garage, where he sought to address the product deficiencies he'd encountered. His vision called for a combination of sound design principles and reliable raw materials… a simple solution to an endemic problem. The concept was embraced when it hit the fledgling 4×4 market, and ARB - the initials of Anthony Ronald Brown - was founded.
Today, ARB is Australia's largest manufacturer and distributor of 4×4 accessories. They also have an international presence, with an office in the US and an export network that extends through more than 80 countries around the globe. ARB's philosophy, however, has never wavered from its original course - quality, reliability and practicality above all else.
DEVELOPMENT
To ensure they meet your expectations, ARB invests heavily in research and development. Their design and engineering team utilizes the latest CAD, CAM parametric modeling systems and finite element analysis packages, and is supported by subcontract companies and universities for special projects like vibration, strength and crash testing.
With an airbag equipped vehicle for example, it is essential that the vehicle's crush rate and airbag triggering is not altered when a bull bar is installed. ARB's exhaustive testing programs ensure their ARB bull bars meet these requirements.
ARB also devotes considerable time and resources toward sourcing new products from around the world. IPF lights from Japan, Warn winches from the US… they scan the globe in search of equipment that meets both the demands of their customers and their own stringent quality requirements.
What's more, ARB is constantly on the lookout for new ways to improve their business practices, from distribution to customer service. ARB is a Quality Endorsed Company, and wherever they can, they endeavor to "raise the bar".
MANUFACTURING
ARB maintains its position as an innovator in the industry by utilizing the most modern, state of the art fabrication equipment and machinery. Today's requirements for more complex designs are met by them with highly advanced, Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) sheet fabrication facilities.
ARB's production facilities are equipped with a range of state of the art machinery suited to the manufacture of metal products. Their manufacturing capabilities include laser cutting, guillotining, robot grinding, CNC bending, machining and turning. ARB is equipped with MIG, TIG, robot and spot welding facilities and also has powder coating and spray painting centers.
ARB has a very highly skilled and motivated workforce at their manufacturing plants. They have a stringent quality control system in place, ensuring their exceptionally high standards are maintained. These factors, combined with their level of automation, enable them to produce some of the finest 4WD accessories in the world.
DISTRIBUTION
ARB products are sold and serviced through an extensive network of authorized distributors worldwide with over 1,300 dealers in North America alone.
Their staff and distributors are 4×4 enthusiasts, and have a clear understanding of the demanding conditions their products are expected to work in.
Their distributors are trained in accessory selection, fitting techniques and troubleshooting to ensure your experience with ARB products is both enjoyable and cost effective. All products manufactured or solely distributed by ARB have a minimum three-year worldwide warranty.