The business started life in Auckland in 1978. Ross Walker and Colin Menzies formed a partnership that started off repairing welding equipment. Within a few years they had employed John Shapcott, who had a background in power electronics. John Shapcott is now the owner of Electrastart Ltd
In early 2000 the business was approached by a company that hires out jumpstarters to vehicle fleet operators and car yards. They were commissioned to modernise the jumpstarter control system, and design a charger that met battery manufacturers recommendations for obtaining optimal performance. Also to be included were some smart electronics to prevent the jumpstarter supplying power if reverse connected to the vehicle’s battery, a common and expensive problem in car yards employing unskilled part time staff. This led to a successful technical partnership with Electrastart, and culminated in the original partners buying the jumpstarter company outright in 2006, ensuring that the jumpstarters will continue to incorporate the latest technology.
