It’s a name that has faded with the passing of time, but there can be no denying the impact of Eric Cuckson on Penrith, and its business community.
Eric Cuckson and his wife Marie came to Australia from Wales around 1949 and established his factory at St Marys.
He created and perfected high speed weaving looms for tape and manufactured zippers.
Later they developed the Nyguard zipper, regarded by many as the world’s best heavy duty slide fastener.
He created a working environment in which employees would experience free cooperation, enthusiasm and interest in their work.
Cuckson developed a thermal aluminium foil ceiling system to reduce the heat from the factory roof and improve employee working conditions, named ‘Rondo Foil’ and this later became a product that was manufactured, distributed and installed.
Today, Rondo is based at Erskine Park and dates its company history back to Cuckson.
In the late 1950s, Cuckson was contacted regarding the manufacture of a concealed ceiling grid system, and this connection became the catalyst for Rondo today.
In 1969 Cuckson Textiles Pty Ltd became Cuckson-Scovill when the U.S. company Scovill Manufacturing Company took a financial interest in the Australian company. Cuckson-Scovill later became Scovill Australia Pty Ltd, after being completely absorbed by the American parent company.
Eric Cuckson died in 1981.
Eric and Marie and three children: Robert Cuckson, Margaret Cuckson and Barbara Cuckson.
He wasn’t the only Cuckson with business in their veins. His daughter Barbara Cuckson established the Rozelle School of Visual Arts and celebrated 50 years running the business in 2021.
Barbara learned to dance in her father’s St Marys factory – as part of the social activities at the business.
And just last year, a reunion was held of those who danced at the Cuckson factory classes from 1954 to 1973.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.