A commitment to quality, standards compliance, and meticulous workmanship has defined R N Baker Switchboards since 1955. As the company marks 70 years, it continues to grow steadily on the strength of its culture of continuous improvement and its long association with NESMA.
From local beginnings to a multi-site operation
Founded in 1955 by Ron Baker and Bill Manusu, R N Baker Switchboards has grown from a specialist workshop into a multi-site manufacturer under the leadership of Director Dane Horwood. The team now numbers more than 35 across Dubbo and Newcastle, with a new 1,000 m² Dubbo facility due for completion in 2026 and plans for additional locations to meet demand. Dane, who joined the business 24 years ago and became the owner in 2016, credits the company’s resilience through the Global Financial Crisis, Covid, and the introduction of new industry requirements to its ability to adapt while staying true to a standards-first ethos.
Built on standards – and the NESMA community
R N Baker’s work spans industries that prize safety and reliability, particularly heavy industry, mining and utilities. The company’s reputation rests on deep experience with standards compliance and quality manufacturing. Early in his career, Dane was encouraged to participate in NESMA, where support from members, including industry stalwarts Mark Betcher and Peter Silsby, reinforced a “do it the right way” mindset and opened doors to technical resources, live tests and demonstrations, and peer learning. This relationship strengthened further in 2020, when Dane served as NESMA NSW President.
“When the AS/NZS 61439 switchboard standard was introduced, NESMA’s education drive aligned perfectly with R N Baker’s approach,” says Dane. “We moved swiftly to adopt the standard, which in turn accelerated demand from customers and suppliers in key industrial metropolitan areas and supported the establishment of the Newcastle facility.”
Investing in people, capability, and efficiency
R N Baker combines long-tenured, highly capable staff with the next generation of engineers, apprentices and advanced manufacturing practices. Internally, the focus is clear: efficiency, accuracy, waste minimisation, and continuous improvement, all while honouring the legacy inherited from the founders. That mindset informs everything from shop-floor practices to project delivery in heavy industry environments where safety and compliance are non-negotiable.
“This year we introduced access to counselling services as part of our Employee Assistance Program,” says Dane. “I’ve personally found counselling to be a powerful tool, and I want our people to know the same support is available to them. Our success depends on our people, and that means looking after them both professionally and personally.”
Looking ahead: setting the next 70 years up for success
With the new Dubbo facility underway and expansion plans in motion, R N Baker is entering its next phase of disciplined growth. The focus is to deepen capability, extend into new areas, and continue contributing to industry education through NESMA. The company’s reputation, earned over decades by a dedicated team, remains its strongest asset as it lays the groundwork for the years ahead.
