The Elecbrakes Story: Smarter Towing, Proudly Australian Made
From a humble garage on the NSW Central Coast to becoming a market leader in towing technology, Elecbrakes is a proudly Australian-owned, designed and manufactured business – built on innovation, family values and a deep belief in doing things better.
Our mission is simple: to be your key to safer, smarter, more confident towing. Every product we create is engineered to solve real problems faced by Australian travellers, tradies and commercial towers, and every one of them is manufactured right here on home soil.
The Problem We Set Out to Solve
The idea for Elecbrakes came from a frustratingly common issue. Founder Craig de Leon wanted to borrow his in-laws’ caravan, but his vehicle didn’t have an electric brake controller. Fitting one meant modifying the dashboard, wiring through the vehicle, and losing time and money.
That experience sparked an idea: why wasn’t there a smarter, more flexible towing solution?
Together with his wife Katrina, Craig set out to reimagine what an electric brake controller could be, and Elecbrakes was born.
Built in Australia. Backed by Quality
From day one, Elecbrakes has been committed to designing and manufacturing locally. Every product, from concept through to production, is created, tested and assembled right here in Australia.
Keeping our operations onshore allows us to maintain complete control over quality, move quickly when refining product designs, and invest directly in local jobs and talent. Our facility in Lisarow gives us the capability to innovate fast, test in real time, and deliver world-class products that meet the highest standards.
From Garage Startup to Market Leader
Craig and Katrina started Elecbrakes in 2016 from their garage, handling everything from assembly and dispatch to customer service. As demand grew, the business moved into a small warehouse in Tuggerah, and now operates from a much larger facility with a team of over 35 people.
That growth has been driven by a simple vision: to deliver world-class towing technology, made in Australia, for the unique needs of Australian roads and drivers.
Our Product Evolution
- The earlier ELBC model introduced the concept: a trailer-mounted brake controller that didn’t require permanent vehicle modification.
- EB2 built on that concept, offering plug-and-play installation, customisable braking profiles, and seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
- VM1 answered the call for a vehicle-mounted option, built on the same technology and feature offering as the EB2.
- The elecConnect adaptor took three years to develop and is a locally engineered solution that simplifies trailer connectivity, designed and manufactured in-house with a laser focus on reliability and form factor. Now available in three configurations (PP7-7, PP7-12, PP12-12).
- Our game-changing SwayControl technology controls the risk of trailer sway, making towing safer than ever before. As Australia’s leader in smart towing, we’ve fully integrated intelligent SwayControl into our EB2 and VM1 brake controllers at no extra cost, delivering a world-first solution and setting the benchmark for what a brake controller should be.
Innovation with a Local Backbone
All product development happens in Australia. Our engineers test and refine concepts on-site, with immediate access to tooling, prototyping, and real-world feedback. This means faster improvements, higher standards, and a product line that continuously evolves.
We’ve invested in advanced machinery and built local expertise to ensure we never rely on offshore production. That capability helped us navigate global supply shortages and continue delivering during COVID, and it’s what positions us to keep leading into the future.
A Team, a Family, a Future
Elecbrakes is a community. From our engineering team and production crew to our sales and administration staff, we’re united by a passion for problem-solving and continuous improvement.
Craig and Katrina continue to play a central role in shaping our culture and operations, helping foster a business that’s built on trust and collaboration. Our commitment to local recruitment and inclusive leadership means we’re proud to be building opportunity and capability right here on the Central Coast.
What’s Next?
We’re expanding our retail presence to make Elecbrakes more accessible across Australia and continue to invest in Australian-made innovation, with the recent launch of Elecbrakes SwayControl, enhancements to the elecConnect range and new developments in our Minespec product line. Beyond that, we’re looking outward, with growth into New Zealand and beyond firmly in focus.
Wherever we go, one thing remains constant: our commitment to safer, smarter, more confident towing.