THE EVOLUTION OF MANTA PERFORMANCE: 1974 – 2024
Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence
In 1974, Manta Performance’s journey began with the establishment of the Perth Exhaust Centre at 107 Albany Highway, Victoria Park. Brothers Donald and John Draffin, under the guidance of their father Bill Draffin, launched a retail exhaust fitting shop that would lay the foundation for a future industry leader. Together, they started “Finn Exhaust Equipment,” a buying and wholesale entity that supplied the Perth Exhaust Centre and other workshops, service stations, and motor dealers.
In 1976, The Perth Exhaust Centre (Manta) expanded by opening a second store, “Perth Exhaust – Inglewood,” at 941 Beaufort St. This move aimed to make our high-quality performance exhaust systems more accessible to our growing Perth customer base.
That same year, we rebranded Finn Exhaust Equipment to “Finnex Exhaust. The Finnex brand quickly became known for its cutting-edge exhaust technology and top-notch service.
In 1977, Finn Exhaust Equipment made significant strides by investing in advanced tube bending technology and comprehensive staff training, ensuring they remained at the forefront of exhaust manufacturing innovation. Additionally, they began importing components from the UK, Europe, and Asia, which allowed them to reduce costs, expand their product range, and eliminate supply constraints for their customers, firming their reputation as industry leaders.
Between 1978 and 1980, Finn Exhaust Equipment (Manta) significantly expanded operations. We increased our Inglewood premises by 300%, boosting our storage and manufacturing capacity. In 1980, we acquired the 101 Albany Highway office and warehouse, enhancing our presence south of the river. These expansions allowed us to support the growing demand, innovate further, and set a strong foundation for future success.
This era marked a significant milestone for Manta as the company ventured into interstate sales, establishing solid and lasting relationships with prominent industry players such as Pro-Ex (now SWD), Motoline, Humex (now Torqit), Mercury Mufflers, and Swift Exhaust. These partnerships expanded our market reach and solidified our reputation in the industry. Impressively, many of these original partners continue to operate successfully to this day.
Between 1986 and 1988, Finn-Ex Pty Ltd (Manta) made significant strides in its growth and innovation. The company purchased land at 31 Alexandra Place, constructing new premises for its sales and manufacturing operations. Finn-Ex also acquired advanced programmable Vecta bending machinery during this time, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency. In 1988, the company rebranded from Finn Exhaust Equipment to Finn-Ex Pty Ltd, reflecting its expanded vision and commitment to excellence in the exhaust industry. These years marked a pivotal point in Finn-Ex’s journey, laying a solid foundation for future success.
In 1989, Finn-Ex Pty Ltd (Manta) achieved another industry milestone by producing Australia’s first fully illustrated exhaust catalogue. This massive 669-page catalogue featured exhaust systems for all makes and models, from Alfa Romeo to Volvo, serving as a comprehensive guide for customers.