Expansion plans for local manufacturer, Tobin Disc Drills are set to become a reality with construction of their new factory in Forbes Shire Council’s new development at Central West Industrial Park imminent.
Currently located in Sam St Forbes, Tobin Disc Drills manufacture a high speed disc planter called “The Bullet”, which they successfully market throughout the Australian wheat belt and overseas.

The company has been working closely with Forbes Shire Council and reached an agreement to purchase a 4.6Ha block in the new Industrial Park, where the larger capacity manufacturing and R&D facility is being built.

Forbes Shire Council General Manager, Carissa Bywater said, “Council is committed to internal economic growth and are therefore very pleased to support Tobin Disc Drills as they continue to develop their business.”

Managing Director, Noel Tobin said “We are grateful to Forbes Shire Council, they have been very helpful in accommodating our requirements. It is also appropriate to thank Industry & Investment NSW, who have assisted the company with their development. However, the bulk of the funds for construction have been raised through an equity sale to Melbourne private equity firm, Freestone Capital.
“Having outgrown our present site at Sam Street, the size and location of the block is ideal for our business, particularly with the Newell Highway exposure and the proximity to The Central West Livestock Exchange. The Bullet’s performance in Australia has been particularly pleasing especially in sticky soils such as those in Northern NSW, and also the hard setting soils. This success has increased demand and lead to a requirement to expand our production capacity”, Mr Tobin said.
Tobin Disc Drills has just built and delivered its first eighteen metre Bullet to a Victorian customer and are presently building a twenty-two metre machine for a WA customer. The Company also enjoys sales of “The Bullet” in Canada and Africa.