Established in 1984, NATRAD says it is the country’s largest national network of engine cooling and air conditioning specialist repairers for vehicles and heavy equipment

Across the country, you’ll find people who are familiar with the “Nip into NATRAD” tag line that featured in their TV and radio advertising campaigns for decades. Also central to the workshop group’s visual identity is a friendly-looking radiator cartoon character called “NAT.”
Trusted by Australians for over 40 years, NATRAD provides quality parts and professional advice to help you keep your cool and stay on the job, no matter how big or small the machine.
In recent decades, the car manufacturing industry has applied significant changes regarding the design and materials used to make vehicle parts.
Copper and brass radiators that could typically be repaired with some soldering were replaced with aluminium cores and plastic tanks on radiators and intercoolers.
This weight saving brings improvements to fuel economy, but it means the only viable repair option is to replace the whole unit.
This design shift reduced the need for radiator repair work on passenger cars and led the Franchise to make some changes.
Those NATRAD workshops around Australia that service heavy vehicles and equipment still had plenty of work as many large heat exchangers are designed to be a serviceable part.
In 2010, the NATRAD Heavy Duty group of workshops was formed to highlight their capabilities in the service and repair of large radiators, charge air coolers, and oil coolers.
Due to the size and cost of replacement units, performing a repair is an economical solution to help restore cooling performance.
In 2017, NATRAD AutoCare mechanical workshops were added to the group, extending the scope of repair work offered under this well-known brand.
This also aligned with the broadening variety of products available through NATRAD, that includes many service and replacement parts.

NATRAD Franchise of the Year
The NATRAD Franchise of the Year (FOTY) awards recognise Australia’s highest achieving NATRAD workshops, measured against key criteria across the business including sales performance, store presentation and local marketing.
These awards were presented in August at the 2025 ADRAD Industry Conference, held in Phuket, Thailand.
This event, hosted by ADRAD, is said to be the largest of its kind for Australia’s heat exchange industry.
The annual gathering provides a great opportunity for those attending to engage directly with parts manufacturers, suppliers, and also their colleagues from across the country.
The schedule mixes technical presentations with social outings and includes some free time to explore the local area, do some shopping, or just relax and unwind.
Many who have been attending the annual ADRAD Conference for several years find they have built lasting relationships that enhance their knowledge and understanding about the industry and how to improve their own business.
Workshop owners and operators from across Australia attended the Conference, with several bringing their families along for the trip.
The structure of the Conference is carefully arranged to be family-friendly, with special activities included for the partners and children that attend.
A highlight event of the Conference is the Saturday night Gala Dinner, with this final activity in the schedule a formal evening where the NATRAD Franchise Of The Year winners are announced and celebrated.
NATRAD says it was pleased at the Gala Dinner to recognise the following Franchise of the Year State Winners:
• WA Franchise of the Year: NATRAD Kalgoorlie – accepted by Dennis Smedley. NATRAD Kalgoorlie been part of the NATRAD Franchise network for nearly 15 years and services the interior of WA with specialist care. They have a long record as an award-winning store, having previously won two National FOTY awards, as well as four State FOTY awards. Conveniently located next to the Fimiston Open Pit “Super Pit” Gold Mine in Kalgoorlie, this workshop offers a wide range of services and repairs for mining, heavy machinery and transport as well as passenger cars and 4x4s.
• QLD Franchise of the Year: NATRAD Dalby – accepted by David and Debby Skerman and their family. NATRAD Dalby has a long and strong reputation for providing heavy duty cooling solutions, recognised on a national scale. The Skermans have won the QLD State FOTY award every year since taking over the Dalby workshop in 2023. They cater to all types of vehicles from passenger cars, light trucks, 4x4s and performance vehicles to prime movers, farming and agriculture, power generation, mining equipment and industrial applications.
• VIC Franchise of the Year: NATRAD Ballarat – accepted by Jack and Hayley Bishop, marking their second VIC State FOTY win. NATRAD Ballarat joined the group in 2012 and have been servicing Victoria’s Central Highlands region for decades. The team service and repair vehicle engine cooling and air conditioning systems, and perform logbook servicing, mechanical repairs, and brakes and suspension work.
• SA Franchise of the Year: NATRAD Wingfield – accepted by Peter Ware. NATRAD Wingfield is described by NATRAD as Adelaide’s leading specialists in Heavy Duty Cooling (HDC) solutions for applications such as heavy transport, agricultural, mining, rail and power generation. Since joining in 2010, this workshop has now claimed the SA State FOTY award on seven occasions. It services also include cleanouts, repairs, recores, and fabrication work.
• National Franchise of the Year: NATRAD Wagga, NSW: Jason and Jo Mattingly were delighted to accept the 2025 NATRAD National Franchise of the Year award. Since joining the NATRAD Franchise in 1988, NATRAD Wagga has won the NSW / ACT State FOTY award five times, and this is the second time they’ve won the National FOTY award. NATRAD says this demonstrates NATRAD Wagga’s ongoing commitment to serving businesses and consumers in the local community to the highest standards. It states they are trusted for reliable service; delivering optimal automotive solutions in engine cooling, A/C and general servicing.

NATRAD sends its congratulations to these exceptional businesses, and everyone in their dedicated teams whose contributions helped in achieving their success.
NATRAD explains that its franchise network offers repair workshop businesses the opportunity to grow and succeed through harnessing a powerful Australian brand, nationwide advertising, supplier support, and business resources.
The group also benefits from a close working relationship with ADRAG, enabling them to receive extensive product information, technical training, and warranty support.
NATRAD’s business is going through an expansion phase, with new stores being added to the group in several states.
If you are interested in learning about the NATRAD Franchise and how it might be of benefit to your business, contact the NATRAD team on 03 9795 1255 or info@natrad.com.au

For more information, visit www.natrad.com.au