Three Generations of Krause Bricks
For nearly eight decades, Krause Bricks has been synonymous with excellence in Australian brickmaking. Founded in 1945, it has evolved through three generations of master brick makers, each contributing and developing the business in their own way. Let us introduce to you the three Krause men who have shaped Krause Bricks into the company it is today; Jack Krause, Patrick Krause, and Klynton Krause.
Jack Krause: The Founding Visionary
The story of Krause Bricks begins with Jack Krause, whose journey from soldier to artisan brickmaker is nothing short of inspirational. In 1909, Thomas Taylor Senior arrived in Stawell as the General Manager of the Stawell Brickworks. His son, Thomas Taylor Junior, took over on his retirement. It was under Tom Junior that Jack Krause was trained as a brick maker in the years following the Great Depression and prior to World War II.
During World War II, Jack served as a Captain in the Australian Army, deployed to Papua New Guinea. His experiences during the war shaped his resilience and work ethic, qualities that would prove useful to civilian life upon his return. After the war, Jack settled in the small, thriving country town of Stawell, Victoria, where he began his journey as a local artisan brick maker.
In 1945, Jack founded Krause Bricks. His methods of production were simple and laborious, involving the hand rotation of brick presses to produce shapes. The original oil-fired kilns, which remain standing today, are a testament to Jack's commitment to quality.
Jack's dedication to his craft and his innovative spirit laid the foundation for what Krause Bricks would become. His bricks, known for their vivid colours and textural variations, quickly gained a reputation for excellence, setting the stage for the next generation.
Patrick Krause: Continuing the Tradition
Patrick Krause, the eldest of Jack's eight children, was born and raised in Stawell. From a young age, Patrick was immersed in the world of brickmaking. He learnt the trade from his father, inheriting Jack's passion and attention to detail. After a stint in Melbourne to complete a degree in Engineering, Patrick returned to Stawell to continue the family tradition of brickmaking.
Under Patrick's guidance, Krause Bricks expanded significantly. He modernised some aspects of the manufacturing process while preserving the traditional methods that set their bricks apart from their mass produced competitors. Patrick's engineering background allowed him to introduce new technologies and improve efficiency without compromising on quality.
Klynton Krause: Innovating for the Future
As the third-generation member of the Krause Bricks legacy, you could say it was Klynton’s destiny to follow suit and become a brick maker. The youngest of Patrick’s three children, Klynton was a permanent fixture at the brickyard from the moment he could walk, trailing his father and uncle (who also worked in the business) around and learning the trade.
Klynton's impact on the business has been marked by significant modernisation efforts. He has been instrumental in revolutionising Krause Bricks' manufacturing procedures to meet the demands of the 21st century. Under his leadership, Krause Bricks has achieved several prestigious industry awards, including the Horbury Hunt Award for its contribution to the John Wardle Monash University project. Klynton's recognition as the Wimmera Business 'Young Leader' further underscores his achievements in bringing the company into the 21st century.
Klynton's vision extends beyond manufacturing - he is dedicated to ensuring the business's success for the next generation and beyond. In 2023, it was under Klynton’s leadership that Krause Bricks became the first Australian brick manufacturer to offer full carbon neutrality on every order.
The Krause Bricks Legacy
The Krause Bricks story is a testament to the enduring legacy of family, craftsmanship, and innovation. Each generation has built upon the foundation laid by the previous one, adding their unique contributions and ensuring the company's continued success.
As Krause Bricks continues to produce Australia's most beautiful brick products, it remains rooted in the values that have guided it for nearly eight decades, namely quality and craftsmanship. The company's story is one of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence—a legacy that will undoubtedly continue for generations to come.
You can learn more about the incredible Krause family story via the about page here.