Drillmate Pty Ltd was founded in 1989 by Noel Rankin a Pioneer of Australian Manufacturing.

The Drillmate Portable Drill Press was evolved due to the requirement of its sister company to drill in excess of 3000 holes per week in truck chassis for vehicle modification. Drillmate provided increased hole production, increased power drill and drill bit life, plus a safer working environment.

In 1989, Drillmate Pty Ltd received the Australian Design Award and in 1990, the Occupational Health and Safety Award.

Vac-Pad was a further innovation which allows for drilling of a variety of materials, sheet metals, concrete, marble etc. using Drillmate. Vac-Pad was further developed to accept magnetic-based drilling machines, for drilling non-ferrous materials.