Simpson's new patent ovens

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Alfred Simpson and his family arrived in South Australia in 1849. Simpson had completed an apprenticeship as a tinplate worker, but had not worked in the industry in England. After trying various occupations and a stint on the Victorian goldfields, Simpson established himself as a tinsmith on premises in Topham Street in 1853. He manufactured many products for agricultural uses and, as agricultural industries became more established in South Australia, so his business, known as the 'Colonial Tinware Manufactory', expanded. By 1862, Simpson extended his premises, now in Gawler Place. His son Alfred Muller Simpson joined the business in 1864.

A major expansion of the Gawler Place premises was undertaken in 1868. At the time of Alfred Simpson's death in 1891, A. Simpson and Son had the largest metal manufacturing plant in Australia. New works were opened in Wakefield Street in 1894 and they eventually covered over three acres. From 1898, the company began enamel plating with porcelain and its reputation in the other colonies grew from this activity. Alfred M. Simpson's sons joined the company after they completed their education.

Following World War I the company expanded further. A new factory was opened at Dudley Park in the 1940s and the company began the manufacture of whitegoods. In 1963 A. Simpson and Son merged with Pope Industries to form Simpson Pope Holdings. Alfred Simpson became chairman of the board of Simpson Pope Holdings. The Simpson brand, now owned by Electrolux, continues to produce a variety of household appliances.

Allen Simpson one of Alfred Muller's sons assisted CT Madigan financially with his explorations in central Australia in 1929 and again in 1936. The Simpson Desert was named in his honour. Cape Simpson in Antarctica is also named for him as a result of his assistance to Douglas Mawson.

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