How the EMU® Spirit Dispenser Is Designed and Built in Australia
/How the EMU® Spirit Dispenser Is Designed and Built in Australia
Introduction
In an industry where most electronic equipment is imported, the EMU® Spirit Dispenser stands apart — it is designed, manufactured, and supported entirely in Australia. Built by KRS Design in Dapto, New South Wales, the EMU® has been a trusted fixture in Australian bars, pubs and clubs for decades. This is the story of how it's made and why that matters.
Australian Design from the Ground Up
The EMU® was conceived and developed by KRS Design as a purpose-built commercial dispensing device — not a consumer product adapted for trade use. Every aspect of the design, from the electronic circuitry to the mechanical dispensing mechanism, was engineered specifically for the demands of high-volume commercial hospitality environments.
Designed and manufactured at KRS Design's facility in Dapto, Wollongong NSW, the EMU® reflects decades of refinement based on real-world feedback from venue operators across Australia.
Built for Trade Approval
From the outset, the EMU® was designed to meet the strict requirements of the National Measurement Institute (NMI) — the Australian government body responsible for certifying trade measuring instruments. Achieving NMI approval is not a rubber stamp process. It requires independent testing and verification that the device dispenses accurate, consistent measures under a wide range of operating conditions.
The EMU® Model CH8/B holds NMI Certificate 4/5/12D, confirming it meets Australia's trade measurement standards for regulated 15 mL and 30 mL spirit service. This certification must be maintained and is specific to the model — it cannot be transferred or assumed by imitations.
What Goes Into Every EMU®
Each EMU® unit is assembled and tested at the KRS Design facility before leaving the factory. Key features built into every unit include:
Fully electronic 15 mL and 30 mL dispensing mechanism
4-digit electronic nip counter with key-lock reset
Simple bottle loading without removing the unit from the rack
Hot water cleaning — no disassembly required
Modular design for single or multi-unit rack systems
2-year return to factory warranty
Local Manufacturing, Local Support
Because the EMU® is made in Australia, KRS Design is able to offer the fastest factory service turnaround of any spirit dispenser on the market. There are no overseas supply chains, no lengthy import delays, and no guesswork about parts availability.
When a venue needs a repair, a replacement, or technical support, they're dealing directly with the people who designed and built the device — not a distributor or reseller.
A Track Record in Australian Venues
The EMU® has been in continuous production and use in Australian hospitality venues for many years. It is a proven, reliable commercial dispensing system with a long track record in bars, clubs, hotels and restaurants across the country.
For venue operators, that track record matters. The EMU® is not a new entrant trying to establish itself — it is an established Australian-made product with a demonstrated history of performance in commercial environments.
Conclusion
The EMU® Spirit Dispenser is one of the few commercial electronic spirit dispensers designed and manufactured entirely in Australia. Built to NMI trade approval standards, supported locally, and refined over decades of real-world use, it represents a genuine Australian-made alternative to imported dispensing equipment.
To learn more or purchase the EMU® Spirit Dispenser, visit the KRS Design online store.