MARYVALE SAND AND TRADING SUPPLIES

PETER HEYWOOD provides an overview of the family business that has been supplying sand to the Latrobe Valley region for over 50 years.

Maryvale Sand started operation in 1957 as a partnership between Bruce Heywood and Albert Bicknell. In 1958 a sand washing plant was installed with washed sand deliveries commencing in March 1958 to construction works at Morwell Power Station and the Briquette Factory as well as to local contractors in the Latrobe Valley.

As demand for sand increased due to power station and housing construction in the Valley, new washing plants were installed in 1965 and 1970. In 1968, the business expanded with a new sand quarry opening at Rosedale to supply sand to the Gippsland oil and gas pipelines.

In 1976 Bruce Heywood purchased the interests of Mr. Bicknell and a larger sand plant was installed to increase production to cater for works at Yallourn W, Thompson Dam and Loy Yang Power Station.

In 1980 sons Peter and Jeff Heywood started work with the business and more recently Peter’s son Michael also joined the operation so that now there are three generations working in the family business.

The operational plant is capable of producing 300 tonne of sand per hour including concrete sand, fine washed sand and filter sand with a screening plant producing bedding sand and road sand. Resources are estimated at supporting 30 years of production.

Maryvale Sand currently employs six people full time plus two office staff. All employees are multi skilled in quarry operations.

Maryvale Sand joined the CMPA when it was first formed mainly due to the bond issues. Since then CMPA has been exceptional in providing safety and training information to ensure that all quarries are aware of their operational and safety obligations. Many thanks to the Members and volunteers who give up their time to make the CMPA what it is today.

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