Dandy Premix Quarries Pty Ltd
GARY CRANNY, reports on the history, development and management philosophy of Dandy Premix Quarries Pty Ltd.
THE Yarra Valley Quarries site at Launching Place has accommodated some form of extractive industries operations continuously for more than 75 years. In 1964 the site underwent a significant upgrade and commercialisation, with the name “Warradoo Quarry” being bestowed upon it by then owner Mario Colangelo.
The name “Warradoo” originating from the aboriginal word “warra” meaning rock according to an aboriginal worker employed by Mario at the time.
The quarry was subsequently purchased and expanded by Grant Phillips in 1993 with major infrastructure improvements implemented through to 2007 when a further change of ownership saw Mark Cranny acquire the site and Work Authority as Dandy Premix Quarries (YVQ), trading as Yarra Valley Quarries.
With over 25 years of experience in the transport of quarry products and the operator of four modern concrete batch plants (Dandy Premix Concrete Pty Ltd) in the south-east growth corridor of Melbourne, encompassing a large fleet of agitators, tippers and bulk cement tankers, the move into quarry management was something of a natural progression, albeit complete with a steep learning curve for Mark.
As a customer of the quarry over many years under Grant Phillips ownership, Mark was familiar with numerous elements of the business, including its constraints, but most importantly, the quality and experience of the team employed at YVQ. This was a crucial factor in his decision to purchase that has been vindicated many times over during the four years hence.
While Dandy Premix Concrete is the single largest YVQ customer for concrete aggregates, the Yarra Ranges Council and a growing number of contractors represent the majority of weighbridge sales across a variety of products.
Regardless of the ability of YVQ to meet the needs of Dandy Premix Concrete for aggregates, Mark has no intention of ramping up supply or focusing on such an outcome, stating “we continue to want to support other industry independents; on balance we believe that is a preferable business model for us and also in the broader best interests of our industry.”
In December 2010 the Yarra Ranges Council issued a Planning Permit to allow the expansion of extractive industry operations on the site in accordance with the DPI Work Authority Variation endorsed some 12 months prior.
This variation, which was the first requiring a mandatory Community Engagement Plan, ensures the continuity of resource supply for a further 20 years within the existing WA area, in-line with current annual sales.
The acquisition of two properties comprising 120 hectares immediately adjoining the existing YVQ site has subsequently positioned YVQ to pursue a further and significant opportunity for long term expansion into the future.
These developments, combined with an ongoing program of capital investment in plant and equipment upgrades, opportunities for up-skilling and a strong emphasis on health and safety has provided the YVQ workforce with a renewed sense of employment security and satisfaction.
Mark is committed to these fundamentals, especially YVQ employees being provided with suitable opportunities to develop their professional potential. In so doing, he believes they grow with the business, adding personal value and develop a better appreciation of their role.
The quarry currently employs 10 full-time people and provides work for a number of others on a regular contractual basis or as specific service and/or maintenance providers. All YVQ employees are local Yarra Valley residents and whenever possible the quarry purchases goods, services and consumables through local suppliers.
Recognising that YVQ operates in a highly valued landscape, Mark is acutely aware of the environmental sensitivity of the local Yarra Ranges communities.
In his words “it is important we get the right long term fit between our commercial activities and local community values. We want to be known as community players and be recognised as environmentally responsible”.
YVQ is committed to the environmental protection of large tracts of its land and to the success of progressive rehabilitation works aft er the completion of quarrying.
As Mark puts it “our extractive operations give us an opportunity (a second chance if you like) to provide long term enhancements of a landscape that was harvested and poorly regenerated last century – that has to be a positive good news story”.
Consistent with Mark’s earlier remarks in relation to independent operators in the extractive industry, Dandy Premix (Quarries & Concrete) is a strong supporter and advocate of the CMPA.
In Mark’s words “I’m a great believer in the value provided by privately owned businesses and of the tremendous opportunities being self-employed offers to the right, properly motivated individuals or families. Our sector is a powerful, but often understated contributor to the State and National economies and our standard of living. The CMPA role in advancing and protecting the interests of independents in the extractive industries is not just worthwhile, but vital.”
“It is our intention to continue to play our part in contributing to the success of the CMPA and the benefits it brings to family owned businesses like Dandy Premix; we trust others share our views on the CMPA, that membership grows and our voice to government becomes louder and more influential.”
60 SECONDS WITH A VOTING MEMBER…
What is your name?
Leigh (Homer) Coombs
Who do you work for?
Dandy Premix Quarries (T/A Yarra Valley Quarries)
How many years have you worked for this business?
4.5 years – since Dandy Premix Quarries purchased Yarra Valley Quarries
How many years have you been involved in the Industry?
19 years
What is your role at the company?
Sales and Administration Manager
What does your job involve?
Day-to-day management of weighbridge operations, product sales and the associated administrative duties. My job also involves extensive liaison with customers and the Quarry Manager about production scheduling. I’m also the elected site HSR.
What is the best part of your job?
The satisfaction of achieving the business and employee team goals, working locally in a stable position and the support provided to improve through education and training.
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