EMM Group – Echuca/Moama

KANE HENSON, General Manager reports on the development of the business to what it is today.

ANDREW Halloran has an eye for opportunity, not just identifying it, but acting upon it. As the Company Director of the EMM Group (formerly Echuca Mini Mix), based on the banks of the Murray River in Echuca/Moama, he has been able to establish a diverse and successful business over a 10 year period.

Part of the EMM Group of businesses is Bama Mineral Sands. Bama Mineral Sands processes a wide range of quality sands to be used for different purposes across Victoria and Southern NSW. Based near Barmah on the New South Wales and Victoria border, the quarry operated by the EMM Group extracts sand to supply concrete manufacturers, sand and soil businesses, construction businesses and instant turf companies.

Such is the quality of sand that comes out of the quarry; its sand is commonly written into contract specifications for tenders, particularly with sport oval rehabilitation and construction.

The new sand quarry that was established in March 2011, is the result of an exhaustive evaluation process by Andrew, to source, extract and process top quality sand for his clients. “We want to provide to our clients, the best possible sand available” said Andrew.

“Our staff is committed to servicing our client’s needs and can produce a wide range of soil blends”.

“Our Bama Sands staff team, have always aimed to maintain balance between our processing operations and upholding our responsibilities to the environment” said Andrew.

Recently, their management team committed to rehabilitating areas of the sand quarry through mass tree plantings and native grass propagation. The EMM Group management team worked closely with the local council and other associated stakeholders, to identify and implement the best outcomes for the environment throughout the site rehabilitation.

In late 2009, Andrew was beginning to recognize that he needed to diversify his business to maintain a solid business foundation. With a keen interest in quarrying stemming from time spent with his grandfather at the Riordan’s Quarry in Colac, crushing and screening seemed a logical pathway to explore. Already performing his own screening at the Bama Sands site, Andrew made the decision to invest into a mobile impact crusher and quickly established the Ecocrete Pty Ltd crushing and screening business.

Also equipped with a modern fleet of three Kenworth PBS approved truck and dogs, Ecocrete also have the capabilities to supply and deliver any bulk material into the quarrying, mining or civil construction industry.

As in any new business division, there was a steep learning curve for many staff for the integration of Ecocrete into the group.

New equipment, new systems, new reporting and new customers meant that the existing staff had to undergo an extensive training program to allow a seamless transition of Ecocrete into the group. Under the direction of Andrew and his experienced EMM Group management team, the internally seconded crushing staff team undertook a comprehensive 4 week onsite training program in Geelong.

“We were committed to providing the staff with the best possible training they required for the new Ecocrete business” said Andrew.

EMM Group management clearly understands that an enduring commitment to their customer base and local community are the foundations of the business. It is for that very reason that the EMM Group generously supports a wide range of schools, local sporting clubs and not for profit organisations.

“Staff are relentlessly reminded that no customer, big or small, should ever be taken for granted” said Andrew.

EMM group has just entered its 7th year as a member of the CMPA. EMM Group recognises that the Association, supported by its members, has a critical role to play in the ongoing professional development of the extractive industry.

The future looks bright for EMM Group. An increasing diversity of work, staff and management who are committed to the future strategic plans and a strong connection to the local community.

60 SECONDS WITH A VOTING MEMBER…

What is your name?
Andrew Halloran

Who do you work for?
EMM Group (Formerly Echuca Mini Mix)

How many years have you worked for this business?
10 years

How many years have you been involved in the Industry?
17 years

What is your role at the company?
Company Director

What does your job involve?
Dealing with our customer base on a day to day basis, investigating and following up on new business opportunities. Keeping up with new industry technology and standards.

What is the best part of your job?
Dealing with clients problems regarding their supply requirements and coming up with a solution that satisfies their needs.

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