Wodonga Quarries
MAURICE ADRIEN, reports on the history and development of Wodonga Quarries.
WODONGA Quarries, situated 10km from the NSW/VIC border in West Wodonga was formed in 1987. Prior to 1987, a parcel of Crown land, which is now owned by the quarry, was originally quarried by the Wodonga Council for its works maintenance within the area.
The land surrounding this was owned by a local resident by the name of Bill Nicholson. Bill noticed the material coming out of this council quarry and saw its potential, thus applying for an EIL at the time. The EIL was granted but Bill didn’t progress in setting up a plant. Several other locals commenced discussions with Bill in relation to the land and the market potential.
In early 1987 these locals, Bridget & Michael Wolk, Evelyn & Bill Graham and Valerie & Reno Calagas formed the company, Wodonga Quarries Pty Ltd and purchased this land and EIL from Bill. Design works started almost immediately and in September 1987 works started on the construction of the process plant.
Unfortunately Bill Graham passed away in August 1987 not being able to see the start of construction. Finally in April 1988, the plant was commissioned and the first load of material was sold.
Over the year’s ownership changed with other parties buying into and departing from the business (Lawrence and Margaret Hannebery, HC Judd Holdings and Brutt und Investments).
In 1995, an opportunity arose with one of the partners in the business wanting to leave. The late David Barro saw further potential in the business & the region. Barro Group bought into the business, and then in 2008 the group acquired the company adding to its growing family business.
At that time the plant was medium sized and basic in design but well suited to market requirements, the mobile plant consisted of second hand equipment and contractor equipment to get up and running. As the business grew, this mobile equipment was slowly replaced with new equipment. The plant also had equipment additions in the quest for process improvement and better efficiency.
In 2006, a pug mill/blending and stabilisation plant was installed, thus further improving road base production and opening the quarry up to a wider market and also turning some by-products or “slow moving products” into a marketable product.
During the years, the company saw good and bad times, with growth in the area and Mother Nature having her say. In 1992 there were major floods in the area, which almost saw the quarry being inundated.
With the hard work of staff, customers and friends of the business, the flood waters were held at bay until they receded. Further floods occurred in 1993, 1996, 2000 and 2010, but with the experience of the 1992 flood, the quarry was prepared for these.
Today, Wodonga Quarries services the local Albury Wodonga region and areas up to 150km away, with a client base of concreters and construction companies, contractors, garden supply businesses and the general public.
60 SECONDS WITH A VOTING MEMBER…
What is your name?
Maurice Adrien
Who do you work for?
Wodonga Quarries Pty Ltd (Barro Group)
How many years have you worked for this business?
8.5 years
How many years have you been involved in the Industry?
23 years
What is your role at the company?
Manager
What does your job involve?
I oversee the development & running of the quarry; sales and marketing of Wodonga Quarries.
What is the best part of your job?
Working with the staff. Their team based work attitude helps for an easier & pleasant work place to manage.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login