Paver Turns the Corner

Said Jason: "The ability to make that turn sold us on the machine."

Yet they still needed a paver that would produce on high-production jobs. The brothers take on many different types of work; the only certainty about the next job is it could be any kind of paving work.

"We do everything from deep lift asphalt—highways and car parks—to subdivisions and roundabouts," said Darren, co-owner of the business. "We need the paver to perform consistently, and it does."

There is no doubt production on big jobs will be needed as well. The floods that severely damaged much of the area have created the need for many roads to be rebuilt.

Growing the business

 

Darren and Jason have adjusted, and found ways to grow, for years. Their father did the same. "He started by buying a truck, throwing asphalt on the back and fixing potholes," Darren said.

He eventually built a fleet of road construction equipment. His sons, meanwhile, went their own ways and worked various jobs—in the mines, in construction, in the Army. Eventually they knew it was time to come home and help their father.

"He asked us to come home," Jason said. "We were glad to. We started by taking over the earthmoving machinery."

Lessons learned while working for others helped their father's business grow. The brothers increasingly emphasized paving, and their focus paid off with considerable growth from the time the firm started 14 years ago.

"Over the years we've sort of taken over," Jason said. A few years ago they made it official and bought out their father.

The brothers invest in quality equipment as a way to grow their business. They also continue to work well together, though that doesn't necessarily mean they always agree.

"The main challenge is that we all have different ideas, and very rarely will we totally agree on something," Jason said. "But normally between us we work out the best way to go."

Darren agreed. "It gives you a different perspective," he said. "Your idea might be right, but maybe it can be just a little better. That's what we do together."

At work in the subdivision

 

On a recent day GBM went to work in a subdivision of Mildura in northwest Victoria. The day was hot and the roads filled with sharp turns. The new paver arrived and went to work.

"The first thing we noticed is how quiet it was," Darren said. "It also was comfortable to be around in terms of heat and fumes. We use the AS3251C screed. It lays a good mat and it's electric, which helps with the heat."

Darren immediately noticed something else about the paver. "It's just so easy to operate," he said. "The controls are right there. It's user friendly."

The paver quickly went to work in the subdivision. The width of the road varied from 5.8 m to 6 m. A 30 mm lift, with 10 mm stone, was placed

Only a few minutes on the job and the brothers had noticed the low sound level, low heat production (especially important because of the ambient temperatures) and the ease of use. And then the paver made the 90-degree turn.

Noon hadn't even arrived, and the decision was made. "We've been using that paver ever since," Jason said.