Needs + challenges

A leader in heavy haulage, civil construction, and bulk logistics, Gradco required a purpose-built facility to maintain its diverse fleet of heavy machinery, including excavators, graders and dump trucks. The primary goal: increase servicing capacity, support the operational efficiency of their growing business at every turn.

Gradco’s long-standing relationship with Bison Constructions made the choice of builder an easy one. “In the past, we’d built buildings, warehouses, and other properties with Bison, so when it came to building ourselves a new maintenance facility here on this site, there was no question that we would use Bison,” said Gradco Director, Oliver Diprose.

The project involved the structural design, fabrication and construction of a 1000m² facility with six service bays with 5m x 5m roller shutters for oversized machinery, gantry crane beam for a 10-tonne overhead crane, and mezzanine for parts storage. An 8m-wide awning running the full length of the building added vital weather protection, while an internal insulated wall split the workshop into two zones – one for fabrication and welding, and the other for mechanical servicing.

Success made simple

Bison Constructions delivered a versatile, state-of-the-art facility that has enhanced Gradco’s operations. The workshop’s open, spacious design – complete with its insulated roofing, rotary vents, and extended awning – ensures a comfortable, all-weather working environment. A smart design feature, the internal wall allows mechanics and welders to work at their best.

While a functional design was key for the business that prides itself on keeping its fleet in peak condition, scheduling and site coordination were equally critical for this project.

Executing the project while Gradco’s operations remained in full swing was no small feat. Bison Constructions carefully organised work around site activity, ensuring safe machinery movements and minimal disruption to daily operations. Close coordination with contractors was also paramount, particularly during the installation of the overhead crane – a critical stage of the project that required precise planning and execution.

Bison’s project management expertise and fast construction processes ensured the build was delivered on time and on budget, and Gradco now benefits from a durable, high-performing facility that will support their fleet servicing program now and into the future.

Needs + challenges

Onetrak is home to large equipment brands in the earthmoving, construction, forestry, material handling and quarry industries. It offers new and used machine sales, hire equipment, service and parts. Founded in 2006 with a single location, it now has more than 100 staff members across 6 branches – and had outgrown its original southern Tasmanian workshop. Managing Director David Hazell decided to work with Bison to build a state-of-the-art new facility that would allow for expansion for the next 10 years of growth. Priorities included:

• A large sales area – with meeting offices for salespeople and individual working
  offices.
• A much bigger warehouse and parts area.
• Installation of a 10-tonne overhead crane to move heavy loads quickly, accurately and safely across the workshop floor.

Success made simple

Bison worked closely with Onetrak to build a world-class facility to meet its changing needs, today and tomorrow. Vast, professional and geared for productivity, the new building boosts Onetrak’s capacity to support and service customers. The overhead crane is well supported by with a heavily engineered structure – and allows for faster, smoother and safe movement of heavy loads and larger components. And it seems the process was just as impressive as the result. As David says: “We worked very closely with the Bison team and they were fantastic to work with: anything that needed to be tweaked through the process, the team were straight onto it.”