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58 | HIRE
AND
RENTAL
NEWS
| MAY 2012
INDUSTRY IN FOCUS
“We’re looking at establishing a branch
in Kalgoorlie within the next 12 months.
We’re diversifying into the gold mining sec-
tor out of Kalgoorlie and have purchased
land there with plans to develop that,”
Brooks Hire owner, Doug Brooks said.
“We have also purchased a property
on the East Coast to further diversify our
interests. We need to spread our risk so our
entire future is not based on iron ore.”
With existing branches in Perth and
Karratha, Brooks Hire’s business is currently
focused on the mining sector.
Its equipment line-up includes excavators
up to 85 tonne and water tankers, tippers,
loaders, vibrating rollers, 40 articulated
dump trucks and general earthmoving
equipment for roads and mine construction
and the mining sector in general.
The Karratha branch is understandably
busiest with the Perth branch now more
focused on the sales side of business.
“Our Perth branch has traditionally been
more focused on the sub division market
and general road building, and as we all
know, the bottom fell out of the
construction market with the onset of the
Diversifying spreads risk for family hire
business
Family hire business, and new HRIA member, Brooks Hire in Western Australia has spent the past few years
banking on mining sector business and it has paid off with the company set to establish two new branches.
global financial crisis.
“We had a bit of a slow time during the
start of the GFC.
“We basically had 18 months of losing
various amounts of business and money and
then the mining and resources sector took
off over here, especially the gas sector.
“So we made a decision to go to Karratha
(in August 2009) where the gas pipelines
were.
“We bought an established property, an
ex-car yard, and modified it quickly to suit
our hire business needs.
“Most definitely it was a nerve wracking
decision to shell out $3.5m to $4m to set
up a new business when we were treading
water in Perth following the collapse of the
sub division market there,” Doug said.
“Ultimately it took about six months
before we started seeing positive signs we
had made the right decision.
“Perth is still quiet and mining is
definitely driving the market here. But,
having said that, I am not borrowing money
past three years.
“I don’t want to be too exposed three
years from now. I find it hard to see past
three years into the future right now.
“Once a mine is built, the bulk of the
work is done. While the mine is in the
construction stage it’s all supply and
demand. I’ve been around long enough to
know it’s not all good times in this game.”
Doug started the business in 1979 after
leaving Barrow Island where he was
working as a heavy duty fitter. He had
purchased two Worthington air compres-
sors (160cfm); one on savings and the other
on Bankcard.
“I left with the view to start a hire
company on the strength of those two
machines, setting up in a little mining town,
Eneabba, three hours north of Perth.
“I offset the business with a mechanical
repairs workshop and after about three
years closed the mechanical workshop and
concentrated solely on the hire business.
“After five years I bought the premises
in Perth but maintained Eneabba. It was
slow going for the first 10 years but we
continued to grow.”
Doug recently took up membership
with the HRIA based on the advice of new
employee, Karen Birt who had emigrated
from the UK.
Karen said she had always been
associated with industry associations in her
previous roles in the hire industry in the UK
and recommended the HRIA to Doug.
“The more members that belong to an
industry association, the better it is for the
industry as a whole,” Karen said.
Doug Brooks with the 2011 Harley Davidson
winner. Every year, Brooks Hire gives away a brand
new Harley Davidson. Each hire invoice over $300
is entered, the draw is held at the end of the year.
Equipment line-up includes excavators up to 85 tonne and water tankers, tippers, loaders, vibrating
rollers, 40 articulated dump trucks and general earthmoving equipment for roads and mine construction
and the mining sector in general