Founded in 1994, Oberon Quarries is still family owned and operated, and now in its third generation.
It produces blue metal products and has supplied some of Australia’s largest projects including Mt Panorama, Mascot Airport, Sydney Harbour Bridge and RTA roadworks. Its quarry provides high quality basalt blue metal, with reserves of over 100 million tonnes.
From the beginning, Oberon Quarries has focussed on providing its customers with the same high-quality product and exceptional service – and this has led to continued company growth.
Today, Oberon Quarries employs around 40 staff and operates a fleet of 22 trucks and 15 plant items, including everything from bulldozers and excavators to various forms of mobile equipment.
Oberon Quarries CFO Jake Hargraves says equipment finance specialist, Finlease, has been there to support the business every step of the way.
“Finlease has always assisted us with our growth and provided finance in every aspect. They’ve helped a small business grow into a larger business – and, consequently, have helped deliver some of Australia’s largest projects,” Hargraves said.
“As the quarries have moved further west, we have gotten bigger as a result. Oberon Quarries has become an important component for NSW’s infrastructure needs.”
Though he only officially joined the business 10 years ago, while still completing his schooling, Hargraves says he’s been passing spanners in the workshop since he could walk.
“Being a family business, I was born into it. I started as an accountant 10 years ago and then switched from part time to full time. I’ve been here my whole working life but have become more involved as we got bigger,” he explained.
As the business has grown, so has its fleet of trucks and equipment. The most recent addition was a Mack Superliner with a truck and dog set-up, that was delivered in October. “It was bought to cater to the company’s expansion. We also have another Mack Superliner arriving before the end of the year,” added Hargraves.
Though supply chain delays have had an impact on how quickly new equipment is received, Hargraves says Finlease has been quick to adapt to any challenges that have come its way. “Finlease has adapted to all the changes in recent times, through Covid, through changes in production and supply, Finlease has always been on top of it and are a pleasure to deal with,” Hargraves said.
He added that Finlease broker Michael Abberton has become an important asset to the business. “Michael has been a pleasure to deal with and I would highly recommend Finlease to anyone looking for finance. Finlease has been there with us right along the way, from the start. They’ve been one of our key building blocks.”