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to read the feature as published in the Australian National Construction Review.
Australian National Construction Review spoke with Andrew Noble, Director of Vaughan Constructions, to discuss the past, present and future direction of the 60 year old national construction company.
How did VAUGHAN CONSTRUCTIONS begin?
There are few national construction companies that can point to an iconic building such as Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance and count it as a part of their heritage. But, we can do just that. The classic landmark was built in a Joint Venture with the Lodge Brothers. Considered as one of the pioneers of ‘Design and Construct’ K.A. Vaughan established Vaughan Constructions in 1955. Current joint Managing Directors, Ken and Matthew started with Vaughan in 1981 and 1982. Ken aged 20, Matthew aged 18.
How long have you been in the industry?
I started out in 1988 at Vaughan, 28 years ago now and worked my way from there.
What are the ingredients to being successful?
Surround yourself with people that are great at what they do, and develop those that have potential to get there. And always have a fully charged iPhone!
What do you consider VAUGHAN CONSTRUCTIONS proudest achievements and most notable projects?
Building highly specialised distribution facilities for the three largest retailers in Australia; Woolworths, Coles and Aldi, all at the same time. Other notable projects include 32m high, fully automated high-bay warehouses for Coca-Cola Amatil (NSW), PepsiCo (SA) and Diageo (NSW). Currently under construction is Woolworths’ Melbourne South Regional Distribution Centre which will operate 24 hours without limitation.
How does VAUGHAN CONSTRUCTIONS utilise technology within day to day business?
I love the efficiency that technology can bring. Some technologies offer some amazing things or tricks but aren’t exactly what you need.
You’ve got to start with the question: What do you need? About 10 years ago we found our needs couldn’t be answered by the software market. We had seen many companies buy existing technology and shape their business around it, which made absolutely no sense to us at Vaughan. So, we wrote a detailed brief, sought out the best software developers from around the world and got to it.
We now have SOS which is a complete project management, procurement and financial suite, which has automated most of our labour draining processes. SOS beats everything off-the-shelf and simply makes us more efficient – just one of our competitive advantages and we’re always seeking to create more. We continue to invest in our software year on year.
Do you consider your management style different to the VAUGHAN family forbearers?
Fundamentally, our management styles are the same. Matthew, Ken (Vaughan) and myself are all driven by our commitment to outperform customer’s expectations, every time. As a result, this focus is instilled within our company’s culture. Our team will do anything to make our customers lives easier. We call it the “Vaughan Way.” We understand that any building is a major capital expenditure for any business. Whether the business is emerging private or an ASX listed company, each build is just as important to the end user. At the end of the day, their business relies on our success. We ensure each project is delivered on time, to allow our customers a smooth transition between facilities and un-interrupted operations.
VAUGHAN CONSTRUCTIONS is now 60 years old. how and why do you think you have remained so successful?
‘Building Customers for Life’ is the essence of everything we do – it has been for years, and will continue for years to come. We are very proud that two out of every three projects comes from a returning customer. Like us, some of our customers are now multi-generational and continue to support Vaughan. But it’s not just our commitment to our customers that has allowed us to remain so successful, it is also our wider team, dedicated staff, suppliers, subcontractors and consultants. Many, having been part of our team for decades, with numerous subcontractors having grown from humble beginnings along the way with Vaughan. Conservative financial gearing has allowed us to securely operate in challenging economic times as well as in times of economic prosperity. This has allowed for sustainable long term growth and reliability in tough times.
What is your long term vision and strategy?
We aim to remain flexible in everything we do. Moving forward, we will organically grow our existing National Business Platforms including highly specialised facilities for the food/beverage, transport/ logistics and manufacturing sectors as well as residential, commercial, and retail facilities. We will continue to service our national customers developing broad acreage and key located infill sites around Australia.
What are you projections for the construction industry nationally?
Currently, we have projects in all States around the country (excluding Tasmania) and we’re noticing a distinct upward trend line for our long-term growth objectives. Businesses are thinking beyond the first lease term or their immediate requirements and ensuring their longevity is not constrained by poorly designed or inflexible facilities. This logic, whilst not ground-breaking, shows confidence in the mid to long-term economic outlook. Vaughan has supported our customers across Australia and will continue to grow as our customers grow.
In for the long haul
For more than six decades, Vaughan Constructions has been leaving its mark on Australian architecture and buildings. Its work spans Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory and includes some of the largest structures in the Southern Hemisphere. It is proven to be one of the most respected and customer-focused construction companies in the industry with its main drawcards being design and innovation. Vaughan Constructions have an impressive client list including the big brands of Coles, Woolworths, ALDI, CocaCola Amatil, Sakata, Cadbury, Parmalat, Linfox, Bunnings, Toll and Dulux to name a few.
Diverse services
The company’s services include feasibility analysis, site acquisition, pre-leasing, land and building packages and development management. Vaughan’s process is straight forward, Consult, Plan, Design and Construct. Underpinning that are well-honed approaches highlighting efficiency, cost-saving, innovative solutions, functionality and enhancing seamless communications between all parties. As Vaughan own and manage significant land holdings, they can also act as an adviser on all aspects of land transaction. The service includes sourcing the best sites to suit client’s projects and offering advice on site selection, planning, zoning needs and what services are available. This reduces planning delays as well as enabling efficient design and construction costs.
Green credentials
Vaughan has Environment ISO 14001 certification and has worked with the Green Building Council of Australia to help set up the Green Star rating system for industrial buildings. The company has completed many five-star green-star-rated projects. Most striking was transforming a resource-hungry and waterthirsty industrial laundry into an environmentally responsible operation notching the 4 Star Green Star – Industrial Design v1 ranking. That laundry was the largest industrial user of recycled water in the Southern Hemisphere.
Finishing touches and projects
In May, Vaughan Constructions was putting finishing touches on refurbishments works to the iconic hotel, the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas, Queensland. Very soon, Vaughan will be “breaking dirt” on the $200 million rail infrastructure and business parks across Ettamogah and Widgelli Rail Hubs in the NSW Riverina.