Our Legacy
Asking Why Not
The 1960s blew winds of change through Australia as a new generation questioned how and why things were done. In a sense, so did Albert Piacentini, who had started a company that was based on taking opportunities and driven by his own sweat and toil.
THE FIRST DOZER
Proud heritage
At the entrance to our premises in Picton stands a reminder of the company’s beginnings – Albert Piacentini’s first bulldozer; restored, revitalised and resplendent.
1936 – 1949 · The Early Days
From a timber mill to a Cat D6
Albert Piacentini arrived in WA from Italy in 1936 aged 16. By 1944 he ran his own timber mill in Dardanup, and in 1949 was allocated a Cat D6 bulldozer on the condition he clear post-WWII soldier settlement land grants near Margaret River.
1950s – 1969 · Expansion
Into mineral sands
Involvement in mineral sands began in the 1950s, contracting to Western Titanium, Cable Sands and Western Sands. Albert’s son Colin joined the business, and in 1969 the company purchased its first scraper – commencing mineral sands earthmoving with no more than 10 employees at Yoganup.
1998 – Today · Growth
A leader in WA mining & earthmoving
In 1998 the company relocated to its current Picton premises, and by 2001 a rapid mining boom saw it grow from 50 to over 300 personnel. Albert’s grandsons Brad and Kim joined the family business as it emerged as a leader in Australian mining and earthmoving.
