Freo Group is a proud Business, backed by the systems, ingenuity, and dependability of Marmon Crane Services Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway-owned company. Cranes & Lifting discussed the capabilities of the business with Freo Group CEO Sven Gade.
From the mining and resource sectors to civil construction and renewable energy, Freo Group provides a complete range of crane hire, heavy lifting and logistics services – including oversize transport, materials handling, warehousing and storage.
“With 23 branches across Australia and a fleet of over 480 state-of-the-art mobile cranes, we have the right equipment for the job when and where you need it. Our people are locally based, our reach global and our experience unmatched,” Sven said.
“Since 1974, the Freo Group name has been synonymous with reliability and customer service. It’s what sets us apart from the rest and a key reason why we are a trusted partner to some of the world’s largest companies.
“Family values, a commitment to supporting local communities and a focus on environmental stewardship are key pillars of how we operate. Our culture is founded on the highest professional, ethical and safety standards, and we take pride in nurturing long-term relationships,” Sven said.
The culture of Freo Group’s business is made up of three fundamental aspects:
FREO GROUP’S MISSION
To build a successful and profitable business by:
• Engaging employees and suppliers in a safe and focused culture;
• Providing superior customer service and to develop long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with our clients; and
• Leading the way in technical excellence and innovation in the crane industry.
FREO GROUP’S VISION
To be the supplier of choice and be:
• The safest supplier of crane services;
• Recognised as the market leader in providing superior service and best-practice technical solutions to industry;
• The preferred choice for repeat work on future contract; and
• The employer of choice.
FREO GROUP’S VALUES
• Working safely is at the forefront of our operations;
• Our people are our foundatio;
• Customer service is our focus;
• Performance excellence is how we strive for the best; and
• Innovation and improvement drive us forward.
“Health, safety, environment, and quality are central to all we do. It’s a commitment we uphold with pride and is the cornerstone of our reputation,” Sven said.
Freo Group’s journey 2ZERO
Freo Group’s goal is to operate in a workplace free from harm or loss. The 2zero Roadmap is an organisational strategic improvement plan that details how Freo Group will meet its vision: Home without harm. Everyone. Every Day.
The Roadmap is supported, led, and driven by senior leadership and is made visible and regularly communicated to all personnel, ensuring every person in the team is aware of, engaged with, and supports the plan.
Freo Group’s management system
Freo Group’s HSE Management system is certified to ISO 45001, with the accreditation achieved in 2011.
“HSE is an extremely important aspect of our operation, and our HSE Management plan ensures Freo Group meets all relevant statutory requirements and standards while promoting the continuation of our safety-first culture,” Sven said.
Environmental sustainability
“We achieved ISO 14001 accreditation in 2021 and we endeavour to operate as an environmentally sustainable company. This is demonstrated in our commitment to continuous policy, equipment and technology improvement, along with procedures that reduce noise and vehicle pollution,” Sven said.
Quality Assurance
Freo Group has an ISO 9001 accredited Quality Management system, certified in 1996. This certification is accompanied by a robust Quality Management plan.
The plan uses an integrated management system to incorporate all components of the business into one coherent system. This system adopts a ‘process model approach’ and is part of its continual improvement process.
FREO GROUP’S PEOPLE AND TRAINING PROGRAMS
In the current challenging labour market, the company has devised a range of strategies to attract and retain the best talent.
A prominent example is the Freo Advanced Skills Training initiative. This program is aimed at individuals who are new to the rigging industry and have recently obtained their High Risk Work Licence (HRWL).
Freo Group engages them in a comprehensive two-week Freo Advanced Skills Training program. This intensive course serves to build upon foundational skills and offers a controlled environment to hone their abilities and learn ‘the Freo Way’.
Upon successful program completion, participants join the company’s casual shutdown pool, gaining exposure to Freo sites across Western Australia.
“This unique approach has proven instrumental in not only sourcing rigging employees but also sets us apart from our competitors. Beyond the Freo Advanced Skills Training, we have recently concluded an exhaustive Training Needs Analysis initiative. This initiative was conducted to pinpoint our future leadership requirements,” Sven said.
“We are currently in the process of formulating leadership pathways for our frontline leaders to enhance their leadership skills, knowledge and capabilities. This includes developing an understanding of available career development pathways.
“At Freo Group, we are all accountable for the social responsibilities and expectations of our employees and stakeholders, as well as the local, Australian, and international communities,” Sven said.
Freo Group’s processes and plans are aligned with the principles of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“We believe in being socially responsible and doing our part to better the communities in which we live and work. We are committed to our set targets, which we have currently exceeded,” Sven said.
Freo Group’s people
“We are dedicated to ensuring our people are given every possible opportunity to grow and excel both in their careers and in self-development.
“Our objective is to engage the best person to do the best possible job whilst remaining open-minded to every applicant.
Through training and development, we aim to ensure respect, equality and inclusion are prioritised across our workforce,” Sven said.
Equal opportunity
Freo Group is an equal opportunity employer providing training, development and initiatives that are focused on engaging:
• Gender Balance;
• Indigenous Employment;
• Disabled Workers;
• Gender Diversity; and an
• Aged Workforce
Indigenous employment
Led by its National Indigenous Affairs & Community Relations Manager, Freo Group’s targeted approach to increasing the Indigenous workforce and its involvement with Indigenous businesses and communities nationally is a focus across the entire operation.
Through engagement and consultation with Indigenous peoples, Freo Group aims to establish long-term working relationships to achieve measurable and sustainable outcomes in the regions where Freo Group is situated.
Creating sustainable outcomes will be driven through four key areas of focus:
• Relationships – Social and Cultural Support
• Respect – Land, People, Rights
• Opportunity – Economic Empowerment
• Governance – Reporting and Transparency
Technology and innovation
Freo Group continues to be part of the Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA), assisting with codes of practice, legislation, and best-practice operating procedures. Its dedicated Innovation Committee helps it stay ahead of the game and in the industry.
Crane Collision Avoidance
The Crane Collision Avoidance (CCA) system is a revolutionary innovation in crane operation safety. This fully integrated system warns operators of any obstructions on the rear or sides of the crane using radar technology.
Virtual Reality Training
“Virtual Reality Training is one of our innovative initiatives used as a workforce training tool to complement theoretical and practical training programs,” Sven said.
“This value-add option in our training suite inspires the next generation of crane operators by providing our new team members with an immersive learning experience. It gives employees on-the-job training in a risk-free environment, the basics of rigging, and experience driving our cranes in realistic scenarios.”
GPS monitoring system
“Innovation is ingrained in our DNA and allows us to consistently find new and better ways of operating. Freo Group’s passion for remaining innovative and dynamic allows clients to save money and have the confidence we are working to the best possible standards and practices,” Sven said.
Fleet cost and care
Freo Group transitioned to a purpose-built fleet management software system to increase efficiencies on all levels, assisting the transition to a paper-free workplace. Fleet Cost & Care (FCC) incorporates all quoting, invoicing, scheduling, dispatching and reporting needs.
Analytical Reporting
Freo Group combines scoping documentation with modern analytical reporting tools to increase efficiencies across all projects.
Freo Group proudly boasts an almost 50-year heritage of servicing industries nationwide.
Next year marks Freo Group’s 50th anniversary of providing mobile crane hire and logistics services to the mining, resources, civil construction, and renewable energy industries in Australia
The journey from a family run business to become the largest crane hire company in Australia has been a great journey with some of the original employees still being in the business today.
READ MORE:
- Bronto Sky-Jib to Freo Group.
- Freo Group’s first with Grove.
- Marmon Crane Services acquires WGC Crane Group.
