Bridco has established itself as one of Australia’s foremost suppliers of stainless-steel load-rated fittings, Grade 60 lifting chain and components, and stainless-steel wire rope. Managing Director Nathan Bridge shares the story of how this family-owned business evolved from a garage operation to a trusted industry leader with an international reputation.
Bridco began in 1985 when Nathan’s grandfather started trading from his garage in South East Queensland. At the time, it was possible to drive to hardware stores with stock in the back of the car and sell directly. Recognising an opportunity, Nathan’s father focused the business on stainless-steel hardware and wire rope fittings, laying the foundations for what would become a specialised operation supplying some of the major players in the industry.
The business expanded steadily throughout the 1990s and moved into a purpose-built facility in Burleigh Heads, which remains its headquarters today. Nathan himself joined in the late 2000s. “Initially, I wasn’t going to be involved, but I spent a summer in the warehouse before university and never left. Eighteen years later, I’m running the business,” he explains. “During the 2000s, we transitioned more into the lifting side of the industry, developing strong partnerships with Talurit AB, who manufacture swaging presses, end fittings and handling equipment, and with German manufacturer Ketten Waelder GMBH, producers of Cromox stainless-steel lifting chains and fittings.
“These relationships have become central to our business.”
With decades of experience in wire rope and swaging, Bridco has become the go-to resource for technical enquiries and problem solving. The company works closely with major suppliers in the industry, assisting with specialist advice when challenges arise. “Because we are so specialised in stainless-steel, the difficult questions inevitably find their way to us. We’re always happy to help,” Nathan said.
At the core of Bridco’s success is its commitment to representing world-class manufacturers and maintaining an experienced, long-serving team. “Talurit designed and manufactured the first mechanical splice, and their founder invented the wire rope ferrules. Cromox are industry leaders in stainless-steel lifting chains, consistently innovating with new materials and designs. They’re at the forefront of developments in this field, and it’s a privilege to represent them,” Nathan said. “Within Bridco, many of our team members have been with us for over a decade, and collectively our sales team brings more than 100 years of experience to the lifting industry. That depth of knowledge allows us to provide solutions quickly and confidently.”
Although stainless-steel lifting equipment is less visible in mainstream crane operations, its applications are vital in wastewater treatment, clean rooms, food processing, and highly corrosive environments where standard materials simply do not perform. Bridco continues to expand its capabilities to meet these demands, offering different grades and surface treatments to suit specialised conditions. “Cromox is now working with medical-grade equipment in Europe, with prototypes being tested for clean-room use in pharmaceutical and medical industries. Hygiene-critical applications are driving a new wave of innovation,” Nathan said.
Bridco operates through a reseller model, ensuring distributors have the technical expertise and support they need. The company places strong emphasis on collaboration, working closely with both customers and manufacturers to deliver the right solution for each application. “Whether it’s a complex lift or an installation in a highly corrosive environment, we work as a team across all stakeholders to get it right. That’s why many of our key accounts have been with us since the 1980s,” Nathan said.
This long-term approach underpins Bridco’s reputation. “We don’t take a one-and-done approach. Our focus is on building enduring relationships, and we are firmly positioned as stainless-steel specialists,” he said. “From wire rope terminations to shackles, hooks and clips, stainless-steel is what we do best. With our range and our experience, we pride ourselves on delivering the right solution every time.”