On crane sites across Australia, timber blocks and steel plates have long been the go-to for crane outrigger pads. But in Western Australia, a quiet transformation is underway, led by a team that believes engineered plastics can do the job better, safer, and for longer.
“We’ve worked with engineered plastics for years,” says Ian Johnston, who heads up Dotmar in Western Australia, “and now we’re actively stepping into the lifting space with purpose-built solutions.”
Dotmar Engineering Plastics has spent more than 50 years supplying Australian industry with high-performance plastic components. Now, the team that includes the talented personnel at its Canning Vale site is drawing on that experience to deliver outrigger pads, wear parts and critical gear to the crane and heavy lifting sector– products designed not just to meet standards, but to raise them.
backed by plastics expertise
At the centre of Dotmar’s push into the lifting space is the POLYSTONE Crane Support Pad, a lightweight, heavy-duty pad made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).
“The number one benefit is weight,” Ian explains. “One person can lift it. You’re not dealing with timber that cracks or warps, or steel that needs a forklift. These are designed to be strong, but manageable.”
Dotmar’s standard pad is 1200x250x 80 millimetre (mm) and comes with lifting handles. But the company also offers a range of custom options to suit different ground conditions and load requirements. “We’ve got the ability to machine pads in-house now, so we can be more flexible,” Ian said. “If someone needs a different thickness or a different profile, we can do it.”
Dotmar also offers jacking plates and custom wear parts made from polyamide (nylon), designed to handle high load pressures with minimal flex. These are being used for off-the-road (OTR) tyre handling applications and have crossover potential into crane operations.
Moving Beyond Timber
Despite industry advances, timber blocks are still common on many sites – a practice Ian hopes will change as more crane operators become aware of safer and more durable alternatives.
“We still see a lot of timber out there, and it just doesn’t make sense,” he said. “Timber absorbs moisture, breaks down over time, and you don’t know its exact capacity. With POLYSTONE, there’s consistency and durability.”
That durability makes a commercial difference too. “If these pads are looked after and not lost, you can get two years of life out of them,” he adds. “That’s four times longer than timber in many cases.”
Dotmar’s pads are designed with real-world lifting conditions in mind. They don’t absorb water, they won’t splinter, and unlike steel, they won’t rust or damage other surfaces.
“They’re also easier to find on-site,” Ian noted. “Even though they’re black, they stand out more than timber when you’re packing down.”
The company’s approach is hands-on and responsive. “We talk to our customers about what they need, and then work backwards from the problem,” Ian said. “We’re not just selling off a shelf, we’re offering something that’s engineered for purpose.”
Ready Stock and Rapid Supply
While many engineered components can be subject to long lead times, Dotmar is aiming to change that. “If I know someone’s serious, I’ll bring in stock,” Ian said.
“We’ve held 800 pads before and can do it again. What we need is to work with the right partners who want reliable supply.”
Dotmar’s ability to produce locally to a customer’s need quickly, as well as the ability to bring in dedicated (and even branded) product specifically for a customer, sets it apart.
Dotmar WA is already supplying pads to companies such as Mammoet and has recently fielded interest from Boom Logistics and Northfleet. Dotmar has eight locations across Australia and New Zealand, each fitted with a full-service machining centre. Supported by distribution hubs in Queensland and Victoria, it is well equipped to rapidly address the needs of any project.
Focus on sustainability
As the lifting industry leans into sustainability, Dotmar is working to reduce the footprint of its products. One way is by incorporating regrind material into its POLYSTONE pads.
“It reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing without compromising quality,” Ian said. “And the industry is starting to ask those questions more. What are you doing to cut carbon? What’s your sustainability story?”
Even the company’s branding has shifted. “We’ve moved to a green underline in our logo to reflect that direction,” Ian said. “It’s not just a visual change, it’s a shift in mindset.”
From rigging pads, wire rope sheaves, and wear strips to jacking plates and beyond, Dotmar is proving that plastics have a serious role to play in the future of lifting.
“These aren’t throwaway parts,” Ian said. “They’re engineered, tested, and built to work. We just want people to know we’re here and we’re ready.”
About Dotmar
With a legacy of over 50 years in the plastics industry, Dotmar is the largest distributor of semi-finished engineering thermoplastics and conveyor components throughout Australia and New Zealand. Its team of skilled engineers and industry experts enable it to bring ideas to life – whether a single prototype or large-scale production run.
Dotmar partners with some of the world’s most trusted and respected companies and organisations, including the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces, Coca-Cola, Rio Tinto, Asahi Breweries, Arnott’s Group, BHP Billiton, and many more. For more information, visit www.dotmar.com.au or call 1800 170 001.