Smithbridge Group is a warm and friendly family of well-known construction and equipment rental brands that operate throughout Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Region. The group is known for providing high-quality, innovative construction and equipment services, and the team is always eager to welcome new customers into the family.
With a rich history dating back to 1964, Smithbridge Group is still a 100 per cent family-owned business that has been passed down through the generations. Its story began in Rangiora, New Zealand, when John C. Smith Contractors Ltd was founded by John Smith. In 1986, one of John’s sons, Albert Smith inherited the business and has been growing it ever since, with the help of his brother Tim who inherited part of the business (operating Smith Cranes and Construction in New Zealand).
Smithbridge Group is now a third-generation family business and a driving force in the construction industry in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. The team is proud to be a part of the local communities and are always looking for new ways to make a positive impact.
Each year, Family Business Australia and New Zealand (FBANZ) celebrates and recognises the achievements of family-owned businesses in Australia and New Zealand, and Smithbridge is thrilled to have been recognised for its achievements in 2022. Smithbridge Group won the Large Business Category at the Queensland Family Business Excellence Award, which recognises contributions made by large family businesses (200+ FTE) to the Australian community, society, and economy.
Smithbridge are honoured to have received this award and say that they could not have done it without the dedication and hard work of its team members over the years.
Smithbridge Group Overview
Smithbridge have a team of experienced and skilled employees who are equipped with the latest technology and equipment to get the job done right.
Its extensive fleet of equipment includes cranes, heavy machinery and tools, and it is committed to maintaining and updating it regularly to ensure that its customers have access to the best tools and technology available.
Whether you’re in need of a crane for a lift, or a full construction crew to manage a project from start to finish, Smithbridge have the expertise and equipment to get the job done.
The Group has over 800 employees, 500 units of equipment and has expanded its service offering beyond crane hire to include transport solutions, engineering, civil and marine construction, aggregate and construction materials, ready mix concrete and precast concrete.
Auckland Cranes
Auckland Cranes is a trusted and reliable crane hire company that has been serving the Auckland and Waikato region since 1970 – with a focus on mobile and taxi crane hire.
As a 100 per cent owned subsidiary of Smithbridge Group, Auckland Cranes is proud to bring its expertise and top-notch equipment to the community.
The company has three branches in Auckland (two locations) and Hamilton (Waikato region), making it easy for customers to access services.
Auckland Cranes is dedicated to giving customers efficient and reliable crane hire solutions.
Smithbridge Group is also affiliated with Smith Crane and Construction in New Zealand, where the Smith Family has a minority shareholding.
So, where ever you are in New Zealand, Smithbridge Group has got you covered with their full range of construction services and equipment.
Universal Cranes
Universal Cranes, a subsidiary of the Smithbridge Group, is proud to be one of Australia’s largest privately-owned crane hire companies. With a high-capacity fleet and expertise in complex lifts, it is truly a one-stop-shop for all construction needs.
With branches in locations across Australia, including Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane (three locations), Gold Coast, Roma, and Ballina, Universal Cranes is always close to its customers and ready to help.
The Universal Cranes team is passionate about its work and committed to providing top-notch services and support.
It believes in building strong relationships with their customers and being a trusted partner every step of the way.
Whether you’re looking for complex lift solutions or just need to rent a crane, Universal Cranes is the team to call!
Smithbridge Guam
Smithbridge Guam is a full-service construction contractor that offers a wide range of services, including civil and mechanical work, precast and ready mix concrete, aggregate, heavy equipment, and crane hire.
As a 100 per cent owned subsidiary of Smithbridge Group, it is dedicated to providing high quality and innovative services to their customers.
With three depots located in Yigo, Harmon, and Piti, Smithbridge Guam is equipped to handle all your construction needs. Whether you need civil and mechanical services, ready mix concrete or precast work, or heavy equipment and crane hire, it has you covered.
The view for the future
Smithbridge Group believes in creating a bright and promising future, both for itself and for those who come after. That’s why the team are so proud to be a third-generation family business, and why they are proud to have a talented and diverse team of family and non-family members who are working together to build a stronger and more sustainable business. As it looks ahead to its 60th anniversary in 2024, it is well positioned to continue making a positive impact in the construction industry, and to keep delivering high-quality services and equipment to its customers for many years to come.