In November 2024, Universal Cranes continued its expansion in Queensland by increasing its shareholding in Gold Coast Cranes from 50 per cent to 100 per cent, leading to the rebranding of Gold Coast Cranes as Universal Cranes Gold Coast. Ian Bourner, retired Managing Director and partner in Gold Coast Cranes and Sam Crompton, son of company founder Phil, revisit the company’s rich heritage.
Back in the 1970s Phil had a steel business called Crompton Steel Mill and, with a limited number of crane hire businesses on the Gold Coast, he was having difficulty hiring a crane when he wanted to install the fabricated steel.
“There weren’t many options for hiring cranes back then. There was Cole Schuster and Brambles and that was about it,” said Sam. “So, Dad decided to buy his own crane, a 16-tonne capacity unit. When we weren’t using it, it was being hired to other businesses. That crane was so busy Dad could see an opportunity and he kept adding to the fleet. Within a relatively short time there were 34 cranes in the fleet and Gold Coast Cranes had well and truly arrived.”
Sam was 15 when he joined his brother Bill and his father in the family business.
“I was there for three years, basically doing my apprenticeship and taking my tickets including dogging. After three years Dad sold the business to Brambles,” said Sam.
Then in 1999, Gold Coast Cranes re-established, managed by Jim Tecar, John King and Kerry Saul.
Ian Bourner first started in the industry in 1980. He worked for Aitken Transport and Walter Wright before starting his own business with a 50t crawler crane he used to install precast panels in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
“I first met Albert Smith in 2004 and started work for Universal Cranes Brisbane. In 2006 Albert presented the opportunity to become a partner and I remained there until November 2024. I started off with a 25 per cent stake in the business which eventually evolved into a 50 per cent partnership over the last couple of years,” said Ian.
Gold Coast Cranes has always taken an innovative approach to its crane fleet.
“When we first bought the business, we had five rough terrains, five slew cranes and a 50t crawler, with the largest crane being a 100t capacity Grove. We then invested in a 130t capacity Grove,” Ian said. “We were also the first crane hire business on the Gold Coast to purchase a 25t Franna. Over the years, we’ve continually modernised the crane fleet and the equipment required to support it.”
‘People make the business,’ and it has been no different for Gold Coast Cranes.
“We’ve built the business around our people,” Ian said. “We’ve been fortunate enough to attract excellent calibre people, help develop their skills and hold onto them. We have a number who have been with us since well before my involvement in 2006.
Today, Gold Coast Cranes operates 20 cranes and runs a crew of more than 30 employees. Ian said he could see it was time for the business to evolve.
“I’ve been around the industry long enough to realise that Gold Coast Cranes and our teams would benefit by being part of a larger entity,” he said.
“Albert is ambitious about his businesses, and he has the resources to invest in the company. The Universal Cranes Group is focused on connecting their branches to improve asset utilisation by implementing modern IT technology and systems. Gold Coast Cranes now becoming Universal Cranes Gold Coast is a logical step for the business and I wish Albert and the Universal Cranes team all the very best for the future.”