ASQ operations director Wes Bird explains how the business’ success is based on a blend of family values, regional scale, flexible services, and a reputation for reliability.
The story of ASQ is one of family, innovation, and a relentless commitment to helping Victoria grow.
The family-owned company provides quarry products, mobile crushing and recycling services, along with concrete and a range of garden and landscaping supplies, across most of the state.
“At ASQ, we don’t just supply materials, we build the foundations of communities,” ASQ operations director Wes Bird said.
“From our quarry in Newbridge to our state-wide mobile crushing fleet, we’ve always believed in doing the job right, supporting our people, and putting our customers first.”
ASQ has sites in Bendigo, Eaglehawk, and Long Gully, as well as Castlemaine, Maryborough and Newbridge, employing over 100 staff. Bird said ASQ was committed to meeting the growing demand for high-quality quarry, concrete, and landscaping products across the state.
And one of the main ways it managed to maintain efficiency and sustainability in the diverse and demanding environments was by choosing the right equipment for its jobs.
The Volvo difference
ASQ has opted to use a variety of machines from Volvo Construction Equipment and CJD Equipment for its operations, recognising them for their efficiency, performance, comfort and robustness.
“We’ve always run Volvo gear,” Bird said.
“One of the earliest machines my father bought after starting up the business was a Volvo LM840 loader.
“And then progressively through the years, we’ve had many different pieces of equipment. His first brand new Volvo machine, bought in 1985, was a Volvo 4500 BM, which we still actually run today in our batching plant.
Bird said the company’s EC300DL excavator was primarily used for contract-type work.
“It’s a versatile machine that is easy to float from site to site, but big enough to handle the harsh environment of mobile crushing,” he said.
The EC480DL is used at the Newbridge site, where a typical week for the machine would be “stripping overburden and hammering oversize for the crusher”.
Apart from the power of the big machines, Bird valued other features such as operator comfort, fuel efficiency and serviceability.
“These are all key reasons why we continue to choose the Volvo brand,” he said.
The Volvo excavator and dump truck work in tandem to deliver material for the quarry.
The same, of course, could be said of the string of Volvo loaders in the line-up.
“Ultimately, the Volvos increase output and efficiency in our quarry and mobile crushing operations with their enhanced fuel efficiency, operator comfort, and reduced downtime, thanks to Volvo’s advanced features,” Bird said.
“There’s no doubt that fuel efficiency is a huge reason why we chose Volvo equipment.
“It’s getting harder to compete in a tightening market, and we have always looked to Volvo because of their fuel burn and uptime.
“Operator comfort and safety also play a big part in going for Volvo. Volvo’s safety features have been really impressive, for example, the use of reverse cameras, the cab ergonomics, and also the visual aspect, with operators able to look out and see all around the machine.
These attributes help to increase ASQ’s ability to service major projects and clients from Mildura to Geelong.
“We have crushed in many different rock types and conditions and would like to think we have the experience to tackle any crushing and screening contract thrown our way,” Bird said.
“We are proud to be one of central Victoria’s largest construction and demolition recyclers.
CJD support
CJD Equipment’s Victorian regional sales manager for Volvo Construction Equipment, Jack Trewin, helps ASQ when it comes to purchasing the Volvo machines.
“It has always been an easy relationship with CJD, and now with Jack,” Bird said. “Everyone that we deal with, whether it’s sales parts, service, backup service, they go out of their way to make sure that the machines are available and backed up.
“They always tend to have stock on hand, whether it’s out of the Melbourne branch or maybe air freighted from all over the world.
“We continue to look to CJD for backup support and providing us with the machines that are going to fit the needs of our evolving company, whether it’s pricing or being able to put machines into the fleet to reduce our overheads, or cab comfort to keep operators happy and at work.
“It’s all huge to our company, and CJD have offered that for the last 30 years, and no doubt will continue going forward.”
Trewin said that ASQ generally dealt with CJD Equipment’s Campbellfield head office and with technicians who operate out of Bendigo if there are any service problems.
“Wes and I have a very straight-to-the-point relationship. He knows he can come to me with whatever he may need, sales-related or not, and the same goes with his whole team,” he said.
“It’s always going to be an easy transaction. I will always approach Wes with any new models that we have coming up and always try to keep him in the loop with stock that he may be interested in as it comes into the country. In addition, Wes will always tell me when he is on the lookout for something or planning on buying something down the track.”
Trewin said Volvo had always been regarded as a reputable and robust brand within the sector.
“They are reliable, fuel-efficient, safe and ergonomic machines, which ASQ recognises,” he said.
“The company cares a lot about its employees and their working conditions, so it has the Volvos work across all its sites in Victoria.
“It’s really special for us to be able to see that Volvo flag being flown so proudly, with such a large business as ASQ.”
Jack said that the Campbellfield branch was also home to CJD’s National Parts Distribution Centre, so any in-stock parts that ASQ or any other Victorian customer required can be acquired quickly.
“Very rarely have I come across a business that prides itself so heavily on its ability to maintain such an efficient, personal and professional service to its customers and suppliers.
“These morals and values match those of CJD’s and Volvo’s. It’s why we have been able to maintain our ongoing relationship, providing them with several loaders and excavators over the years.
“Wes knows his machines, unlike anyone I know, and it’s great to have someone with such knowledge and confidence continue to invest in our product.” •
For more information, visit cjdequipment.com.au
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