WE’RE BUILDING AUSTRALIACompany Review

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FROM THE MANAGING DIRECTOR

Ahrens has been a family-owned construction and engineering business for more than 100 years. During this time, we have developed a culture which recognises and respects the importance of all participants in the business. My parents, Bob and Marj, are largely responsible for this culture, as well as laying the foundations for the continued growth of our company.

Today, Ahrens is in a fantastic position to explore new opportunities in many growth industries, while striving to maintain its reputation as the most cost-effective supplier of quality designed and constructed buildings in Australia. To achieve this goal, we rely on a team of hard-working, professional employees and loyal, experienced sub-contractors. By combining their skills and enthusiasm, with Ahrens’ commitment to delivering projects of outstanding quality, we continue to gain the respect of clients across Australia.

Our competitive advantage has been further enhanced with the completion of our new head office and world-class steel manufacturing facility at Kingsford, South Australia. Introducing the latest technology and sustainable practices, will enable us to revolutionise the way buildings are designed and built in Australia and dramatically reduce planning and construction time.

At Ahrens, we are very excited about the challenges that lie ahead. In the future, we will focus on the design and construction of large industrial and commercial buildings, engineering and processing facilities for the mining and materials handling sectors, and rural sheds and silos. By doing so, we are assured that there will be many more opportunities for us to help build Australia.

Stefan Ahrens Managing Director

COMPANY PROFILEOUR COMPANY 04

OUR OPERATIONS 05

OUR VISION & VALUES 06

OUR PEOPLE 07

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE 08

PROJECT DELIVERY 09

AHRENS STEEL 11

SAFETY 12

QUALITY 13

ENVIRONMENT 14

COMMUNITY 15

PROJECT PORTFOLIODISTRIBUTION & LOGISTICS 16

COMMERCIAL & RETAIL 20

MATERIALS HANDLING 26

MINING & PROCESSING 30

MANUFACTURING & WAREHOUSING 34

FOOD & BEVERAGE WAREHOUSING 40

DEFENCE & AVIATION 46

M&S 48

SHERWELL 50

Photography: David Hancock, John Kruger, Monica Napper, Scott Pearson, Lyndon Stacy, Peter Waddington

Front cover photograph: Linfox Distribution Centre, Pooraka, SA Photograph by Lyndon Stacy

Design by WDM Design & Advertising, Adelaide

Top The Ahrens Family, from left, Bob, Marj, Stefan and Leanne Ahrens. Bottom Ahrens Board of Directors, from left, James Wark, Mark Smeaton and Stefan Ahrens.

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Ahrens Design and Construction (D&C) specialises in large office/warehouses, distribution centres, factories and mining and processing facilities.

OUR COMPANY

We have D&C offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin (known as Allbuilt) and Perth, and a nationally focused Materials Handling operation based in Toowoomba and SA. In addition, we have a Structural Steel and Custom Engineered Building (CEB) division, known as Ahrens Steel, which is based at Kingsford, just north of Gawler, SA.

Ahrens also incorporates two rural divisions; Sherwell (based at Nhill, in Victoria) and M&S (based at Goombungee, in Queensland).

Sherwell is a leading supplier of transportable silos and field bins and has satelite operations in SA, Victoria and Tasmania. It also includes the Famson range of products.

M&S is a leading supplier of kit sheds and Webster’s silos to rural and regional Queensland and northern New South Wales and also fabricates structural steel for individual projects.

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION Adelaide (Kingsford) Brisbane Darwin Perth

MATERIALS HANDLING Adelaide (Kingsford) Toowoomba

STEEL FABRICATION Adelaide (Kingsford) Goombungee

CUSTOM ENGINEERED BUILDINGS (CEB)Adelaide (Kingsford)

SHED FABRICATION Adelaide (Kingsford) Goombungee

SILO FABRICATIONCleve Goombungee Nhill Westbury

Above Ahrens’ new head office and steel manufacturing facility at Kingsford, SA, which includes a world-class shot blast and paintline.

OUR OPERATIONS

Adelaide (Kingsford)Adelaide (Kingsford)

NhillNhill

WestburyWestbury

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BrisbaneBrisbaneToowoombaToowoombaGoombungeeGoombungee

DarwinDarwin

PerthPerthPerthPerth

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Over more than 100 years, Ahrens has maintained its strong family culture, building lasting relationships with employees, as well as sub-contractors and clients.

OUR PEOPLE

These relationships are based on an understanding that there is a job to be done, and the best results will be delivered by a hard-working, motivated and experienced team.

At Ahrens, we take great pride in our workforce. Our employees represent a diversity of backgrounds and skills, and their individual experiences benefit our workplace.

We encourage our employees to achieve high standards of personal and professional excellence and demonstrate a willingness to learn from others.

Managers at Ahrens are committed to ensuring the safety and well being of all employees, as well as meeting the company’s business objectives. A hands-on and down-to-earth approach to leadership has been instilled by the Ahrens’ family over successive generations.

OUR VISION AND VALUESAt Ahrens, our aim is to be the most cost-effective supplier of commercial and industrial buildings and structural steel, materials handling and rural products, while maintaining the highest levels of service and safety for our customers, sub-contractors and employees.

Our key values focus on ways in which we can achieve this vision and build an even stronger company, by underwriting and enhancing relationships with our customers, fellow employees and sub-contractors.

Family By embracing the values of tradition, teamwork, inclusiveness and equality we affirm the family values that have been part of our company for more than 100 years.

Integrity Honesty, sincerity and reliability are the foundations of our professional service, and enable us to gain the trust and respect of others.

Leadership All employees are required to set a positive example, be innovative, demonstrate persistence and take responsibility for their own actions.

Efficiency Everyone at Ahrens is expected to work safely and productively, with an emphasis on delivering cost-effective and positive outcomes with minimal waste.

Satisfaction Pride and a sense of achievement at a job well done and celebration of the results are encouraged.

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08 At Ahrens, our vertically integrated Design & Construction business enables us to offer clients a one-stop shop from concept to completion.

competitiVe aDVantage

by managing the entire design and construction process in-house we are able to better control costs, stock and quality. this enables us to consistently deliver outstanding projects on time and on budget.

Key advantages of our vertically integrated set-up include:

• in-house design, shop detailing and engineering services;• a world-class steel fabrication facility;• access to our own multi-skilled site erection crews;• solid relationships with experienced sub-contractors;• our own hands-on project management team.

at ahrens, we have been able to extend our project base as a result of our commitment to local representation in key markets and the ability to work in remote areas.

in addition, products provided by our sherwell and M&s divisions enable us to value add to materials handling projects for mining, processing and rural clients.

these advantages continue to benefit clients throughout australia.

Understanding our clients’ needs and working closely with them has been a key factor in the success of many of our projects and has helped us build strong relationships with repeat customers.

at ahrens, we have built up an impressive client list of blue chip companies, representing a diverse range of industries across australia.

friendly and personal service, combined with experience and attention to detail, ensure that our project Managers deliver results at every stage of the design and construction process.

highlights of our professional project delivery service include:

• concept plans• design• in-house trades• project management• satisfied clients upon completion.

project DeliVery

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Ahrens’ new world-class steel fabrication plant and head office at Kingsford, SA is now operational, further enhancing our competitive advantage.

AHRENS STEEL

This facility is home to Australia’s first automated Custom Engineered Building (CEB) plant, which is one of the most advanced of its kind in the world.

CEBs are a cost-effective building alternative, utilising a range of fabricated beams, including tapered web beams, which are ideal for large spans and massive loads.

Ahrens is already incorporating CEBs into its own Design & Construction projects, as they have several advantages over conventional steel beams, including:

• significantly reduced planning time;

• reduced use of steel, with associated cost and environmental benefits;

• high content of recycled steel;

• design innovation using advanced software to comply with Australian standards;

• rapid construction and earlier occupancy.

In addition to CEB technology and mechanical fabrication, our new facility includes a state-of-the-art automated shot blast and paintline. As a result, our ability to fabricate and paint structural steel for buildings, bridges, mining projects and a host of other structures is second to none.

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The safety of employees, sub-contractors and visitors is a priority every day at Ahrens.

SAFETY

We are particularly proud of our safety record, which is a direct result of our commitment to the education of existing and new employees in safe operation and procedures.

Safety on construction sites and in all workshops and offices is a shared responsibility and all employees understand and appreciate the importance of adhering to documented safety procedures.

Regular ongoing risk assessment and safe planning of work takes place in all our workshops and on construction sites to identify major hazards and take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Ahrens’ prime objective is to consistently provide services that meet the requirements of our customers, both in terms of on-time delivery, processes and service quality expectations.

QUALITY

Lost Time Injuries 2006 - 2009This table shows the steady decline in Lost Time Injuries at Ahrens over the past three financial years.

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We have developed a Quality Management System to ensure that customer and company needs, objectives and expectations, including fitness for use, consistency and dependability are of consistently excellent quality.

Our Quality Management System is based on the requirements of the Australian and International Standard AS/NZS ISO 9001:2008.

All work undertaken at Ahrens, in offices, workshops and on site, must comply with these standards. Individual employees and management are required to work within the parameters of specific systems, procedures and processes that have been introduced in accordance with ISO 9001:2008.

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At Ahrens, we aim to balance our economic, environmental and social responsibilities to minimise our carbon footprint.

ENVIRONMENT

Recycled materials, including rubble from the adjacent highway redevelopment and winery wastewater, were used during the construction phase of our new head office and steel manufacturing facility in SA. Half a million litres of rainwater storage, as well as large swales, allow us to harvest water for reticulation through office amenities and landscaping. Our paint line incorporates state-of-the-art technology, allowing us to recycle water used during the automated painting process and significantly reduce the paint by-product.

Our new Custom-Engineered Buildings use up to 30% less steel, offering our clients a sustainable building solution.

In addition to these commitments, we have developed an Environmental Policy Statement to ensure our company complies with relevant statutory obligations and continues to improve its environmental performance.

As part of our efforts to become more environmentally aware, Ahrens has recently purchased a rural property known as ‘Kingsford’. With assistance from Trees for Life and the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board, we have developed a five-year plan to revegetate this magnificent property.

Ahrens’ generosity and commitment to the local communities in which it operates is widely recognised and applauded.

COMMUNITY

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Left Employees of Barossa Enterprises on site at their new premises at Nuriootpa. Photograph courtesy Leader Newspapers

Stemming from the outstanding level of community service displayed by Bob and Marj Ahrens over many years, the Ahrens Group and its divisions have continued to support community events and organisations throughout Australia.

Ahrens encourages its employees to also support the community, through the Employee Donation Scheme which allows individual employees to nominate a charity to receive a donation from Ahrens on their behalf.

Ahrens has developed a highly competitive design and construction approach to deliver full turn-key projects to the Distribution & Logistics sector. High profile clients include property developer Goodman, as well as transport giants Toll and Scotts Transport.

From conceptual design, through architectural and engineering disciplines, steel fabrication, site construction work and fit-out, Ahrens is able to use its own resources.

This provides clients with cost and time savings in the design and construction phase, while completed projects offer improved productivity, as well as safety and environmental benefits.

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“Ahrens’ unique delivery model, including in-house steel fabrication and its own multi-skilled site crew, meant DHL Exel was completed within a tight time-frame. As a result, our clients were able to occupy the facility and get down to business much earlier than anticipated.” Steve Smith, General Manager, SA, Goodman.

DHL

Leading developer Goodman required a substantial warehouse and office facility, totalling 32,800m2 and incorporating a complex security system for end-user DHL.

Ahrens worked to an extremely tight time frame and was able to finalise design elements in a timely manner. This was made possible by Ahrens supplying and installing steelwork from its Ahrens Steel division.

Landscaping and Alucobond cladding on the office facade, have contributed to an attractive and functional facility. As a result of this new facility, DHL has been able to streamline its efficiencies, leading to a significant saving in overheads.

EDINBURGH PARK, SOUTH AUSTRALIAConstruction time 9 months | Project value $16 million | Building area 32,800m2

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KERRY LOGISTICS

GILLMAN, SOUTH AUSTRALIAConstruction time 5.5 months | Project value $4.5 million | Building area 9,000m2

Kerry Logistics specialises in container logistics and freight storage for the international market, requiring substantial warehousing.

Ahrens designed and constructed a warehouse of 8500m2, along with a neighbouring two-storey building to house the company’s new head office.

Vibrant colour, in keeping with Kerry Logistics’ corporate branding, ensures the exterior walls of the warehouse are visually striking.

The client’s requirements included three loading docks, significant hard stand areas totalling 6000m2, with a cantilever awning running the full length of the warehouse.

Ahrens was able to complete the new warehouse and despatch building while the existing facility remained operational at all times during construction.

EAST ARM, NORTHERN TERRITORYConstruction time 9 months | Project value $5.4 million | Building area 4670m2

TOLL TRANSPORT

Undertaken for the Toll Group, for sublease to Fosters, this full turn-key project included the design and construction of a warehouse and offices for a new NT distribution centre.

The one-stop distribution hub eliminates the need for multiple sites, increasing productivity and consolidating storage and handling of the product.

The warehouse is fully insulated with Dado panel walls and while it operates independently from the office facility, the two areas are linked by internal security and communications. The buildings are also designed to maintain a constant working temperature during the wet season.

All structural steel was manufactured by Ahrens Steel in SA and transported to Darwin by Toll. Construction of the new facility ran smoothly, with Allbuilt pouring all concrete panels on site.

Ahrens’ experience in Design & Construction has resulted in some exciting projects being completed in the Commercial & Retail sector. This has provided Ahrens with an opportunity to spread its wings and create striking interiors and eye-catching facades.

Appearances are everything in this consumer-driven sector and Ahrens works closely with its clients to ensure these design and construction projects don’t just look good but deliver results.

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SOUTHGATE, QUEENSLANDConstruction time 7 months | Project value $6.6 million | Building area 4300m2 Ground floor carpark 4000m2

WESTPAC CALL CENTRE

Acoustics were a major consideration in the design of a call centre for Queensland property developer Anthony Johns.

The two-storey building, currently operating as the Westpac Call Centre, features a large internal column-free work area.

A curved acoustic ceiling, as well as an additional suspended ceiling, create a working environment that allows callers to operate at maximum efficiency.

The first storey office space is set upon a suspended concrete slab, providing undercover carparking for 300 cars.

The Westpac Call Centre won an award for its functional design, with major emphasis on the curved ceilings with acoustic properties.

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BRIDGESTONE

This design and construction project includes a substantial warehouse and adjoining hard stand area, as well as a two-storey office facility.

In keeping with Ahrens’ commitment to sustainable design, particular care was taken to capture the majority of stormwater on site using open swales.

The Bridgestone building was the first constructed by Ahrens that was required to comply with new heat codes to meet energy efficiency standards.

This project demonstrates Ahrens’ ability to complete entire design and construction projects in-house, without having to call in external consultants.

WINGFIELD, SOUTH AUSTRALIAConstruction time 10 months | Project value $3.6 million | Building area 6900m2

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“Ahrens’ design is so eye-catching that it has transformed the landscape of the area and our building has now become a local landmark.”

Paul Voakes, Operations Manager SA/NT, Bridgestone

IN & OUTBOARD MARINE

This design and construction project involved the transformation of an existing sales area in a shed, into Darwin’s premier marine showroom.

Raw industrial steel, polished steel and blue silicone butt glazing combine to create the eye-catching exterior facade. Internally, polished concrete floors, timber decks and custom orb ceilings were used to mimic a marine environment for maximum visual impact.

It was critical that the client maintain its day-to-day operations during the construction process, and Allbuilt was able to cater for this requirement.

DINAH BEACH, NORTHERN TERRITORYConstruction time 9 months | Project value $1 million | Building area 1947m2

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KINGAROY, QUEENSLANDConstruction time 5 months | Project value $3.5 million | Building area 3500m2

TURNERS MITRE 10

Local businessman Col Turner commissioned Ahrens to design and construct a Mitre 10 retail/trade outlet in Kingaroy.

The entire project was completed in under six months, with post-construction retail and trade sales proving the investment was well worthwhile.

The facility includes a 1600m2 warehouse, a 1900m2 retail section, offices, with car-parking and landscaping taking up the rest of the 11,000m2 site.

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WINNELLIE, NORTHERN TERRITORYConstruction time 8 months | Project value $1.7 million | Building area 1967m2

CITY CERAMICS

This complete turn-key project included the demolition of an old shed and the construction of an eye-catching new warehouse and showroom.

The demolition and earthworks stages proved to be delicate operations, expertly handled by sub-contractors under the direct supervision of the Ahrens’ site crew.

Ahrens’ competitive advantage came to the fore during this project, with steel provided by M&S, and Allbuilt’s pre-cast panel crew able to produce panels on site. Following completion of the design and construction project, the client undertook the fit-out of the showroom, adding to the appeal of the new facility.

The end result is spectacular street frontage, generous and open internal areas and a functional distribution and warehouse facility.

“We chose Ahrens because we needed a company which was confident with fast-tracking our construction.” Col Turner, Managing Director, Turner’s Mitre 10

Ahrens is rapidly becoming one of Australia’s leading suppliers of Materials Handling facilities.

By utilising its internal design and construction services, as well as silos from M&S and other equipment from Sherwell, it has completed some of the largest and most modern feedmills, storage buildings and commodity sheds in Australia.

Sherwell’s established range of silos, field bins, augers and feeders is now complemented by Famson products, including belt conveyors, bunker storage and drive-over hopper stackers.

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Ahrens was engaged to relocate and expand a container packing facility for Graincorp Containerlink.

As a result of this project, the client has integrated all of its activities in one location, resulting in more effective use of storage space and increased productivity.

Existing equipment had to be incorporated into the new plant, which required dismantling the old plant in a busy port facility and transporting equipment on oversize loads.

Ahrens was able to provide a more accurate costing for the facility than its competitors, which was a significant factor in winning the contract.

Following the successful completion of this project, Ahrens was engaged to refurbish Graincorp’s port terminal at Pinkenba.

BRISBANE, QUEENSLANDConstruction time 8 months | Project value $2.2 million

GRAINCORP CONTAINERLINK PLANT

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GCHARLTON FEEDMILL

Safety was a key focus of the design and construction of this steam-flaking plant and bulk grain storage facility for Elders.

Ahrens designed the elevated flaking mills with no downstream mechanics and built them around the existing mill to maintain production at all times.

The reliability and increased productivity of the new plant, as well as a higher level of safety throughout the operation, delighted the client, leading to additional contracts for Ahrens.

CHARLTON, VICTORIAConstruction time 11 months (2 stages) | Project value $5.2 million

GRASSDALE FEEDMILL

Ahrens designed and constructed a steam-flaking plant and bulk grain storage facility, as well as six additional buildings for an impressive feedlot complex for Mort & Co.

The construction process ran smoothly due to Ahrens undertaking the entire project, from design to manufacturing and erection and the electrical work.

Three 650-tonne grain silos from M&S, a division of Ahrens, are a feature of the feedmill, which caters for 62,000 head of cattle.

Mort & Co is thrilled with the results and is experiencing higher productivity when compared to industry benchmarks.

DALBY, QUEENSLANDConstruction time 11 months | Project value $6.3 million

“Grassdale is the largest greenfield feedlot constructed in recent years and Ahrens readily accepted the challenge to build it with outstanding results.” Charlie Mort, Mort & Co

Since the early 1990s, Mining and Process Plants have been growth areas for Ahrens.

These projects have included everything from workshops, to large storage facilities, complex conveying systems, stockpile covers and switchrooms.

Ahrens specialises in construction in remote areas, with offices and workshops north of Adelaide and in Perth and Darwin, ideally located to service remote sites.

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GXSTRATA MINES

This zinc filter plant and zinc concentrate storage and load-out facility at Mount Isa Mines has helped reduce the concentration of zinc particles in the air by 75%.

The storage facility, which was designed and constructed by Ahrens, was built ‘inside out’ to eliminate build-up of zinc concentrate. All the framework and support beams are visible on the exterior of the shed, providing a smooth interior surface.

The state-of-the-art loadout facility had been constructed over a railway line, allowing trains to pull into the shed so concentrate can be loaded into carts and covered while still inside the shed.

In addition to the environmental benefits, the facility has increased production, with the new filters capable of producing 700,000 tonnes per annum of dried concentrate, nearly doubling the previous production rate.

Ahrens is proud to be associated with this project for Xstrata, which has set a new benchmark for the extraction and handling of zinc concentrate within the Australian mining industry.

Photographs courtesy Mount Isa Mines.

MOUNT ISA, QUEENSLANDConstruction time 6 months | Project value $2 million

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Hi-Fert Pty Ltd required a lump breaking system to ensure stored fertiliser was distributed to clients without lumps.

Ahrens developed a machine that automatically breaks up lumps, re-coats them in oil and passes them through a screen ready for distribution. Fertiliser is loaded into the ‘Lump Breaker’ via a front end loader, and processed at a rate of 100 tonnes per hour, saving time and eliminating wastage.

The ‘Lump Breaker’ was built by Ahrens Materials Handling SA division and commissioned in Port Adelaide. It has recently been relocated to Port Lincoln and will continue to be relocated by Hi-Fert as required.

ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIAProject duration 12 weeks | Project value $150,000

PORT OF DARWIN, NORTHERN TERRITORYConstruction time 8 months | Project value $3.6 million | Building area 4300m2

FORMERLY OXIANA

This full turn-key project was undertaken for Oz Minerals and met with conditions applied by the Darwin Port Authority and Freightlink to connect to the existing ship loader.

The 30,000 tonne-copper concentrate storage facility is stocked by an internal railway line and then loaded to ship, with tight product security required throughout the freight process.

A fully laiden train is shunted into the storage shed and unloaded in a carefully designed dust proof environment.

Environmental considerations are key to the design and include spill collection and product management via a series of containment drains, collector pits and dust filters.

This was Oz Minerals’ first NT Rail/Store/Ship venture and required close consultation with Ahrens, to ensure the facility met with EPA and freight regulations. The two companies were able to work together successfully to deliver a seamless project and a first-class facility that met all the client’s logistic and storage requirements.

OZ MINERALS

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PINKENBA, QUEENSLANDConstruction time 7 months | Project value $7.8 million | Building area 10,800m2

The Manufacturing and Warehousing sector has been a mainstay of Ahrens for many years and this experience is contributing to outstanding project results.

Industrial buildings are designed for specific function and product, enabling clients to improve the efficiency and capacity of their operations.

Ahrens is able to complete large-scale buildings within short time frames, due its ability to draw on internal resources and experienced sub-contractors. Benefits of this vertical integration flow through to clients as time and cost savings.M

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DARVENIZA MULTI-UNIT TENANCY

This warehousing and office project for the privately owned Darveniza Group required two separate tenancies for independent clients.

The premises are separated by a fire-rated intertenancy wall, running the full length of the 5000m2 warehouses and two-storey office building.

Ahrens designed and constructed two standard office/warehouses on spec for the client. Once construction commenced, the premises was leased and Ahrens was engaged to design and build modifications to meet the tenants’ requirements.

“Ahrens completed the design and construction of our office/warehouse facility two months ahead of schedule, which meant the facility was fully tenanted and providing a return much earlier than expected.” Jane Darveniza, Darveniza Group

This 7000m2 warehouse includes a substantial dangerous goods store, as well as an office and external concrete hard stand.

the client only introduced the requirement for the dangerous goods store after design had commenced, but ahrens was able to fast-track the process and incorporate it into the construction with minimal delay.

this office/warehouse development has led to improved productivity in the overall business.

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yATALA, queenSLAnDConstruction time 5 months | project value $5.4 million | building area 7886m2

aVk australia

Avk Australia manufactures and assembles pipe valves and briefed Ahrens to design and construct a warehouse and office facility for its operations.

the client requested that the design be based on the concepts provided, to maintain consistency with architecture in other facilities around the world.

Whereas these buildings had been based on concrete structural frames, ahrens was able to use steel, reducing construction time and creating an open plan warehouse.

the office is situated on a mezzanine floor, with an eight metre glass curtain wall allowing interface between the warehouse and office.

winGFieLD, SouTH AuSTRALiAConstruction time 7 months | project value $3.9 million | building area 6900m2

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ACACIA RIDGE, QUEENSLANDSite 1 Construction time 14 months | Site 2 Construction time 7 monthsProject value $28 million | Building area 30,000m2

LINFOX

Ahrens was engaged to design and construct two large warehouses on adjacent sites in the Acacia Link Industrial Estate, for client Goodman.

Site 1 involved the design and construct of a 20,000m2 warehouse to bring together five separate businesses of the Linfox Transport Group. Included in the complex are four separate office buildings, a two-bay workshop, truck wash, container wash and a truck refuelling facility. Site 2 consisted of a 10,000m2 warehouse and 300m2 office, built ‘on spec’ and completed within seven months.

One of the client’s requirements was the incorporation of major design variations to accommodate full Factory Mutual Global insurance compliance and a reconfiguration of the external yards and location of the workshop building.

EDINBURGH PARK, SOUTH AUSTRALIAConstruction time 6 months | Project value $10.5 million | Building area 7000m2

This full turn-key project by Ahrens has produced a building of outstanding quality and function for end user MTU Detroit Diesel.

The $10.5m building includes a two-storey centrepiece, containing spectacular offices and showroom, as well as a 24-hour customer service centre, including separate truck and engine workshops.

The benefit to MTU Detroit Diesel and its customers is that sales, repairs, spare parts, showroom, workshops and offices are all centralised in one location. In addition, the facility includes MTU’s first combined Dyno test facility.

Environmental features of the MTU Detroit Diesel building include solar power and solar hot water service, use of reclaimed water and bi-level lighting to minimise energy consumption.

MTU DETROIT DIESEL

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Ahrens cut its teeth on industrial buildings for the wine industry more than 30 years ago.

Since then, it has provided high profile food and beverage clients, such as Orlando Wyndham, Yalumba Wine Company, Coopers, Coca-Cola and Bickfords with processing and storage infrastructure, primarily in the form of large warehouses.

Clients in this sector often demand that production schedules be maintained throughout the construction period and Ahrens has been able to work around existing processing systems to minimise downtime.FO

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“Ahrens won the project to build our warehouse extension through open tender and was able to follow through on its promise to deliver a cost-effective solution on time to meet our Christmas peak.” Tim Cooper, Coopers

COOPERS

The Coopers warehouse, located in a prime position in SA, required strong architectural features visible from South Road.

As a design feature, horizontal cladding was overlayed with the iconic Coopers sign on the exterior of this warehouse for the storage of pallets of beer.

The construction was completed to tight timeframes, with Ahrens keeping close control of steel ordering, production and deliveries. Coopers benefited from cost savings and additional warehouse space, which doubled its existing capacity.

REGENCY PARK, SOUTH AUSTRALIAConstruction time 6 months | Value $7.8 million | Building area 6000m2

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bickForDs

Ahrens won the tender to develop a 11,520m2 distribution warehouse for Bickfords due to its cost-effective design initiatives.

the full design and construct project began with ahrens exploring all the design options to come up with a different solution and an alternative roof cladding system from the client’s original design brief.

the completed warehouse incorporates temperature control, stormwater management and a large, 1000m2 loading canopy.

SALiSBuRy, SouTH AuSTRALiAConstruction time 7 months | project value $4.9 million | building area 11,520m2

coca-cola

The refurbishment of an existing structure and its integration with a new building designed and constructed by Ahrens, was the central objective of this project for Ascot Haulage.

the existing building was altered to form flow through stock control and create a more efficient system throughout the facility.

HuDSon CReek, noRTHeRn TeRRiToRyConstruction time 7 months | project value $1.5 million | building area 6875m2

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METCASH

Ahrens has recently completed projects for Metcash in Darwin and Perth, with a total value of more than $22m.

The full Design & Construction project in Darwin, consisted of a dry store warehouse, freezer and cool room warehouse, canopy and loading dock, with two separate two-storey office annexes for despatch and administration.

Allbuilt was able to complete the construction within a tight time frame, aided by the steel manufacturing being done internally by Ahrens Steel. Metcash has benefited from the project due to increased productivity and the benefits of a modern facility which incorporates the latest technology.

In Western Australia, Ahrens has completed a freezer building, battery charging and cross dock facility for Metcash over three main stages.

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DARWIN, NORTHERN TERRITORYConstruction Time 10 months | Value $15 million | Building area 12,000m2

CANNING VALE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA Construction time 9 months (3 stages) | Value $7.8 million Building area 5550m2

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ADELAIDE AIRPORT, SOUTH AUSTRALIAConstruction time 6 months | Project value $2.6 million | Building area 2565m2

Ahrens completed this aircraft hangar for Regional Express (Rex Airlines), while complying with strict security and environmental controls due to the site’s location adjacent to an operational apron.

The hangar has a clear span of 57 metres, allowing for servicing of a 737 aircraft or three smaller SAAB aircrafts simultaneously.

The completed project includes an office complex over three levels, with acoustic treatment to minimise noise from the neighbouring airport. The design of the highest level provides views of interest from the training and board rooms.

REX AIRLINES

BRISBANE, QUEENSLANDConstruction time 5.5 months | Project value $4 million | Building area 4800m2

BOEING

Ahrens was commissioned to build a 4800m2 facility, incorporating 4000m2 clear span hangar space with the remaining area fitted out to offices over two levels.

The length of the hangar runs to 78 metres, allowing two 737 jets to be serviced undercover. This large clear span area required a light weight design and was pre-assembled on site, before being lifted into place by dual crane lifts.

Ahrens was subsequently asked to construct a similar building for National Jet in Adelaide, as well as the EADS facility for Tiger helicopters in Brisbane.

FORMERLY NATIONAL JET

Projects for Defence & Aviation clients require a high degree of security and technology to be incorporated into the design.

Ahrens has relied on the experience gained from other projects to design and construct complex facilities for Defence & Aviation companies. Attention to detail and the ability to draw on the resources of skilled workers and sub-contractors has allowed Ahrens entry into this highly specialised area.

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For 40 years, M&S has been synonymous with quality steel buildings in Queensland.

M&S

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A division of Ahrens

10 Meringandan Road

Goombungee QLD 4354

PO Box 40

Goombungee QLD 4354

Phone (07) 4696 5255

Email ahrensms@ahrens.com.au

In 2002, Ahrens purchased M&S Steel Buildings, another family

business based in Goombungee, near Toowoomba.

M&S now consists of a steel fabrication workshop, a kit-shed

operation and since 2003 has manufactured and distributed the

larger Webster’s silos.

These products complement Ahrens’ core Design & Construction

business, with M&S providing steel fabrication services for some

projects. In addition, Webster’s silos play an important role in

many Materials Handling projects.

M&S’ large range of sheds and Webster’s silos are engineer

designed for strength and durability, with safety features to

Australian standards.

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SHERWELL

Sherwell has been a trusted rural brand for 50 years, well before the SA and Victorian operations were purchased by Ahrens.

Today, Sherwell manufactures and supplies grain handling

equipment, including silos, field bins, augers and sheep and

cattle feeders.

Highly regarded Sherwell silos make up part of the infrastructure

for many Materials Handling project throughout Australia,

strengthening Ahrens’ competitive advantage in this sector.

In 2007, Ahrens purchased F.A. Miller & Son (Famson) and aligned

it with the Sherwell division, further expanding the range of grain

handling equipment for rural customers.

Today, Sherwell and Famson produce quality silos, field bins and

a solution-driven range of conveyors, augers, shifters and niche

market products such as drive over hopper stackers, enabling

Ahrens to extend its services to rural industries throughout

Australia and overseas.

A division of Ahrens

1 Fraser Street

Nhill VIC 3418

PO Box 209

Nhill VIC 3418

Phone (03) 5391 1777

Email sherwell@ahrens.com.au

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www.ahrens.com.au

South AustraliaPO Box 2 Sheaoak Log SA 5371Wilhelm Road Kingsford SA 5118 Phone 08 8521 0000ahrenssa@ahrens.com.au

Northern Territory Allbuilt PO Box 119Berrimah NT 0828Lot 3916 Hidden Valley RoadBerrimah NT 0828Phone 08 8984 4100allbuilt@ahrens.com.au

Queensland PO Box 372Cannon Hill QLD 4170Unit 7, 9 Archimedes PlaceMurrarie QLD 4172Phone 07 3399 2111ahrensqld@ahrens.com.au

Western AustraliaBox 16, Unit C16 Tarlton CrescentPerth Airport WA 6105Phone 08 9478 3100ahrenswa@ahrens.com.au

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS HANDLING

Queensland PO Box 3183Toowoomba Village Fair Tenancy 4, 477 Ruthven StreetToowoomba QLD 4350Phone 07 4632 4372

South AustraliaPO Box 2 Sheaoak Log SA 5371Wilhelm Road Kingsford SA 5118 Phone 08 8521 0000

materialshandling@ahrens.com.au materialshandling@ahrens.com.au