Brickmaking is one of Australia ’ s oldest industries , established within months of the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 . For the next 150 years brick manufacture was largely smallscale ; hardly larger than the average cottage industry .

Brickworks Limited was formed in 1934 , at the height of the Great Depression , by brick manufacturers who recognised the need for the industry to rationalise if it was to grow and prosper .

Rationalising facilitated the new business ’ s acquisition of stateowned State Brickworks in 1935 , a

purchase beyond the resources of any single manufacturer at the time .

This was the first of many such acquisitions and initiatives over the next 80 years that enabled Brickworks to become an Australian leader in the building products industry and a respected public company with a market capitalisation exceeding two billion dollars .

Diversification Despite its reputation and heritage , Brickworks Limited is a highly diversified company with operations in property , waste management and

88 April 2015

Construction Magazine April 2015 | Page 132

Brickmaking is one of Australia ’ s oldest industries , established within months of the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 . For the next 150 years brick manufacture was largely smallscale ; hardly larger than the average cottage industry .