The versatility and verve of Volvo machines have helped DEMEX establish itself as a leader in the demolition sector, with the company winning a swag of awards on its journey to success.
The Volvo excavators are digging away at a lot at Fox Road in the Brisbane suburb of Acacia Ridge, helping redevelop it into a large logistics hub.
It’s the third major project for demolition specialist DEMEX on this large light industrial site on the city’s outskirts: just one of several major tasks which the company has been involved with since commencing operations about 12 years ago.
Headquartered on the Gold Coast, the contractor provides services in decommissioning, deconstruction, remediation, and civil works, delivering assignments Australia-wide across diverse sectors such as commercial development, heavy industry, resources, oil and gas, and energy.
Earthmoving Equipment Magazine caught up with DEMEX Operations Manager Kyle Burkhardt at the location to find out more about what drives the company, and why Volvos have played a major part in the business’ rise in the industry.
“DEMEX is a privately owned and operated demolition company that was formed in 2014 as part of The Todd Group, co-founded by its owners the Todd family,” he said.
“Today Richard Todd runs the business as Managing Director, while Lauren Todd is Chief Operating Officer. Guillaume (‘G’) Botha is Chief Financial Officer. The Executive team works with the business principals Richard and Gwen and is supported by managers in each department across the business.”
In just a short space of time, DEMEX has certainly made its mark in the demolition field.
Standout projects over its years of operation include:
- Mulwala Remediation Project: This involved demolition of a WWII explosives manufacturing facility in NSW. The project received a World Demolition Award in 2020.
- The Batemans Bay Bridge: A challenging project that encompassed demolition of a 307 metre bridge across the Clyde River in New South Wales, the works were conducted in a protected marine environment.
- Wild Duck Island: This demolition project recently won a 2024 World Demolition Award for best Contract Under US$1M. It involved the clean-up of a remote island resort on a lapsed tourism lease of 118 hectares. Located off the mainland on the Great Barrier Reef, the project presented numerous logistical and environmental challenges for the DEMEX team but was delivered safely.
Kyle was delighted with the World Demolition Awards accolade, which he said recognised the ingenuity required to achieve a great outcome for the Wild Duck Island project.
“We continue to challenge ourselves to innovate and grow, and the global awards are a unique opportunity to present the best of what we’ve achieved,” he said.
“As the only demolition specific awards for the industry, it provides the chance for contractors and suppliers who operate in the sector to learn from each other, network, and understand how challenges are being tackled day to day.
“We are proud of our people who secured, planned, and delivered this project in extreme conditions.”
Indeed, DEMEX is no stranger to the Awards. In 2020, it won the Best New Entrant category, and since then has been shortlisted for a number of projects in the sector.
Kyle pinpoints the reason for success to the core values that DEMEX is driven by:
- Commit fully
- Bring your passion
- Embrace challenge
- Keep growing
- Collaborate and connect.
“In addition to these values, we strive to approach all projects in a way that is methodical, solution-driven and focused on the detail. Our objective is to deliver projects safely, on time, and within budget,” Kyle said.
“And we value people. We are very passionate about the people that we work for and the people that work with us, both from our clientele and our people out in the field.
“We’re very passionate about looking after our clients through the right proposals, using the right methodologies, doing things right the first time. The large number of our repeat clients and the large projects we secure are a good testament to our people that work for us and who we are as a business.
“We’ve got a quite a large, substantial number of people that work for us now. We’ve currently got a handful of guys that have come in up to their 10-year service with the business.
“That speaks for itself of who we are and what we’re about.”
Volvos in vogue
As we speak, these loyal DEMEX crew members are carrying out asbestos removal and structural demolition, as well as associated civil works using a concrete breaker to rubblize concrete on the site.
Also on the agenda is a job at nearby Mary Street, which involves demolishing an inner city building abutting others on either side.
“We took over the site from a previous contractor who faced some challenges and true to form, our crew have risen to the task, implementing an unusual scaffolding design to prevent damage to one of the buildings and to protect passing pedestrian and vehicle traffic,” Kyle said.
“Key to this has been the efficiency and mobility of the Volvo EC355 EL crawler excavator we used, which has meant we’ve been able to manoeuvre easily within the confined city block.”
Indeed, the choice of equipment has been key to the success of all DEMEX tasks.
“We own and operate a substantial fleet of more than 220 machines, equipment, and attachments,” Kyle said.
“Our goal is to continue sourcing the best equipment for the work we do, and helping us achieve this has been CDJ Equipment, who we’ve been working with for the best part of a decade.
“We source 90 percent of our fleet from CJD, which now includes a range of Volvo models, from the 3T mini and 235D to the 300D, 300E, EC355 EL and EC380D, as well as the 480D model.
“We have multiples of each model, because we have the confidence gained through experience of how reliable the Volvos are.
“We keep signing up for more Volvos because of their fuel efficiency, working range, and power.
“Of course, operator comfort is paramount, and it’s great to see our crew taking pride in how the machines are maintained and serviced.
“We love the fact that our Volvos will perform reliably and powerfully, regardless of the project, whether it’s an inner city highrise demolition, or on a remote site where there is no back-up.
“Reliability is key, especially when you are working in some of Australia’s more remote locations.”
On the Fox Road premises, two Volvo 480D excavators and a Volvo EC300D are being utilised.
“These machines are ideal for this type of work. They are real workhorses, and mean we can maintain the program without missing a beat,” Kyle said.
He particularly valued the E Series machines for their fuel efficiency, boosted by the engine’s ability to automatically off when the machine has been inactive for a pre-set amount of time.
“In the background of me now are our new 480D Volvos. They’re tried and tested machines,” Kyle said.
“I believe they’re probably the best machine Volvo make for what we do in the industry we’re in.
“We now have several of these machines and wouldn’t hesitate in adding more of any model to our fleet if a project demands it.”
Kyle said the impressive fuel economy of the Volvo machines was one of the key reasons DEMEX kept coming back to the brand.
“We continue to be validated by our choice of Volvo gear by just how well they perform. We find that on average, our EC models run noticeably more efficient than the D Series doing the same work,” he said.
“The difference is noticeable when you see an EC model working alongside another machine without the fuel efficiency credentials of the EC series.”
Kyle said the increased engine power and improved hydraulics of the Volvo machines has translated to an increase in efficiency onsite delivery, including for both demolition and civil works.
“The bigger machines also have a powerful digging, swing torque and tractive force, which allows our crews to get through their work efficiently without compromising quality,” he said.
“Attachments can be easily removed and replaced, saving time when we have to move between activities onsite.
“And the technology that is now coming out, especially in the new E series, such as the Dig Assist feature that gives us load information, is phenomenal.
“The interface for the operator with the screens, technology and the diagnostics that come through that it really helps us with efficiencies onsite and keeping maintenance on track.”
Operator comfort is another key factor.
“Operators spend whole shifts in a cab, sometimes spending more time in them than in their own beds at home,” Kyle said.
“So we want solutions that balance comfort, efficiency, and functionality.
“The Volvos tick every box in this regard and we receive great feedback from our team about how comfortable the machines are to work in.”
The Volvos also contribute strongly to the firm resource management principles that DEMEX is committed to.
“Circular economy principles are driving an approach to construction and demolition that is environmentally and economically responsible,” Kyle said.
“As a demolition contractor, we understand these principles and have made them part of our approach since we commenced operations.
“In keeping with our commitments and regulations, all materials are disposed of safely, and we engage local suppliers to assist us with safe disposal and repurposing of materials.
“One area we’re focused on improving as part of our sustainability commitments is reducing emissions from our activities. This is not only good for the environment, it also makes good business sense.
“The Volvos help us with data tracking of waste tonnages, which is fundamental to contributing to a circular economy.
“Working in tandem with our suppliers and clients, we’re jointly realising broader objectives to recycle and reuse materials that might otherwise go to landfill.
“On all our projects, we’ve need machines with the right capabilities, the right efficiencies, the right emissions controls; many of our clients are chasing the Green Star tick for sustainability on their projects. We help them achieve that.
“Anything we can do is creating a better future for everyone involved.”
Parts and parcel
Of course, while the machines have proven themselves on the worksites, what’s equally as important is the relationship between DEMEX and CJD.
“We continue to be impressed with the way CJD does business,” Kyle said.
“The parts and field service helps keep our fleet working, even in remote locations, and we appreciate the attention to detail and commercial value when it comes to the deal.
“While the reliability in our machines is critical, the reliability of the CJD team who supports us is also extremely important to delivering projects.
“Knowing they are ready to jump in and assist with any challenges that arise, gives us peace of mind, no matter where we are working.
“We can ring them any time of the day or night with a new project.
“Whether we need to upsize the fleet, or are purchasing new equipment, everything is just a breeze.
“They come to us, or we go to them. Just a quick phone call, and we can arrange a machine very quickly. Their turnaround for us on new machinery, any servicing, maintenance and warranty works, are second to none.
“Because we’re focused on delivering projects for our clients, we rely heavily on our business partners like CJD to bring the latest innovations in equipment and machinery to us.
“We will continue to work closely with the CJD team whenever we are considering fleet expansion or updates.”
Ultimately, Kyle said DEMEX valued the CJD’s team professionalism, knowledge, and partnering approach.
“Our fleet is a critical component in our ability to meet client expectations on a project, and we know that with CJD, we can be confident the equipment provided is best in class and will help us deliver consistently,” he said.
“DEMEX has vision, just as any business does. Our pipeline of work currently is in the big industrial space, with a lot of commercial work.
“We are focused on developing our business in the mining, oil and gas sectors.
“With the partnerships like CJD with their Volvo machines, these aspirations can come together; they can help us achieve these goals with the right machinery.”
Backing up Kyle’s comments was CJD Equipment’s Regional Sales Manager Tim Platt, who said there was no doubt that Volvos fit the demands of the demolition industry perfectly.
“My connection with DEMEX flourished after I sold Kyle the 480Ds, and we continued to build the relationship from that point,” he said.
“Demolition is a tough, tough industry. The Volvos are very strong, robust, long-life product, which DEMEX appreciates.
“This is seen through their large Volvo fleet, with the machines working time and time again on the jobs, proving to be fuel-efficient, strong and reliable.”
Tim said both CJD and DEMEX operated nationally. He said the backup that CJD can provide, by having branches in every state, gave DEMEX the confidence that CJD would be able to supply parts anywhere they were needed.
“We also have a lot of service in regional areas that will give them the confidence that we’d be able to back the product up any time of day,” he said.
“Through the strength of the Volvo product and CJD support, we’ve seen DEMEX get nominated for two international awards this year, and winning one; and as a supplier to DEMEX, it’s really comforting to know that we played a small part in that success.”