In the heart of Victoria’s Goulburn Valley, NL Drainage has been a cornerstone of civil construction for over three decades. Known for its expertise in sewerage, water mains, pump stations, and deep trenching, this family-owned business has built a reputation for reliability, quality, and community commitment.
Recently, NL Drainage strengthened its fleet with two new Kobelco excavators—the SK135SR-7 and SK85SR-7—purchased through long-time partner Melbourne Tractors. This investment underscores the company’s dedication to efficiency, safety, and operator comfort as it continues to deliver critical infrastructure projects across the region.
A legacy of excellence
Founded by Norm Wereszczuk more than 30 years ago, NL Drainage remains a family-run enterprise, now led by Managing Director Brad Wereszczuk and his wife Louise. The company employs a team of 12 to 15 skilled local operators, many of whom have been with the business for eight to ten years—a testament to the strong culture and values that underpin its operations.
“Our forte is sewer and water,” Brad said. “We’ve been fortunate to work on projects that keep our team busy year-round, and we take pride in supporting the local community by employing local talent.”
Operating primarily throughout the Goulburn Valley and into NSW, NL Drainage has become a trusted partner for local councils and water authorities. The company holds multiple accreditations and has successfully delivered projects ranging from residential subdivisions to major infrastructure upgrades.
Two decades of partnership
NL Drainage’s relationship with Melbourne Tractors spans more than 20 years — a partnership built on trust, service, and shared values.
“I remember the first five-tonne digger we ever bought, delivered on a Saturday morning on a tilt tray truck. That level of service has never changed,” Brad said.
From that first machine to the latest additions, Melbourne Tractors has consistently provided NL Drainage with the equipment and support needed to meet the demands of modern civil construction.
The newest additions are a Kobelco SK135SR-7 and SK85SR-7.
The SK135SR-7 is designed for performance and efficiency. Its short-radius design allows operators to work in tight spaces without compromising stability, while advanced hydraulics deliver smooth, precise control.
The machine also boasts industry-leading fuel efficiency—just 7.4 litres per hour—and a spacious, ROPS-compliant cab featuring a 10-inch colour monitor, jog-dial controls, and 270-degree camera vision for enhanced safety.
The SK85SR-7 combines compact dimensions with impressive power, making it perfect for urban projects and residential subdivisions. Like its larger counterpart, it features Kobelco’s iNDr cooling system for low noise and dust reduction, as well as a modern cab with intuitive controls and excellent visibility.
Operator comfort and fuel efficiency
“The operators are more than impressed with the comfort,” Brad said. “And I’m more than impressed with the fuel economy. We can’t fault them at the moment.”
These benefits translate directly into productivity gains and cost savings—critical factors in an industry where margins are tight and timelines are demanding.
On the ground in Kyabram
The new machines are already hard at work on stages six and seven of a residential subdivision in Kyabram, where NL Drainage is installing sewerage, water mains, and raw water infrastructure. This project is part of a long-term collaboration with the developer, spanning all seven stages of the development.
“Being involved from the start has been great,” Brad said. “It’s projects like these that keep our team engaged and our business moving forward.”
Looking ahead
As NL Drainage continues to grow, its partnership with Melbourne Tractors and Kobelco remains central to its success.
“As long as the sun’s shining and the work’s there, I’m sure we’ll be purchasing plenty more Kobelco excavators in the time to come,” Brad said.
For Melbourne Tractors, supporting businesses like NL Drainage is what it’s all about.
Sales Representative Simon Gillespie said iot was “great to see our machines making a real difference on the ground”.
“We look forward to many more years of working together.”