Local demolition firm breaks through on world stage

Partner sponsored content The Todd family and their team at local Queensland demolition firm DEMEX were thrilled to learn they were named Best New Entrant at the World Demolition Awards 2020 in a recent online awards ceremony, after earlier being short-listed for the Industrial Demolition Award. “At our first entry into such prestigious World Awards”, Director Richard Todd said, “the recognition was satisfying affirmation of the years of work that DEMEX management and staff have invested into building the structure of a sustainable business that we now know can hold its own with the best in the world. DEMEX is grateful to client Australian Munitions for granting them the opportunity to work with them.” The project that shortlisted DEMEX for the Industrial Award and contributed to the firm winning the Best New Entrant Award was demolition of 43 buildings in the Mulwala Explosives Facility in regional New South Wales, a Major Hazard Facility holding Schedule 15 chemicals and manufacturing high explosives and concentrate acids. Highest levels of expertise and professionalism were critical in safely demolishing and disposing of 43 buildings across the 150,000m2 site, to deal with the high risk volatility of residual contaminants, chemicals, unstable energetics and degraded asbestos materials, all while the site remained operational. Weathered asbestos sheeting, roofing and gaskets were removed by deploying 125ft knuckle booms. Water suppression was applied at the head of high reach excavators to prevent ignition; and a custom fabricated blade attachment was used to process the array of steel tanks. All concrete waste and steel recovered over the course of the project was disposed of environmentally: recycling 100 percent of the 7,161T concrete recovered and 100percent 520T of scrap steel. A further 30T of general solid waste that could not be recycled was committed to local landfill, while 990T of asbestos waste was disposed of at a licensed landfill using EPA licensed trucks under waste tracking documentation. What DEMEX has assembled to undertake such complex, hazardous demolition projects includes: a stable of skilled and committed staff; an in-house fleet of equipment with innovative, tailored attachments; and a body of experience from project planning, site management, personnel training and environmental management that can be adapted advantageously to any tough project. A network of reliable local suppliers adds to the team capability. Richard Todd said, “International recognition is a signpost DEMEX is going in the right direction and an inspiration for us to continue pursuing professional improvement.”

Local demolition firm breaks through on world stage

Industry Queensland

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