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Supplier Insider – Expressway Spares

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Tell us about the business.

Expressway Spares are suppliers of new, used and reconditioned parts and components suitable for Caterpillar & Hitachi. We also source and sell used Caterpillar construction sized equipment.

How long have you been doing business?

This year marks 59 years in business for us! Expressway Spares was founded by Gerard Cassegrain in December 1964 and established in Wauchope NSW. The business was originally started to support the local logging industry but later diversified into the general earthmoving and mining industries. We have expanded our business into four key locations – Hunter Valley in NSW, Mackay in QLD, Perth in WA and Gunnedah in NSW.

How many people work for the business?

We currently have over 315 employees.

Describe a typical day at ‘The office’.

We have many areas that form our business so a day may involve: dismantling a Caterpillar 992K for our parts inventory, completing a full machine rebuild for a customer, selling used equipment, reconditioning components for our inventory or a customer, unloading containers and stocking shelves with new parts, testing a customer’s engine or transmission  on our dyno, attending an emergency breakdown onsite or taking a call from a customer needing hard to source parts for their machine.

What’s the best thing about the business?

The best thing about our business is our customers and our employees! We have many loyal customers from small operators to large corporations. We are well known for our family-oriented culture and we have numerous employees who have worked for us for decades. Without our staff we don’t have a business!

The worst thing?

Not having what our customers need right now! We are constantly looking to improve our inventory, but we feel bad when we cannot instantly help a customer.

What are the biggest challenges facing your business?

The ever-changing industry and demand. We have a dedicated team focused on Research and Development, Quality Assurance and Product Knowledge to keep our commitment to continual improvement.

What is the biggest opportunity for your business right now?

Continuing to provide an ever expanding range of quality parts and components with exceptional workmanship to our existing and new customers.

What is the business most proud of?

Our dedicated employees and still being a family operated business for over 58 years. Recently we were successful in winning the SafeWork NSW award for ‘Outstanding Solution to a Work Health and Safety Risk – Large Business (non-government)’ category for our Risk Assessment Process.

This is a great achievement and was not possible without the continued dedication of our staff to our Risk Assessment Process.

Community or other causes close to its heart and values?

We support many different causes across Australia including local sporting teams/clubs or the supply of goods to auctions or raffles to raise money for charities or schools. Over the last few years, we have sponsored the MACA Cancer 200 – Ride for Research which supports the Harry Perkins Institute.  Numerous staff regularly support the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and recently received the $25,000 “Giving Milestone”. We have also raised over $25,000 in the last 5 years for the Beyond Blue Charity.

Any funny or heartwarming stories to share?

The most recent heartwarming story goes to one our longest serving employees Jeff who retired after 46 years of service. Jeff is off to join the “Grey Nomads” touring our great country. 

Any employees that deserve a shout out?

All our staff deserve a shout out for their hard work, dedication and loyalty to the business. We also have a warm welcome to give to Alec Bruce who has recently taken on the role of Mackay Branch Manager.    

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