Tell us about the business.

HIC Services began operations in 1978 as Bynon Industrial Ceramics, providing industrial tiling services to the NSW steel and coal markets. By 1995, the business had grown significantly and the name was changed to HIC Services. We now have facilities in Newcastle, Mudgee, Gunnedah and Mackay.

In 2017 HIC Services released its first product, a premium grade alumina tile under the brand name HICTECH. Since 2017 several other products have been developed and form part of the HICTECH Product Solution range such as cyclones, wear plates and belt press filter cloths.

Industrial tiling, off-site refurbishments and painting remain the mainstay of the business.

How many people work for the business?

Today HIC Services has sixty-four employees servicing over one hundred mines and businesses.

What’s the best thing about the business?

I’ve been at HIC for twelve months now and the thing that struck me when I first came into the business was the openness of the people and how proud they are of the business and the part they play in it.

What are the biggest challenges facing your business?

I think like a lot of businesses, being able to attract people into the business as you grow has to be one the biggest challenges. HIC have been able to mitigate this somewhat by looking at its employees as a national labour pool and has been able to send NSW employees to Queensland for major shut down as an example. Whilst this serves a purpose it has its limitations so the challenge of attracting labour continues and we must find innovative ways to meet this.

What is the biggest opportunity for your business right now?

For us I think there are several opportunities to grow our product sales both domestically and internationally, but the biggest opportunity would be HIC’s expansion into the Queensland mining market. Our Mackay branch has been in operation for close to two years now and has spent a lot of time and effort supporting a few key customers on their sites making sure the strong reputation and culture we have in NSW is replicated in Queensland.

What is the business most proud of?

There is a great sense of pride in the products the business has developed and when I talk to the people on the floor they have a great drive to give the customer what they need. If they can’t deliver what they’ve promised they get very disappointed in themselves.

So what are we most proud of, being able to deliver what we promise when we promise it.

Community or other causes close to its heart and values?

We are proud to be supporters of Got Your Back Sista. Established as a registered charity in 2016, its vision is to see women and their children happy, thriving and living independently after escaping the trauma of family violence. Got Your Back Sista offers benevolent relief and support to women and children escaping domestic violence and are at risk of living below the poverty line. 

Any employees that deserve a shout out?

Geoff Milne, one of the largest characters in the business, has worked for HIC Services since 1995 and is well known throughout mine sites in NSW and Queensland for his cheeky, hard-working, no-nonsense style. Geoff has been a key presence at HIC Services and played a large part in developing its culture and reputation.