Big lift for Maroubra Building Supplies

A critical step in any construction project is having material delivered, without hassle and on time, to the correct building site.

As the rate of construction projects across Australia rises in line with population growth, it’s up to experienced operators such as Sydney-based Maroubra Building Supplies (MBS), to adapt to this demand with equipment and technology that can reliably deliver that material.

First established in 1983 by Sam Papadakis, MBS was once primarily a retail hardware shop that supplied building materials as part of its offering. By the late 1990s and the arrival of big box homeware chains, the business changed direction to focus on material supply. 

Under the guidance of current Managing Director, Louie Papadakis, the family business rebranded to MBS Building & Landscape, with a purpose-built facility constructed in Matraville in 2019. ​ 

As a point of difference from other building suppliers, MBS is going down the route of delivering their bulk materials using a variety of crane trucks rather than tipper-truck rigs to reduce congestion of building sites and surrounding roads. ​ 

Their unique fleet includes a range of Isuzu twin-steer FYJ 300-350s Autos in 8x4 and 10x4 model configurations and varying wheelbase lengths to ensure the right vehicle is presented for the job. 

The latest addition to the fleet, an Isuzu FYJ 300-350 8x4

“Being centrally based next to Port Botany, we deliver everywhere from brand new developments in Sydney’s West, the Northern beaches, Eastern suburbs, Southern suburbs and areas established 200 years ago in the city… we have to deliver, no matter what the site,” explained Louie. 

“It’s a necessity for us to have the crane trucks come in with the material in one-tonne bags and off-load these directly to the site. 

“In the established city areas, we face some tricky locations, like loading up to the fourth floor of buildings or over the top of structures and tall trees into narrow spaces. 

“In the newer areas, we are parking roadside and delivering materials to the exact spot needed—not simply dropping kerbside and making the builders shovel it in.”

Maroubra Building Supplies Managing Director, Louie Papadakis

MBS uses a mixture of HMF Cranes by West Trans and Palfinger cranes with a reach of eight metres through to 31 metres. This allows them to place one-tonne bags of soil, mulch, pebbles and building products exactly (or as close to) where they’re needed. ​ 

Truck models in the fleet are chosen carefully to counterbalance the crane's weight, which sits at the rear back of the tray, plus the considerable weight of the building supplies on board.

After working through a number of truck brands, MBS has struck up a relationship with Isuzu dealer Suttons Trucks Arncliffe, who recommended the twin-steer FYJ 300-350 for their heavy-weight application. ​ 

Isuzu’s FYJ 300-350 features a GVM of 30,000 kilograms (28,000-kg on-road legal limit), a hefty GCM of 45,000 kg, and the all-important inclusion of a second Meritor steer axle, which supports stable load sharing. 

For heavy loads and off-road, the FYJ’s driveline and gear ratios have been specifically optimised for maximum stability and gradeability. ​ 

Paired with the option of Hendrickson airbag rear suspension and heavy-duty 6-speed Allison 4430 auto transmission—it all combines into a smooth unit that delivers across all bases for MBS.

“The FYJ is a solid, durable, and reliable vehicle. As for the brand itself—Isuzu is unbreakable,” remarked Louie. 

“From initial contact via Suttons and the backup care provided by Isuzu, the whole experience has been outstanding. 

“As we retire some of our older tipper fleet, we will be looking to replace those with small and medium models from Isuzu, making the operational and maintenance side a whole lot more straightforward for us.” 

With their new FYJ crane trucks supporting the delivery side of the business, MBS feels confident that customers will receive the most efficient service, which doesn’t compromise on the health and safety of workers on-site.

“MBS has moved with the rapid expansion of the building industry,” said Louie. “We feel this is the now and the future for professional outfits like us. 

“Mums and Dads can still order a tonne of soil and it's easy to shovel away straight into garden beds or spread across lawns for top dressing. ​ 

“Builders who need a number of materials and a range of products can order bulk bags of soil, mulch, or pebbles and get it dropped exactly where they need it.” 

With customers calling in from as far north as the Central Coast and to the south past Wollongong, MBS expects further expansion in the near future, including in their wholesale division for resellers called Australian Sands. ​ 

“This is when understanding industry change and looking at how to better deliver what the customer requires is critical for us,” Louie noted. 

“You have to innovate and have partners that want to be part of that journey. ​ 

“Our relationship with Isuzu Trucks forms a major part of our current and future direction.”