Flowrite Group and Kobelco
For most kids growing up the world is full of options, one week you might want to be a doctor, the next a fireman or maybe even an astronaut. But for Jeff Giebel, Managing Director of Flowrite Group, he knew exactly what he wanted to do. After spending years on machines and trucks as a kid with his dad in Ipswich, earthmoving is in Jeff’s DNA and his love of heavy machinery was always going to turn into a career. While most of us were learning to ride a pushbike, Jeff was refining his skills and technique as an operator.
Working for his dad was the first stage of Jeff’s career, and it was then that his natural talent, passion and skills were honed. In 2011, Jeff decided it was time to step out on his own and Flowrite Earthworks & Civil was born. Initially, it was Jeff on his own but after proving himself as a sole trader, before long his consistently excellent work and attitude saw him hiring staff and building a team. “Since our early inception we have expanded the business to incorporate demolition and civil works. I now have a team of over 30 staff. I don’t remember a time when I haven’t been involved in the earthmoving industry. I’ve been operating machines from as far back as I can remember; it’s in my blood,” said Jeff.
In the years that passed since 2011, Flowrite Earthworks & Civil diversified and branched out into other types of work. In 2019 they rebranded themselves and became Flowrite Group to incorporate more than just earthworks and civil works. Jeff shared, “Flowrite is a company born out of a passion for the earthworks, civil and demolition industry. Today, we are a leader in wet and dry hire of late-model civil construction equipment for bulk and detailed earthworks, subdivisions, basement digs, demolition, asbestos removal, road widening projects, civil and drainage.”
In 2020, Flowrite Group offers a range of services with operators equipped and experienced in all civil works, bulk excavations, detailed excavations, drainage and plumbing, electrical pits, road widening, demolition and asbestos removal. They offer a versatile service and work with customers to achieve their desired outcome. When quizzing Jeff about his fleet, he shared, “our equipment is fitted with the latest safety and operating efficiency features as standard. Items include low emission motors and reverse cameras, with several of our units equipped with GPS. Our fleet ranges from our impressive Kobelco excavators, Bobcats and large posi-tracks to excavators ranging from 1.7 tonne to 47 tonne, including attachments to suit all jobs. Our road fleet consists of tandem tippers, truck quad dog trailer, semi tipper, water truck, beavertails and a float truck. We are equipped to perform any job. Flowrite Group is also licensed to complete demolition works and we have the capability to undertake all asbestos removal.”
Jeff continued, “we are passionate about what we do and dedicated to creating a team environment that our employees look forward to being a part of. For us, an important part of our team is our BrisVegas Machinery rep, Marco. We have purchased all of our Kobelco machines from Marco for the last two years. The performance, comfortable cab and fuel efficiencies of the Kobelcos have been equally matched by the after-sales service we have received from BrisVegas”.
I had the chance to meet Marco onsite with Jeff and his wife, Brooke. The respect and friendship that existed between them was obvious. Marco shared, “Jeff sees the benefit of BrisVegas Machinery over other dealers in the relationships and customer service. This is where we stand above our competitors, as well as selling the best excavators on the market. Jeff and our other customers know when they buy machinery from BrisVegas Machinery they aren’t just getting a machine, but service as well. Jeff has purchased a SK300LC-10, SK225SR-2 and SK135SR-5 and currently has 4 x SK55s AC machines going through the workshop being pre-delivered.”
After spending the day with Jeff and Brooke (who at the time of filming was heavily pregnant and still on the jobsite), it became evident that to them, having the latest equipment and attachments is vital – allowing them to undertake jobs that require that little bit of extra care and attention. Flowrite’s machines are fitted with GPS technology, so they can dig to specifications and deliver consistent performance.
It was great to see a family business achieve success and when I asked Brooke about their journey, she shared, “we deliver through consistent performance and see our future constructed from all that has made us successful in the past. We believe our strengths are in the quality of our team and our genuine relationships formed with clients. Our team has experience spanning decades in varying civil and earthworks projects. We have been very busy over the last year with jobs, including; road widening for a subdivision at Moggill, a car park and shopping centre Stage 2 at Orion Shopping Centre Springfield, Mitchelton State School upgrade, East Brisbane asbestos removal and house demolition, and a Gold Coast-Southport Basement dig bulk excavation”.
I was intrigued to find out what role the new Kobelco machines in his fleet had played in their success. Jeff’s answer did justice to the ever-growing impressive reputation of the Kobelco brand. “With the new equipment we have been able to expand our scope of works so we can deliver a more rounded service, from demolition through to detailed excavation, including civil road works, and plumbing and drainage. The Kobelco machines have been extremely reliable, and the running costs in terms of fuel are up there with the very best. Along with an extremely reliable machine and 24/7 support, we couldn’t ask for better.”
It’s clear the future is looking bright for the team at Flowrite Group, with the backing of BrisVegas, Kobelco and an equally impressive team of talented women in the office, who along with the operators are the backbone of the business. When businesses make the building blocks of their success consistent performance, a high-quality team with experience, and genuine relationships with clients, there is only one way to go, and that is up!
– The Team At Earthmoving Equipment Magazine