ISLAND BLOCK & PAVING | HOW DOES A FAMILY BUSINESS COMPETE WITH MULTINATIONAL BIG CORPORATE COMPETITION
As part of our partnership with Island Block & Paving we will be sharing monthly articles, their latest article – How does a family business compete with Multinational Big Corporate Competition.
STAYING AHEAD OF THE GAME IN TOUGH TIMES… CRISIS = OPPURTUNITY
With the ever-changing economic landscape putting extraordinary cost imposts on business in particularly the masonry manufacturing sector; controlling costs, reviewing processes, introducing new products and supporting our industry is paramount. Island Block & Paving have always had the motto that a crisis will always create opportunity…we enjoy the challenge and we have never been busier.
Who is Island Block & Paving?
A family-owned business. Australia’s largest independently owned manufacturer of sustainably made Bricks, Building Blocks, Retaining Walls and Pavers. Established in 1993, Employ 51 staff. Carbon Neutral + Global Greentag Level A certified.
How does a smaller company compete with a large corporate entity?
With a lot of our industry controlled by large overseas owned multi nationals we focus on what we can control. We don’t have the marketing budget or the corporate power BUT what we do have is industry leading knowledge combined with great staff and the power of owning our own business. Our history is in 1993 we took on the big companies from a greenfield site of 40,000 m2, built an office and factory, employed local staff and started the business. We endured predatory pricing, had to get ACCC intervention to survive. The most important thing we did was focus on developing our own unique products, protected by patents to allow the business to thrive. Ongoing R&D and sustainability-led product development remain central to what we do.
What are patented products that Island Block & Paving have introduced to the industry?
- Australian and NZ patents for the manufacturing of masonry with recycled glass content.
- Australian and NZ patents Freestone Eco Retaining Wall system.
- Australian and NZ patents Do It Yourself Wall Blocks.
For 2026 which new products are going to be introduced to the industry?
As part of our emissions reduction strategy, we have recently made nil cement content bricks which we will continue to develop to a commercial level. The continual evolution of our brick range is ongoing with a new range of Carbon Neutral Certified Reclaimed Bricks, to be launched later this month. Compared to imported options from our competitors, such as the San Selmo range from Spain, our Reclaimed range offers a distinctly Australian-made alternative - guaranteed to have at least a 50% more cost-efficient outcome.
What is the biggest challenge in educating Specifiers on Island Block & Paving products?
It’s sometimes frustrating to get cut through with Island Block & Paving product information. Architects often work under tight timeframes, which can make it challenging to explore all available material options in depth. We focus on offering a well-considered range of high-quality, cost-effective and environmentally responsible products - ready to support projects when the opportunity arises.
Company motto “No one knows Bricks, Blocks & Pavers better” Support for Designers includes:
- Free engineering and design support 30+ year members of CMAA.
- Free DWG drawings to download.
- Cost effective problem solving with over 30 years of industry knowledge
- Staff include qualified builders, interior designers and landscapers.
- Australia wide Frees Sample service via Australia Post or Sales reps.
- Project specific sample boards, shapes and colours.
Current and third party verified sustainability credentials:
- Carbon Neutral Certification: supported by EPD data and audited product sales offsets, third-party verified to quantify and responsibly offset embodied emissions.
- Global GreenTag GreenRate Level A: independently verifying 37.6% recycled content and achieving a premium outcome within the Green Star rating tool.
- Platinum Product Health Declarations (PHDs): confirming no VOCs and transparent disclosure of material health impacts.
- Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs): documenting a low baseline Global Warming Potential of just 117.39kg CO₂e.
- ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 45001 aligned Quality Management Systems: reinforcing consistency, traceability and responsible manufacturing standards.
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To discuss your next project, order samples or receive free design assistance, contact
Jackson Thurlow | National Sales Manager - 0437 795 978 or jthurlow@islandblock.com.au
