Top Construction Companies in Australia

The construction industry is a critical driver of the Australian economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. In 2022, the industry continued to experience growth and success, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the Australian construction industry contributed approximately 8% to the country's GDP. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the industry employed approximately 1.1 million people, representing 8.9% of the total employed workforce. In this article, we will explore the key statistics from 2022, the factors contributing to its growth and success, and the key trends, challenges, and the future outlook of the construction industry in Australia.

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CompanyHeadcountContactDescriptionDecision Maker
CPB Contractors10,001+ +61 2 8668 6000

CPB Contractors is a leading international construction company and a member of the CIMIC Group. We combine the construction track record and expertise formerly delivered by Leighton Contractors and Thiess, and we also include the people and projects of Leighton Asia. We’re building on the strong foundations of our unique history to create a successful and sustainable future. Safely delivering next-generation infrastructure that better connects people and transforms communities is at the heart of what we do. Working alongside respected industry leaders, we offer rewarding careers, genuine opportunities to develop and grow, and a team environment where together we create lasting legacies.

Lendlease5,001-10,000 +612 9236 6111

Together we create value through places where communities thrive. Every day, people around the world live, work, shop, play or travel via an asset created by Lendlease. Lendlease is an international company with an Australian heritage, as well as local expertise across the core markets of Australia, Asia, the Americas and Europe. Very few organisations can build cities from scratch, including the infrastructure to connect people, with skills to design, develop, fund, build and manage, but we can. Our projects span key sectors including development, construction, communities and healthcare development. We purposefully seek to hire people who are share our values and passion to make a positive impact. Whether big or small, we make a difference and all of us have a part to play in our success. Together we make a difference.

Laing O'Rourke10,001+ +44 (0)1322 296200

Laing O’Rourke is an international engineering enterprise, with operations in Europe, Australia and the Middle East. Our 2025 mission is to be the recognised leader for innovation and excellence in the construction industry

Hutchinson Builders1,001-5,000 +61 7 3335 5000

Hutchies is no run-of-the-mill construction company. We’re a family business, led by five generations of Hutchinsons. Since 1912 we’ve grown to become Australia’s largest privately owned construction company. We believe our success has a lot to do with our distinctive culture, where relationships are key. We’re passionate about investing in our most valuable resource — our people. Our industry leading training provides opportunities for skills development that nurture our teams from grass roots through to future leaders. We’re proud of our 90% VET completion rate, compared to the Australian average of 60%. In 2017 and 2011 our accredited training saw us named Large Employer of the Year at the Australian Training Awards. We are the only builder to ever be awarded the title twice, and we pin this success on our philosophy of giving back to the industry and broader community. We’re local, national builders. We love staying connected with the communities in which we work, giving back and doing the right thing. We support the community through local sports teams, pop-up training workshops, and hosting students at our construction sites. We believe in a far go for all and are committed to building a diverse and representative employee base. We celebrate diversity in our workforce and encourage innovation in all areas of the business. We are longtime supporters of the National Association of Women in Construction, and we are proud to have placed 320 Indigenous workers in construction jobs through our Indigenous Employment program, Statim-Yaga (Start Work).

ADCO Constructions501-1,000 (02) 8437 5000
sydney@adcoconstruct.com.au

At ADCO, we’ve been ‘people who build’ since our very first project back in 1972. In the 50 years since, we’ve grown to become one of Australia’s largest private builders. We remain 100% Australian-owned and are hugely proud of our heritage which has been steered by the values of family, trust and honesty. Each year, our national presence and commitment to excellence sees us entrusted to deliver many of Australia’s most iconic community projects. This includes state-of-the-art hospitals, schools, sporting facilities and major retail centres. Yet for all our growth and success, it isn’t the projects that define the ADCO Way. Rather, it’s the people and partnerships we build along the way that continue to make us the ‘builder of choice’ for our clients, our consultants, our contractors and our people. It’s also why we retain high levels of repeat business among major private and institutional corporates, as well as federal, state and local government agencies. Today, our award-winning capabilities extend across the complete non-residential construction sector including education, commercial, health, retail, aviation, leisure, aquatic, community, defence, rail and transport. Our projects are delivered via early contractor involvement, design and construct, managing contractor, and traditional construction methods of procurement. As we move into our second half-century, our foundations have never been stronger – nor our focus clearer. We’re excited to build the next generation of success for our clients, our people and, of course, the Australian communities we serve.

BESIX Watpac501-1,000 07 3251 6300
receptionbne@besixwatpac.com

We are a leading Australian multi-disciplinary construction company backed by a century of global expertise and financial strength. A wholly owned subsidiary of the award-winning international contractor BESIX Group we specialise in complex construction across all sectors, including infrastructure and marine works. Combining Watpac’s four decades of trusted local experience and partnerships, we bring the best of the world’s capability together. Today the Group has more than $7.6B work in hand and is operating in 25 countries, employing 15,000 people. We are an equity partner as well as a delivery specialist, investing in the future of our communities. The world’s tallest tower, the iconic Burj Khalifa, showcases our innovation and engineering distinction. Ours is a reputation built on quality. With three international hubs in Australia, Europe, and the Middle East, we are united by one common purpose - we excel in creating sustainable solutions for a better world.

Downer10,001+ 1800 369 637

Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure and facilities. With a history dating back over 150 years, Downer is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and New Zealand Stock Exchange as Downer EDI Limited (DOW). Downer Group employs approximately 44,000 people across more than 300 sites, primarily in Australia and New Zealand.

Icon Construction501-1,000 +61 3 8862 8888
info@icon.co

Celebrating 160 years of success, Icon is a fully diversified builder delivering high quality buildings across Australia and New Zealand. Together, we are a team who stands for what we build. And a business that stands the test of time. The Icon business has expanded through a blend of strong organic growth, strategic mergers, acquisitions and investments. In 2015, Icon became part of Kajima Corporation, an $11 billion Japanese powerhouse with 17,000 employees across 20 countries, which gave it the financial strength that sets it apart in a competitive market. Now, the Icon Group comprises Icon Developments; Barpa, a proud and dynamic Australian indigenous construction company; Minicon, a construction company specialising in smaller and bespoke delivery of residential, commercial and institutional projects. Backed by our parent company, our financial and technical strength, depth of sector experience and capacity to deliver projects at various scales has propelled our business into the top-tier construction market. Creativity, innovation and continuous improvement are the key to our success, enabling us to develop entrepreneurial solutions for clients to minimise risk in terms of safety, certainty and commercials. Our team consists of highly skilled and experienced professionals committed to creating possibilities with partners, putting people and safety first, earning success in delivery, and living quality in every way. Together, we are creating the foundations for a sustainable future where we can fulfill our vision to build with excellence and integrity, for the next 160 years.

Built501-1,000 +61 2 8332 4111
teamadmin@built.com.au

Proudly Australian and privately owned since 1998, Built has grown to be a national diversified general contractor and one of Australia’s largest private construction groups. With over 1,000 employees across Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, our reputation is built on being the most responsive, client focused partner in the industry with a specialist team offering extensive tier one and large corporate experience. From large scale new builds to complex refurbishments and intricate fitouts, we innovate and challenge industry conventions. With the scale & certainty of a tier one construction company and the culture & agility to stay ahead change, when you work with us, you work with a group of leaders on a mission to improve the way the world is built.

Nexus Infrastructure501-1,000 01376 559 550
info@nexus-infrastructure.com

Nexus’ strategy is to deliver outstanding performance across all its infrastructure projects through a focus on innovation and customer service. We have in place an experienced and entrepreneurial management team, with senior appointments to support the growth strategy.

Top Construction Companies in Australia

Factors Contributing to Growth and Success

Several factors have contributed to the growth and success of the Australian construction industry in 2022. Firstly, government initiatives to boost the industry have played a significant role. For instance, the Australian Government has invested heavily in infrastructure projects, including road and rail networks, and social infrastructure, such as hospitals and schools. These investments have created job opportunities and stimulated economic growth.

Additionally, the Australian Government has introduced several measures to support the residential construction industry. These include the HomeBuilder scheme, which provides financial incentives to people building or renovating their homes, and the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, which assists first-time homebuyers in purchasing a property with a smaller deposit.

Another key factor contributing to the growth and success of the construction industry is low-interest rates. These rates have made it easier and more affordable for individuals and businesses to access finance for construction projects, resulting in increased demand for construction services.

Industry Growth and Comparison to Previous Years

The Australian construction industry has experienced steady growth over the past decade. In 2021, the industry recorded a value of $353.2 billion, up 2.2% from the previous year. The industry's growth was primarily driven by increased residential construction activity, which grew by 3.9% in 2021.

Compared to previous years, the construction industry's growth in 2022 was more modest, with a value of $360.5 billion, representing a 2% increase from 2021. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry, it has remained relatively stable, with continued investment in infrastructure projects and low-interest rates driving demand for construction services.

The construction industry comprises various sub-sectors, including residential, non-residential, and engineering construction. Residential construction has traditionally been the largest sub-sector of the Australian construction industry, and in 2022, it accounted for 50% of the total construction industry value. Non-residential construction accounted for 33% of the industry, while engineering construction contributed 17%.

Key Trends

The construction industry in Australia is undergoing significant technological disruptions, with several key trends emerging. One of the most significant trends is the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM). BIM is a digital technology that allows architects, engineers, and construction professionals to create a virtual model of a building, providing insights into design, materials, and construction costs.

Another key trend is the use of prefabrication and modular construction techniques. Prefabrication involves manufacturing building components in a factory setting, which are then transported to the construction site for assembly. This construction method can significantly reduce construction times and costs while improving the quality of the finished product.

Finally, sustainable materials and building techniques are becoming increasingly popular in the Australian construction industry. This trend is driven by increased awareness of environmental issues and the need for more sustainable building practices.

Challenges

Despite the growth and success of the Australian construction industry, it faces several challenges. One of the most significant challenges is the shortage of skilled labor, particularly in regional areas.

Shortage of Skilled Labor

The shortage of skilled labor is a critical issue facing the Australian construction industry. According to a report by the Australian Construction Industry Forum, there is a shortage of approximately 100,000 skilled workers in the construction industry. The shortage is particularly acute in regional areas, where it is difficult to attract and retain skilled workers due to lower wages and limited job opportunities.

To address this challenge, the industry and the government are working to encourage more people to enter the construction industry through education and training programs. Additionally, some companies are turning to innovative solutions, such as automation and robotics, to overcome the shortage of skilled labor.

Cost Pressures

Another significant challenge facing the Australian construction industry is cost pressure. Rising material costs, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, have put pressure on construction companies' profitability. Additionally, increased competition for skilled labor has increased wages and costs.

Companies are turning to innovative construction methods and materials to address this challenge to reduce costs. For example, some companies use prefabrication and modular construction techniques to reduce construction times and costs, while others use sustainable materials to reduce waste and lower costs.

Future Outlook

Despite the challenges facing the Australian construction industry, the future outlook is positive. The industry is expected to grow, driven by continued investment in infrastructure projects and the residential construction market.

Technology is expected to play an increasingly important role in the industry, with the adoption of digital technologies such as BIM and the use of automation and robotics to overcome the shortage of skilled labor. Additionally, sustainable construction practices are expected to become increasingly important, driven by increased awareness of environmental issues and the need for more sustainable building practices.

Conclusion

The Australian construction industry is a critical driver of the country's economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. In 2022, the industry continued to experience growth and success, driven by government initiatives, low-interest rates, and increased demand for construction services.

The industry faces several challenges, including a shortage of skilled labor and cost pressures. However, the future outlook is positive, with continued investment in infrastructure projects, the adoption of digital technologies, and the use of sustainable construction practices expected to drive continued growth and success in the industry.

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By Melissa Goh
Published on 13 April 2023