Jeff Manning - Retired CEO (May 2021)
M&B was founded by Antonio (Tony) and Betty Mauriello in 1975, trading as M&B Contractors Pty Ltd. The primary discipline was concrete construction, specialising in kerbing and drainage structures.
I joined the company in September 1976 to add an earthmoving arm that would broaden the range of what could be offered, including preparation for concrete structures. In 1977 we founded M&B Earthmovers Pty Ltd. Our main income was from the state government Public Buildings Dept., which later became SACON and is now part of DPTI. Much of the work was site works, including paving, drainage and landscaping, etc., in schools and other public buildings.
Jim Rennie was employed by us in late 1981 on his arrival here from the UK.
In May 1982, we went to the Cooper Basin for an eight-week project to construct circular reinforced concrete ring beams and ancillary works for oil tanks for VG Saunders at Dullingari and Strzelecki satellites. We have had a presence in the Cooper Basin ever since. During Santos’ construction of Trains 6 and 7 in the Moomba Plant in 1983/4, we had a field crew of over 50 full time and contract employees.
In 1988 we amalgamated both companies to form M&B Civil Pty Ltd. We undertook a large variety of civil works concentrating on structural concrete projects. Some of our significant achievements outside of the Cooper Basin are:
- Gawler Bypass upgrade – 2 exit bridges (eastern end) and two railway overpasses
- Aldinga Waste Water Treatment Plant
- Osborne Power Cogeneration Plant
- Berri Converter Station
- Happy Valley Reservoir wave wall – 980 metres long
In 2010 the Adelaide metropolitan business was separated by the formation of M&B Civil Engineering Pty Ltd. This company contracts to a number of metropolitan Councils for road reconstruction, stormwater drainage and shared paths, etc.
Sadly, on July 7th 2019, Tony succumbed to a long illness, ending an almost 43-year partnership and 57-year friendship with me.
In July 2018, we embarked on the process of selling the business. In January this year, we successfully completed the sale of M&B Civil and associated assets to ICE USG Mining & Civil Pty Ltd.