2004

Strong Foundations

Watpac acquires Grant Constructions (NSW) and a legend retires

Watpac makes its first move interstate and begins building a national footprint with the acquisition of Grant Constructions in New South Wales. The business is later renamed Watpac Construction (NSW).

By 2004 the company has delivered in excess of $3 billion worth of projects. After successfully leading the company through the early years, a recession and a decade of profitable growth ending with a record $281m turnover and $8m profit, David Little retires in 2004 from the role of Managing Director, and Greg Kempton takes over the helm. In the same year, Kevin Seymour is elected again to the position of Chairman of the Board following Ian Wood’s sudden death.

Our head offices are also relocated to the newly built premises on Ann Street, Fortitude Valley. Among many features, the building design included a triple angular glass curtain wall façade facing Ann Street, a post tensional structure, and hydrostatic basement construction. It was accredited with 4.5 stars under the Australian Greenhouse Rating Scheme. Other key projects in 2004 included several residential apartment buildings, two high school redevelopments in northern NSW, the award-winning Macarthur office tower in Brisbane CBD and the Forest Lake Shopping Centre.