MacKellar Group
MacKellar Group is an Australian, family-owned heavy equipment solutions provider founded in 1966, serving mining and civil construction clients with dry hire, full mining services and equipment maintenance using a fleet of more than 500 large mining machines across Queensland, NSW and Western Australia.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1966
- HeadquartersNambour, Australia
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What MacKellar Group does
MacKellar Group is an Australian, family-owned heavy equipment solutions provider to the mining and civil construction industries, founded in 1966 by Alastair MacKellar and headquartered in Nambour, Queensland, with current leadership under his son Duncan MacKellar. The company operates a fleet of more than 500 large mining machines spanning Liebherr (R9800, R996, R9600, R9400, T264), Caterpillar (D11T/D10T/D9T dozers, 793/789 haul trucks, 995/993K wheel loaders), Komatsu and Volvo OEMs — described by management as the largest Liebherr mining excavator fleet in Australia — and supports them through in-house rebuild workshops at Nambour and Blackwater using equipment such as the HCS-60-L cylinder bench, a 400-tonne WTC track press and an industrial laser cleaning system.
The business operates three primary revenue streams: usage-based dry hire (equipment rental without operators), managed-services wet hire and full mining services (equipment plus operators, drill-and-blast, overburden removal, rehabilitation), and professional-services equipment maintenance and component rebuild. Customers are predominantly large Australian coal miners in the Bowen Basin — Jellinbah (35+ year relationship since 1989), Middlemount (10 years with Yancoal/Peabody), Curragh (Coronado, 6 years, 30+ units), Carmichael (Bravus, 5 years, 10M-tonne target), Callide (Batchfire) and Dawson (Anglo American) — with diversification into copper via the Aeris Resources Tritton project in NSW and civil infrastructure (Nexus, Toowoomba Second Range Crossing). Pricing is quote-based and undisclosed; contract lengths range from 14 months to multi-decade, with on-site workshops and Indigenous joint ventures (Ulangoo Nunee Binbee, Gubba Bunthoo) embedded in delivery.
The go-to-market relies on direct enterprise field sales led by General Manager Business Development Dave White, supplemented by an in-house Dry Hire Online Platform (launched October 2023) and a Western Plant Hire channel for the Western Australian market, won through the 2020 WPH acquisition. Procurement leverage from the OEM partnerships (Liebherr, Caterpillar via Hastings Deering, Komatsu, Volvo) and a safety-technology partnership stack (Manabotix Bund Monitoring, SafeGauge electronic measurement) underpin an in-house apprenticeship programme of 50 tradespeople, which the company plans to grow to 60.
MacKellar Group firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- MacKellar Group
- Legal name
- MacKellar Group
- Website
- https://mackellargroup.com.au
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1966
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- MacKellar Group is an Australian, family-owned heavy equipment solutions provider founded in 1966, serving mining and civil construction clients with dry hire, full mining services and equipment maintenance using a fleet of more than 500 large mining machines across Queensland, NSW and Western Australia.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
MacKellar Group industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Heavy earthmoving equipment and contract mining services
- NAICS
- Support Activities for Mining (2131), Construction, Mining, and Forestry Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing (532412), Support Activities for Metal Mining (213114)
- SIC
- Construction, Mining & Materials Handling Machinery & Equip (3530), Wholesale-Construction & Mining (No Petro) Machinery & Equip (5082)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Earthmoving & Excavation Equipment Rental/Leasing (TLABAFAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Iron Ore Mining Support Services (Drilling, Blasting, Contract Mining, Maintenance) (IMAKAAAJ), Mining & Heavy Equipment Operator Staffing (BPACAEAI)
Keywords
Where MacKellar Group is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Nambour
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices9 records
Markets served
MacKellar Group business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Dry Hire (Equipment Rental): MacKellar rents heavy equipment including excavators, dozers, graders, rear dump trucks, wheel loaders, water trucks, service trucks, tyre handlers, and cable reelers without operators. Customers include mining companies and civil contractors who need equipment for specific projects or periods.
- Wet Hire (Equipment with Personnel): Full contract mining services including equipment rental with operators, maintenance staff, and management personnel for mining projects.
- Maintenance Services: Mechanical rebuild services for mining and construction equipment. Includes component rebuilds, preventive maintenance, and spare parts support. Workshops established on site at long-term contracts and at Central Queensland facility.
- Full Mining Services: Comprehensive mining services including pre-strip, drill and blast, and mining operations. Covers entire mining cycle from initial development to ongoing production.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Dry Hire - Equipment Only |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
MacKellar Group product offering
Product offeringCore offering
MacKellar Group provides heavy earthmoving equipment solutions for mining and civil construction clients across Australia, offering dry hire (equipment-only rental) of excavators, rear dump trucks, dozers, wheel loaders, graders, water and service trucks, tyre handlers and cable reelers from major OEMs such as Caterpillar, Liebherr, Komatsu and Volvo. In addition, it delivers full contract mining services covering pre-strip, drill and blast, load and haul, stockpile management and rehabilitation, plus on-site and workshop-based equipment maintenance and component rebuild services through its Nambour and Blackwater facilities.
Product overview
MacKellar Group is a heavy equipment solutions provider operating since 1966, offering a portfolio of equipment rental (dry hire), full mining services, and maintenance services. The product portfolio includes a diverse fleet of OEM equipment from Caterpillar, Liebherr, and Komatsu—comprising excavators (R9800, R996, R9600, R9400, 6040, 6030, PC1250), rear dump trucks (T264, 793D/F, 789D/C, 785, Volvo A40E, 777G/D), dozers (D11T, D10T, D9T), wheel loaders (995, 993K, 992K, 992G, 988H/K, 980H/K), graders, service trucks, water trucks, tyre handlers, and cable reelers. Core services encompass civil earthmoving, dam/levee construction, infrastructure earthworks, haul road maintenance, mechanical rebuilds, stockpile management, and full contract mining. The company operates major mining projects including Murrawombie, Jellinbah, Middlemount, Carmichael, Callide, and Curragh mines.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Western Plant Hire (WPH): Western Australian plant hire and maintenance business acquired by MacKellar Group in 2020
Products and services
- Dry Hire Equipment Rental Rental of heavy earthmoving equipment without operators, including excavators, dozers, dump trucks, wheel loaders, graders, service trucks, water trucks, tyre handlers and cable reelers from OEM brands Caterpillar, Liebherr, Komatsu and Volvo. Available to mining operators and civil contractors across Australia.
- Full Mining Services Comprehensive contract mining services for mining and civil projects, covering pre-strip, drill and blast, open pit mining, civil earthmoving, dam construction, infrastructure earthworks, and haul road construction and maintenance. Delivered with MacKellar's equipment fleet and personnel.
- Equipment Maintenance and Rebuild Services Mechanical rebuild and maintenance services for mining and construction equipment, delivered via on-site workshops at long-term contracts and at the Nambour and Blackwater facilities. Includes component rebuilds, preventive maintenance and spare parts support, with capabilities such as the HCS-60-L cylinder bench, 400 tonne track press and industrial laser cleaning.
- Stockpile Management Long-term stockpile management services for road and rail freight logistics, including rail loadout facility operation at Boonal JV. Some stockpile engagements have run continuously for 30+ years.
- Excavators (Dry Hire) Large mining excavators available for dry hire, including Liebherr R9800 (800t), R996 (672t), R9600 (633t), R9400 (345.5t), Caterpillar 6040 (404.6t), 6030 (294t), Komatsu PC1250 (110t) and Caterpillar 330 GC (30t).
- Rear Dump Trucks (Dry Hire) Mining haul trucks available for dry hire, including Liebherr T264 (240t payload), Caterpillar 793D/F (228t/226t payload), Caterpillar 789D/C (180.7t payload), Caterpillar 785 (133t payload), Volvo A40E (40t payload) and Caterpillar 777G/D (91t payload).
- Dozers (Dry Hire) Caterpillar dozers available for dry hire, including D11T (104.2t), D10T (70.2t) and D9T (47.9t) models for earthmoving and mining applications.
- Wheel Loaders (Dry Hire) Caterpillar wheel loaders available for dry hire, including 995 (246.6t), 993K (133.6t), 992K (99.8t), 992G (95.5t), 988H/K (51t) and 980H/K (30.3t) models.
- Graders (Dry Hire) Caterpillar graders available for dry hire, including 24 (62.4t), 18 (33.7t), 16H (31.5t) and 16M models for road construction and maintenance.
- Service Trucks (Dry Hire) Service and fuel trucks available for dry hire, including Caterpillar 777G ST (45,000L fuel), Caterpillar 773D ST (32,000L fuel), Scania 6x4 (12,000L fuel) and Isuzu 8x4 (9,000L fuel) models for site maintenance support.
- Water Trucks (Dry Hire) Caterpillar water trucks available for dry hire for dust suppression, including 789C WT (150KL, 317.4t), 785C WT (120KL, 249.4t), 777G WT (75KL, 164.6t), 777D WT (163.2t) and 773D WT (45KL, 39.5t).
- Tyre Handlers (Dry Hire) Tyre handling equipment available for dry hire for mining equipment tyre changes, including Omega (12t), Hyster (10t) and Yale (6t) capacity handlers.
- Cable Reelers (Dry Hire) Caterpillar 992D cable reeler (90t operating weight, 25t payload) fitted with AT Agora Quick Hitch and CWS Cable Reel for cable handling operations, available for dry hire.
Quantifiable outcome
- 35+ years continuous presence at Jellinbah Mine since 1989
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use MacKellar Group
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
MacKellar Group technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
AI capability6 records
Feature7 records
MacKellar Group partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and minor.
- Gubba Bunthoo Joint VenturestrategicIndigenous joint venture with Ghungalu Investments (Shaun Cora, Thane Cora, and Aunty Michelle Leisha) providing plant hire, equipment maintenance, mining support services, civil earthworks, and transport logistics. Operating on Ghungalu Lands west of Rockhampton, the JV invests in apprenticeships, operator training, mentorship, and community sports sponsorships.
- Ulangoo Nunee Binbee (UNB) IndustriesstrategicIndigenous joint venture for land regeneration and rehabilitation services. UNB Industries, founded by the Kemp family (Ghungalu people), focuses on restoring mined land, reintroducing native plant species, and creating employment pathways for Indigenous Australians. JV combines traditional ecological knowledge with modern mining rehabilitation practices.
- ManabotixcorePartnership for implementation of Bund Monitoring technology on MacKellar's water truck fleet at Jellinbah Mine. Manabotix provides real-time monitoring analysis tools for bund compliance, roadside angles and heights. This safety innovation won the Collaboration Award at QME 2024.
- Western Plant HirecoreMacKellar acquired Western Australian plant hire and maintenance business Western Plant Hire (WPH) in 2020, expanding operations into WA with workshop and support services. WPH has over 20 years of experience in WA with 120 machines and strong Indigenous joint venture partnerships. The acquisition supports MacKellar's growth into new territories and remote WA locations.
- Hastings DeeringstrategicCaterpillar dealer partnership providing off-the-job training for apprentices in Mobile Plant Technology. 48 apprentices engaged through Hastings Deering's Learning Centre program in Brisbane using CAT equipment. Program follows AUR framework and includes mechanical training, auto electrical, welding and safety components.
- Acacia Ridge TafeminorTraining partner providing off-the-job training for apprentice Auto Electricians. Apprentices from MacKellar's program receive specialized training at Acacia Ridge Tafe.
- LiebherrcoreCore OEM partnership for Liebherr excavators (R9800, R996, R9600, R9400) and T264 rear dump trucks. MacKellar operates the largest fleet of Liebherr excavators in Australia, including the first R9600 with Liebherr D9812 engines. Partnership provides service support from Mackay base and on-site at mines.
- SafeGaugecoreSafety technology partnership for elimination of live work. Products include six-channel pressure test gauge and four-channel dial indicator testing kit for dump trucks, dozers and excavators. Enables remote measurement and maintenance record-keeping, reducing risk of injuries.
- Aeris ResourcescoreClient for Murrawombie Open Pit Cut-Back project at Tritton Operations near Nyngan, NSW. 14-month contract for copper production supporting renewable energy systems. MacKellar provides open pit development and Heap Leach Facility construction.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
MacKellar Group competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- NRW Holdings: ASX-listed diversified mining and civil services contractor with equipment hire, contract mining, and full mining service offerings. Comparable scale of fleet operations, multi-state presence, and tier-1 mining customer base including iron ore, lithium, and coal producers.
- Byrnecut Group: Australian mining services contractor specializing in underground mining with similar contract model and equipment fleet operations. Comparable customer base among Australian and international mining operators, though underground focus differentiates somewhat from MacKellar's surface mining emphasis.
- Thiess: Australia's largest mining services contractor providing contract mining, equipment hire, and fleet management to coal, metallurgical, and critical minerals projects. Directly comparable given MacKellar's similar service mix (wet hire, full mining services, dry hire) across the same customer base including BMA, Anglo American, and Yancoal.
- Coates Hire: Australia's largest equipment rental company with significant mining and construction equipment hire operations. Directly comparable dry hire model, though broader geographic and customer coverage; competes for the same mining and civil contractor customers seeking flexible equipment solutions.
- Emeco Holdings: ASX-listed heavy equipment rental company focused on mining with dry hire and full maintenance offerings. Directly comparable business model including fleet management, OEM partnerships (Caterpillar, Hitachi), and mining operator customers across Australia.
- MACA Limited: Australian mining services and civil contractor (acquired by Thiess in 2022) operating a comparable fleet of mining equipment and providing contract mining, equipment hire, and crushing services to iron ore, gold, and coal producers. Closest historical direct competitor in scale and operating model.
- BGC Contracting: Australian mining and civil contractor providing contract mining, bulk earthworks, and equipment hire to iron ore, coal, and infrastructure projects. Comparable service mix and customer base, particularly in Western Australia where both companies operate.
Regional players
- WesTrac: Caterpillar dealer for Western Australia and parts of NSW providing equipment sales, rental, and service. Regional competitor in WA mining equipment market and key channel partner for MacKellar's fleet supply; competes for mining operator dry hire business in WA.
- Hastings Deering: Caterpillar dealer for Queensland, Northern Territory, and Papua New Guinea providing equipment sales, rental, and service. Existing training partner for MacKellar apprentices but also a competitor in Cat equipment rental market across Queensland where MacKellar's operations are concentrated.
Broad incumbents
- Downer EDI: ASX-listed diversified infrastructure services company with a large mining services division providing contract mining, blasting, and equipment solutions. Broader portfolio (transport, utilities, facilities) but competes head-to-head with MacKellar on mining services contracts.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
MacKellar Group social profiles
Digital presenceMacKellar Group compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
MacKellar Group financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
MacKellar Group leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
MacKellar Group subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
MacKellar Group funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
MacKellar Group M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about MacKellar Group
What does MacKellar Group do?
MacKellar Group provides heavy earthmoving equipment solutions for mining and civil construction clients across Australia, offering dry hire (equipment-only rental) of excavators, rear dump trucks, dozers, wheel loaders, graders, water and service trucks, tyre handlers and cable reelers from major OEMs such as Caterpillar, Liebherr, Komatsu and Volvo. In addition, it delivers full contract mining services covering pre-strip, drill and blast, load and haul, stockpile management and rehabilitation, plus on-site and workshop-based equipment maintenance and component rebuild services through its Nambour and Blackwater facilities.
Is MacKellar Group a public or private company?
MacKellar Group is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was MacKellar Group founded?
MacKellar Group was founded in 1966. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is MacKellar Group based?
MacKellar Group is headquartered in Nambour, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does MacKellar Group make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Dry Hire (Equipment Rental) is the primary driver. The others are wet Hire (Equipment with Personnel), maintenance Services and full Mining Services.
Who are MacKellar Group's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are NRW Holdings, Byrnecut Group, Thiess, Coates Hire, Emeco Holdings, MACA Limited and BGC Contracting. Regional players are WesTrac and Hastings Deering. Downer EDI is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does MacKellar Group have an API?
No public API is recorded for MacKellar Group.
What industry is MacKellar Group in?
MacKellar Group's product category is Heavy earthmoving equipment and contract mining services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLABAFAA, Earthmoving & Excavation Equipment Rental/Leasing, with a secondary code of IMAKAAAJ, Iron Ore Mining Support Services (Drilling, Blasting, Contract Mining, Maintenance). Its NAICS code is 2131 and its SIC code is 3530.