Author: adbri

Putting Safety First: How AI Technology is Helping Our Drivers Stay Safer on the Road 

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At Adbri, we’re proud to be leading the way in road safety through the rollout of our new intelligent video telematics camera system – a cutting-edge AI-driven platform that enhances driver training and coaching, as well as predicting and preventing driver fatigue, distraction, and potential incidents in real time. 

This journey began 18 months ago with a pilot program developed in collaboration with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) through the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative. The trial involved 23 trucks operating nationwide across various truck applications, and delivered tangible improvements in safety outcomes. 

What truly sets this initiative apart is our collaborative, driver-focused approach. From the outset, we engaged directly with our drivers – conducting face-to-face consultations prior to installation and providing ongoing support throughout the process. This open dialogue ensured strong driver engagement and widespread acceptance, creating a valuable feedback loop that continues to enhance performance and road safety.  

Following the initial pilot’s success, we have now moved into an extended pilot phase. This includes deeper consultation with participating drivers, whose feedback – on factors such as camera placement, sensitivity settings, and the way we deliver performance insights – is being actively incorporated into the system design through our telematics provider Netcorp. 

As we prepare for full implementation later this year, we are also working to finalise key elements such as our governance policy – which will outline how data is used, shared, and protected – and the development of regular feedback reports for drivers. 

This initiative is about more than just advanced technology. It represents a broader cultural shift – placing safety, trust, and collaboration at the core of how we operate. 

A huge thank you to our teams, drivers, and industry partners who are helping bring this initiative to life. 

Learn more about the AI camera technology in the video below.  

Meet Our People | Arlene Nardone – General Manager Adbri Masonry

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When did you start with Adbri Masonry and what attracted you to join us? 

I started with Adbri in July 2000. I was working as an engineer in a consulting firm who did a lot of designs with segmental retaining wall products. The Contracting Services division were looking for an engineer to do the design and project management of retaining wall projects. It sounded like the perfect job for me, so I applied and was lucky enough to be awarded the role. 

What is your role and qualifications? 

I am currently the General Manager – Concrete Products, but I have performed numerous engineering roles throughout my years with the business. I have a double degree in Civil Engineering and Management. 

What does a typical day (week?) look like? 

I don’t think I have had a typical week since I started with the business. The variety of different tasks that I have always undertaken is one of the things I have always loved about working here, no two days are ever the same.  

What do you love most about your job?  

In addition to the above, the opportunity to extend myself. I have had the opportunity to get involved in making changes to Australian Standards masonry design, help develop new products, work on improving the quality testing program for the business, among many other opportunities that I never would have been exposed to in any other engineering environments. 

What do you like most about working at Adbri? 

There has always been a good team of people in the business, right around the country. I have always enjoyed my interactions with other team members and the ability to assist wherever I could. 

What is the most rewarding aspect of your role? 

I always enjoyed helping our customers and team with technical enquiries and solving problems. Seeing completed projects that showcase our products is always enjoyable. 

What aspect of your role are people often surprised/fascinated to hear more about? 

Being a female engineer in the construction industry always generates a lot of questions. 

What would be one piece of advice you would give your 16-year-old-self? 

Don’t let yourself become boxed in or pigeonholed. If you have anything constructive to add, even if it’s not in an area of specialty, it’s always worth sharing. It may not be the right answer, but it may generate opportunity and out of the box thinking. 

What career advice would you share with other women? 

Work hard to reach your goals, set new goals as you reach your targets, and take the support of anyone around you who believes in you and is willing to help. 

Who is your female role model? 

My mum. My parents in truth. We relocated from Scotland when I was 8 years old. My parents had some acquaintances in Australia, but no real support system, but they knew Australia would offer them, and my sister and I, a better potential future so they left all their family and friends to travel to the opposite side of the world. They worked 6 jobs between the two of them for the first 4 years we were in Australia. I wouldn’t be here today if not for their bravery, hard work and vision. 

Circular Economy

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Building a Sustainable Future: Adbri’s Circular Construction Commitment 

At Adbri, sustainability isn’t just a goal – it’s a responsibility. As one of Australia’s leading construction materials and industrial mineral suppliers, we are committed to rethinking how materials are produced, used, and recycled to create a circular economy that benefits both communities and the planet. 

What is Circular Construction? 

Circular construction focuses on reducing waste, conserving resources, and maximizing the lifespan of materials by prioritising reuse, recycling, and innovative design. This approach moves away from the traditional “take-make-dispose” model and aligns with Adbri’s vision of building a more sustainable future for generations to come. 

How Adbri is Leading the Way 

1. Innovative Products for a Circular Economy 

Adbri’s product range includes lower carbon solutions like Futurecrete® and EvoCem®, which are designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining superior performance. By incorporating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as slag and fly ash, these products help minimise waste and reduce embodied carbon. 

2. Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) at Birkenhead 

At our Birkenhead plant in South Australia, Adbri is utilizing Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) as an alternative energy source in the cement manufacturing process. RDF is created by converting non-recyclable waste materials into a usable fuel, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels and diverting waste from landfill. This initiative highlights our commitment to embracing innovative practices that support a circular economy. 

3. Collaborative Partnerships 

Adbri partners with forward-thinking builders, architects, and developers to embed circular principles into construction projects. These collaborations ensure that sustainable practices are adopted at every stage, from design to completion. 

4. Driving Innovation Through Research 

We invest in research and development to explore cutting-edge solutions that enhance resource efficiency. From partnering with customers to co-create new products to pioneering the use of alternative materials, Adbri is committed to staying ahead of the curve in sustainable construction. 

Our journey toward circular construction is ongoing. As we continue to innovate and collaborate, Adbri remains focused on creating sustainable building solutions that not only meet today’s demands but also protect resources for the future. 

By embracing circular construction, Adbri is paving the way for a resilient and regenerative built environment.

Together, we can create a legacy of sustainability for generations to come. 

Meet Our People | Robert (Bob) Rowlandson, Sales Loader Operator – Austen Quarry NSW

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After 17 years at Adbri’s Austen Quarry, Robert ‘Bob’ Rowlandson is getting ready to hang up his safety boots. His hard work, positive attitude, and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on both his colleagues and Adbri.  

As Bob prepares to wrap up his incredible journey, we reflected with him on what a typical day looks like and why he’s passionate about his role.

What’s a typical day look like? 

My day starts early—I’m out of bed at 2:30 am and on-site by 3:30 am. The first thing I do is get the site up and running: I start the generators, set up the weighbridge program, and fire up the front-end loader. 

From 4:00 am onwards, I’m busy loading trucks until the day wraps up at 2:30 pm. The work includes loading truck and trailers as well as mixing products through the blending plant. 

When I get home, I like to unwind by taking my dog for a walk and feeding my chickens. By 5:30 pm, it’s dinner and catching up on the news. Then I’m in bed by 7:00 pm, ready to do it all over again the next day.

What do you like most about working at Austen Quarry? 

I love working here because of the great people I work with and the company’s strong work ethic. Austen Quarry provides well-maintained, late-model equipment, which makes the job even more enjoyable. 

It’s also rewarding to be recognised for the effort I put in. Honestly, this is the best job I’ve ever had, and I love being here.

What’s on the list to do when you finish up working at Austen Quarry? 

When the time comes to move on, I plan to visit friends and family, take my Harley out for some rides, and explore more of the country. I might even take on some casual work to stay active.

Meet Our People | Amy Conroy, Graduate Engineer

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When did you start with Adbri and what attracted you to join us? What is your role and qualifications?

I joined Adbri Cement & Lime in February 2024 as part of the Adbri graduate program, having completed the Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Forensic and Analytical Chemistry) at the end of 2023 with Flinders University. During the graduate program, I have the opportunity to experience four 6-month rotations – my first role working in the Quality team at Birkenhead. I was interested in joining Adbri because of the opportunity to experience different roles within the quality team, and the challenge to apply my background in chemistry and problem solving to a different field. I was also impressed by their level of communication and positive engagement throughout the onboarding process, which has continued into my graduate program.

What does a typical day look like?

A typical day in this role involves the routinely morning production and quality meetings to review the past 24hrs of plant production. After such reviews, the day tends to be quite flexible depending on the priorities of that week. This might involve laboratory testing, short or long-term data trending/analysis, and/or project work.

What do you love most about your job?

I enjoy the challenge that comes with the mixed and varied nature of the role, and opportunity to continue developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills. I value the balance between having both a level of routine and structure, as well as the unpredictability that is expected to come with a plant that operates 24/7 making every day different. This, in addition to the continual support and encouragement of the other Quality team members makes Adbri a really enjoyable working environment. Since starting with Adbri, I am still just beginning to learn and discover how complex the chemistry and impacts of each variable makes on achieving cement quality, which has made being involved in the process quite rewarding.

What would be one piece of advice you would give to your younger self and what career advice would you share with other women or younger females looking at entering the world of engineering?

Advice I would give both to my younger self and to any other young individuals looking at a career in engineering is to never be afraid to ask questions. Sometimes it can be daunting and I myself have not always had the confidence to speak up but asking for further clarification or questioning/challenging why things are done in certain ways is a great way to not only build your own understanding, but potentially improve the way things are being done or taught.

Meet Our People | Haylee Nguyen, Graduate Engineer

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When did you start with Adbri and what attracted you to join us?

I joined Adbri in October 2023. After graduating, I briefly worked at Adbri as a lab technician, so I am already familiar with the working environment and culture, which I found to be a great fit for me. During my studies, I developed a strong interest in heavy metal processing and wanted to get involved in process machinery operations. The combination of a supportive work environment, my passion for heavy metal processes, and the convenient location made joining Adbri an excellent and fulfilling decision.

What is your role and qualifications?

I am currently working as a Graduate Process Engineer. I have a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical and Pharmaceutical) (Honours) from the University of Adelaide.

What does a typical day (week?) look like?

I usually start my day with our daily morning meeting to catch up on updates from the night shift. After that, I return to my desk and spend time modelling process improvements and analysing data. Some days, I am out on the plant inspecting machines and taking measurements to ensure everything is running smoothly. Other days, I spend time in the lab, conducting experiments and testing materials to support our process improvements. No two days are the same, and sometimes there are unexpected challenges, but that’s what makes the job so interesting. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What do you love most about your job?

Engineering is a journey of continuous learning and skill development. Each day brings new challenges to solve, making it an exciting field for those who love problem-solving and science. I also enjoy working on-site, as it allows me to see machine designs from the inside out, offering a profound understanding of their workings.

What do you like most about working at Adbri?

I really enjoy working at Adbri because of the incredible company culture that emphasizes innovation and collaboration. From day one, I’ve felt supported by my colleagues and encouraged to bring new ideas to the table. One aspect that stands out to me is the Graduate Program. It provided structured guidance and mentorship, allowing me to develop both technical skills, industry knowledge and communication skills in a supportive environment. It’s been a fantastic opportunity to kickstart my career and contribute meaningfully to Adbri.

What career advice would you share with other women or younger females looking at entering the world of engineering?

My advice to aspiring women engineers is to believe in themselves, embrace challenges, and remain persistent, focused, and proud of their work. Learning from others and seeking a career mentor, especially in the early stages, can be transformative, providing invaluable support and insights.

2023 Annual Report

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Adbri is pleased to release its 2023 Annual Report. A full copy of our 2023 Annual Report is available here.

When releasing the report Adbri’s Chief Executive Officer, Mark Irwin said:

“Adbri has recorded a strong full year performance and continues to make significant progress on reshaping the business. Our renewed leadership team is focused on delivering value through margin management and the efficient use of capital. We delivered significant revenue and earnings growth, underpinned by improved customer experience and pricing. Our performance reinforces that we are building a strategically positioned, disciplined and responsive organisation. We expect our Kwinana Upgrade Project to be operational by the end of 2024, supporting operational efficiencies and is well positioned for future growth in market demand. Pleasingly, we recorded an improved safety performance as we embed our culture of Work Safe, Home Safe. We continued to decarbonise our operations and products, with the successful launch of our lower carbon concrete and cement range and a planned world class hybrid electric battery limestone vessel from 2026, supporting increased lower carbon production at Birkenhead.”

2023 Sustainability Report

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Adbri is pleased to release its 2023 Sustainability Report.

The Report highlights Adbri’s achievements in progressing its Sustainability Framework five-year targets. It also reports on our progress against our Net Zero Emissions Roadmaps medium-term targets, as well as the material sustainability topics relevant to our business and stakeholders.

A full copy of our 2023 Sustainability Report is available here.

Adbri’s lower carbon products

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Adbri celebrated two low carbon product milestones in 2023 with the launch of EvoCem low carbon cement, and the introduction of the Futurecrete range of low carbon concretes.

Adbri EvoCem is a new lower carbon cement that reduces embodied carbon by up to 8% compared to conventional general purpose (GP) cement, as verified in our EPD. EvoCem is AS3972 compliant and satisfies the performance requirements of AS1379 and AS3600, making it a lower carbon substitute for Type GP cement.

We also released Futurecrete, our range of lower carbon concretes that are produced using a minimum of 25% supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). We launched the Futurecrete range to make it easier for customers to choose lower carbon concrete alternatives now available through all of our concrete brands for projects small and large, it’s never been easier to Build Better.

The release of these lower carbon products aligns with our Net Zero Emissions Roadmap action of creating new products, while also demonstrating our focus on meeting the evolving needs of our customers.