Australia’s top 50 builders announced

Australia’s construction sector continues to forge ahead, even in the face of persistent labour shortages, rising material costs, and ongoing supply chain pressures. BCI Central’s 2024 Construction League Report offers a timely snapshot of the nation’s top 50 builders – and a clear view of how the industry’s leaders are adapting, evolving, and delivering under pressure.

Visibuild is proud to play a role in this momentum. Our clients now represent over 50% of the total project value across Australia’s top 50 builders – demonstrating just how deeply embedded quality assurance and field-driven project tracking have become in high-performance construction. In fact, 31 of the top 50 builders are already on the Visibuild platform, using it to drive better outcomes across sectors from healthcare and education to commercial, industrial, and data centre builds.

In this article, we take a closer look at the builders leading the charge, the sectors they dominate, and the digital strategies helping them deliver projects with confidence and quality.

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Key Highlights from the 2024 Construction League Report

• • BESIX Watpac takes the top spot with $3.45 billion in project commencements across 11 major projects.
  • Built secures second place with $3.02 billion across 72 projects, showing a strong national presence.
  • John Holland faces financial struggles but remains a key player in the construction industry.
  • Residential sector sees increased activity, especially in addressing housing shortages.
  • Infrastructure projects and commercial construction continue to dominate major urban developments.

Top Builders: A Snapshot of the Leading Firms

Here’s an overview of some of the top builders in Australia and the sectors they are driving forward:

1. BESIX Watpac

• • Total project commencements: $3.45 billion across 11 projects.

• • Key sectors: Commercial sector, Infrastructure projects.

• • Notable projects: Large-scale, high-value developments across multiple sectors.

2. Built

• • Total project commencements: $3.02 billion from 72 projects.

• • Key sectors: Residential building, Commercial construction.

• • Notable projects: Strong presence in urban housing and mixed-use precincts.

3. John Holland

• • Challenges: Financial losses of $60 million because of unprofitable projects.

• • Key sectors: Infrastructure projects, Commercial sector.

• • Notable changes: Shift in focus toward more manageable, core projects.

4. Multiplex

• • Key sectors: Commercial sector, Infrastructure projects.

• • Notable projects: Major office buildings and transportation infrastructure.

Sectors Driving Australia’s Top Builders

Australia’s top 50 builders actively participate in several key sectors and significantly contribute to the nation’s growth. Each sector plays a crucial role in shaping the construction industry. Below is a detailed breakdown of the sectors where these builders are making a substantial impact:

1. Residential Sector

The residential sector is at the forefront of addressing the housing crisis and urban housing needs. Builders are focusing on multi-residential projects to meet the demand for affordable housing.

• • Top builders: Richard Crookes, Hickory, Icon Construction.

• • Key focus: Multi-residential projects (apartments, high-density housing).

• • Challenges: Rising material costs, interest rates affecting new projects.

• • Opportunities:

• • Significant demand for affordable housing in metropolitan areas.

• • Potential to expand into mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

2. Industrial Sector

The industrial sector is vital for the logistics and manufacturing industries, which are booming because of e-commerce. Builders are focusing on large-scale infrastructure projects to support these growing needs.

• • Top builders: Kane Constructions, Richard Crookes, Hickory.

• • Key focus: Large-scale warehouses, distribution centres, and cold storage.

• • Growth: Increased demand for logistics infrastructure, driven by the growth of e-commerce.

• • Opportunity:

• • Rising need for advanced logistics facilities as online shopping expands.

• • Builders are investing in smart technologies to create more efficient and sustainable facilities.

3. Infrastructure Projects

Infrastructure projects continue to be essential for the development of Australia’s transport networks and public amenities. Builders in this sector are leading the way in large-scale, high-value infrastructure projects.

• • Top builders: BESIX Watpac, Multiplex, FDC Construction & Fitout.

• • Key focus: High-value infrastructure projects like highways, bridges, and airports.

• • Challenges: Addressing supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages.

• • Opportunity:

• • Growing investment in public infrastructure as Australia’s population expands.

• • Continued demand for transportation infrastructure to support urban development.

4. Commercial Sector

The commercial sector includes the construction of office buildings, mixed-use precincts, and retail spaces. Builders are focusing on creating flexible, adaptable spaces to meet the evolving needs of businesses and tenants.

• • Top builders: Multiplex, Built, Hutchinson Builders.

• • Key focus: Developing sustainable, adaptable commercial spaces.

• • Trends: The rise of hybrid work models is increasing demand for flexible office spaces.

• • Opportunity:

• • Development of eco-friendly, energy-efficient buildings.

• • Mixed-use developments that combine retail, office, and residential spaces to create integrated communities.

5. Legal & Military Construction

Legal and military construction projects require high levels of security, precision, and adherence to stringent regulations. Builders involved in this sector are crucial for the development of facilities that support public safety and national defence.

• • Top performing builders: Multiplex, Hickory.

• • Key focus: Government-funded projects like courthouses, police stations, and defence infrastructure.

• • Opportunity:

• • Continued investment in defence infrastructure to support national security.

• • Growing need for secure government buildings and facilities.

6. Community & Civic Buildings

The community sector is integral to the social fabric of Australia. Builders in this sector contribute to the construction of schools, hospitals, and public facilities that serve local communities.

• • Top builders: FDC Construction & Fitout, ADCO Constructions, Kane Constructions.

• • Key focus: Schools, hospitals, and public amenities.

• • Opportunity:

• • Ongoing need for public sector projects to meet the demands of an expanding population.

• • Growth in healthcare-related facilities is expected because of an ageing population.

7. Mixed-Use & Sustainability-Focused Builds

Mixed-use developments and sustainability-focused projects are becoming increasingly important as urban spaces evolve. Builders are integrating green building practices and energy-efficient designs to create sustainable communities.

• • Top builders: Multiplex, Richard Crookes, Built.

• • Key focus: Urban regeneration and sustainability-focused designs.

• • Opportunity:

• • Rise of eco-friendly construction practices, driven by stricter environmental regulations.

• • Increased demand for energy-efficient buildings that meet sustainability standards.

Looking Toward the Future

Despite the challenges, the construction industry remains a vital contributor to Australia’s economic growth. The top 50 builders, with a combined $33.17 billion in new projects, continue to drive national development, adapting to changing market conditions. Builders are diversifying their project portfolios, especially in sectors such as residential building, where demand remains strong despite interest rate pressures.

As the construction sector evolves, the focus on delivering high-value, complex builds will become even more critical. Analysts expect the demand for residential buildings, in particular, to remain resilient, with developers recording over $4.5 billion in new activity in the residential sector alone. Builders are finding ways to move projects forward, despite the broader economic pressures.

The Importance of Adaptability

The construction industry’s resilience is evident in the ability of the top builders to adapt and innovate. As the market shifts toward more complex and high-value projects, these firms are positioning themselves to continue playing a key role in Australia’s development. Their ability to diversify, innovate, and navigate labour shortages and supply chain disruptions will determine their continued success in the years ahead.

The Shift Toward Quality Mindset in the Industry

In the changing construction industry, a stronger focus on quality management is becoming key to success for builders. Using a quality-first approach is not just about following rules anymore. Raising the standard for efficiency and project delivery is the focus. As a result, builders who embrace quality-focused practices not only reduce defects and minimise rework but also see improvements in client satisfaction and overall project profitability.

How a Quality Mindset Benefits Builders and Clients:

• Lower Costs: Focusing on quality cuts long-term costs from defects and rework. This leads to a more efficient way to finish projects.
• Improved Client Satisfaction: Delivering quality projects increases client trust, leading to repeat business and long-term partnerships.
• Sustainability: A commitment to quality contributes to more sustainable building practices, minimising waste and inefficiency.

Visibuild is playing a pivotal role in this shift. Right now, 20 of the top 50 builders use Visibuild to improve quality management. Additionally, 30 of the 50 are in the system through subcontractors who work with Visibuild on their projects. This reflects the engagement of subcontractors in driving quality outcomes and the integration of Visibuild as a critical tool for builders to ensure their projects meet the highest standards.

With the help of Visibuild, construction companies are not just managing their projects better but are actively driving forward a quality-first mindset across the construction industry. Builders who adopt this approach will gain a competitive edge, not only improving their operations but also positioning themselves as leaders in a market that increasingly values quality and efficiency.