Reliable transport solutions are essential to keeping Australia’s infrastructure running. For nearly 50 years, Byford Equipment has been at the forefront of stainless-steel tanker innovation, delivering trusted equipment across vital industries.
Founded in 1976 as a milk transport tanker repair service, Byford Equipment has continuously evolved to meet industry demands.
After building its first new milk tanker in 1984, the company continued to innovate, introducing its first bitumen tanker in 2011.
In 2023, Byford Equipment expanded its bitumen tanker operations in Echuca-Moama, further strengthening its presence while maintaining its expertise in stainless-steel transport.
Today, Byford’s portfolio extends beyond milk, food and bitumen, catering to the civil infrastructure industry with a range of specialised tankers, including water and liquid waste transport solutions.
Belinda Byford, General Manager for Byford Equipment, says strengthening the company’s capabilities in industry-focused tankers was a result of evolving market demands and a commitment to diversifying its expertise.
“The bitumen tanker industry offers unique opportunities, so we felt it was a suitable market to transition into,” she says.
“After starting out in the food industry almost 50 years ago, we felt it was natural to progress into other markets.”
Byford says the shift has allowed the business to leverage its expertise in custom manufacturing across multiple sectors.
“Our operations ensure we deliver high quality, specialised and durable tankers that meet the rigorous demands of the bitumen industry,” she says.
“Beyond bitumen, we’ve also expanded our offerings to include water tankers for roadworks, dust suppression, and emergency services, as well as liquid waste tankers essential for waste management and environmental operations.”
Byford Equipment’s water tankers are designed for efficient water delivery in civil construction, road maintenance, and large-scale projects. Meanwhile, liquid waste tankers are built to support the increasing demand for waste removal and environmental services.
“Over the years we have built working relationships with many customers enquiring after bitumen tankers, but also those requiring custom solutions for other civil applications,” says Byford.
“It was a natural step to build on that relationship with them in this next stage.”
Specialised services
Bitumen tankers require a specific set of engineering and design considerations, something Byford Equipment is well equipped to handle.
Built with premium stainless-steel and advanced insulation, Byford’s bitumen tankers maintain optimal temperature control, reducing heat loss and maximising efficiency.
Recognising the challenges of operating in diverse Australian conditions, the tankers are built to withstand extreme temperatures and rough terrain, ensuring reliable performance anywhere.
Byford Equipment’s partnership with Fulton Hogan showcases its dedication to collaboration and customer-driven service.
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By developing customised bitumen tankers that meet Fulton Hogan’s specific operational needs, Byford ensures reliability in road construction and maintenance, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted supplier of tailored transport solutions for Australia’s critical development projects.
“Most customers stipulate specific requirements for their orders, so the team is dedicated to providing innovative solutions that ensure the safety, efficiency and reliability of the bitumen tankers,” says Byford.
“As a business, we pride ourselves on our close dealings with customers to receive their feedback on how they operate these tankers in the field. Particularly the ones who are using them in rural and remote locations.
“We do this to build something that they are proud of and comfortable operating.”
In the design phase, the Byford Equipment team has incorporated feedback from experienced drivers to ensure an optimal experience.
“This is followed by the early build phase, during which we have the customers come to the facility to assess the tankers and tell us how they want the tanker changed to suit their operations,” says Byford.
“We pride ourselves on altering the equipment to suit the customer, no matter the customisation requirement.”
Strong roots
With the team embarking on its 49th year in the business, Byford says many have taken time to reflect on the company’s origins.
“Byford first opened its doors repairing farm equipment, so we’re always reminding ourselves of where we came from. It’s an essential aspect of our business,” she says.
“We stand by our product, but we do acknowledge the excellence in our repair and support services.”
After the sale of a tanker, Byford Equipment’s service doesn’t end there. Instead, the company ensures that it can support customers for decades to come.
Matt Sullivan, Sales and Compliance Engineer for Byford Equipment, says Byford’s after-care is second to none.
“We’re very mindful that the transport industry is fast paced, so if our customers have a tanker off the road, it is not ideal,” he says.
“When our customers buy a new tanker, they’re expecting to use it in excess of 20 years, and we emphasise the fact that we can support them for a lifetime of use.”
Whether they’re an existing Byford customer or not, Sullivan says the team will do its best to provide a prompt solution.
“The tankers are a significant investment for our customers, so we want to keep them on the road and operating for as long as possible,” he says.
Looking ahead, Sullivan says the team is excited for the future of Byford Equipment and its continued evolution in delivering high-performance tankers for the transport and civil infrastructure sector.
“We are continuously exploring ways to diversify and expand our range,” he says.
For more information, visit: byfordequipment.com.au
This article was originally published in the April edition of our magazine. To read the magazine, click here.
