Profile: Superior Jetties

GOLD Coast-based Superior jetties has been around since 1988 – the current ownership began in 2002 – and now employs 45 staff.

The company currently manufactures a range of marina systems from modular polyethylene, through to aluminium and heavy duty concrete systems.
It also builds Hydrolift boatlifts, boardwalks, operates piling barges, roto-moulding plastics and transport operations.

Superier Jetties grew from the domestic industry on the Gold Coast where fixed structures such as jetties and piles often formed a berthing wharf. According to the company, floating structures have added more convenience to the product. Newer non-corrosive materials have also been an important part of Superior’s innovations.

Managing director John Hogan has a background in mechanical engineering and business studies in the mining and concrete industries.

“This has proven a good basis along with project management to bring a professional approach to the marine infrastructure industry,” said Hogan.

The export operation has expanded recently with dealers and licensees now throughout Australia and overseas. The company has a presence in 10 countries with manufacturing in four locations.

Hogan said expenses were trimmed during the recent economic downturn, however, not in R&D and marketing. “This has put us in a strong position with many new products now coming online as we come into better times,” said Hogan.

“We have also diversified within the Superior Group to offer infrastructure services to other industries, not just marine. We have now targeted mining, utilities, defence and transportation as alternative strategies to complement our traditional markets.”  

Superior Jetties sees Asia and the Middle East as good markets to develop. Hogan said Korea and China are coming of age in marine, while the Middle East is further down the track.

In Australia, Hogan said the Gold Coast is an ideal location because of its extensive coastline and canals, along with a sustainable industry on its door step.
“In tough times this has been an important base to maintain our business. This also gives an ideal R&D testing track in our backyard.”

Hogan said the Gold Coast City Council has an excellent Economic Development team that has always supported the company. “Also Queensland Government and Austrade have always been there when we have asked for help,” he said. “However, we would like a more streamlined approval process. We have seen better and worse in other areas, so we work on incremental improvements as they can be effected.”

Superior Jetties is a Gold Sponsor of the Marina Industry Association of Australia. “This is a wonderful resource for the whole industry with training, Clean marinas and Low Carbon leadership that assist us to build a better marine community,” he said.