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01/07/2023

As we reflect on our remarkable journey, McCorkell Constructions is thrilled to announce our 95th anniversary in the construction industry!

Since our establishment in 1928, we have played a pivotal role in shaping Victoria’s built environment and have remained committed to delivering and restoring exceptional construction projects ever since. Today, as a third-generation family-operated business, we navigate through ever-changing market conditions in Victoria and Western Australia, and we take pride in our longevity, financial stability, and strong foundation of repeat clients.

Building a Legacy

Back in the year 1928, when the Great Depression loomed over everyone, our founder, the legendary, Samuel Hugh McCorkell, had just finished his apprenticeship at Swinburne Technical College. With the prospect of employment being unlikely, Sam was faced with the decision of either working for himself or not at all. Sam embraced his destiny and S.H.McCorkell officially began trading. With ninety-five years having passed since that significant moment, we’re forever grateful for that pivotal choice he made.

Through dedication, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a whole lot of elbow grease we have not only survived the last ninety-five years but thrived. Our long-standing presence is a testament to our ability to adapt to changing market conditions while maintaining our core values and delivering outstanding projects.

PROJECT NO. 1 – ES&A BANK c.1928

                       SAMUEL H. McCORKELL

A Strong Foundation

In an industry known for its ups and downs, financial stability is essential. We’ve not only weathered economic storms over the years like the early nineties recession but have emerged stronger from each trial. How do we do it? Well, our commitment to financial prudence, long-term strategic planning, and having a clear company identity has allowed us to keep our foundation rock-solid through thick and thin.

And speaking of managing risks, it’s been a fundamental part of our operations right from the beginning. We understand that construction projects can be complex and riddled with inherent uncertainties. That’s why we take a meticulous approach to work winning and estimating, leaving no stone unturned.

PICTURED: CASA ELDA VACCARI HOSTEL PROJECT – c.1991

Not only are we selective in the projects we tender, but we also invest ample time in planning, conducting rigorous risk assessments, and adopting proactive management strategies. By doing so, we minimise uncertainties and mitigate potential challenges before they even have a chance to surface. So, whether it’s maintaining financial stability or managing risks, we’ve always been proactive and vigilant. We believe in keeping our commitments, no matter what obstacles come up.

AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND COLLEGE OF ANAESTHETISTS HEADQUARTERS – c. 2001

But wait, there’s more!

We’re embracing the future with a clear vision of sustainable growth.

Our strategic approach to growing our business ensures that we expand purposefully, focusing on maintaining our exceptional standards while capitalising on emerging opportunities. We’re committed to steady and controlled growth.

Key to this growth strategy is focussing on our core strengths – knowing what we’re good at, and specialising in it! We’ve found our sweet spots in certain project sectors, and we’ve become experts in those areas. So, you can bet that you’ll be seeing plenty more education, heritage, cultural/arts, community, and sports/recreation facilities; not to mention many projects that are far from typical.

Central to our vision of the future is the development of our people – our greatest asset. From day one, we’ve fostered a culture of continuous learning and this is still the case today as we provide opportunities for our team to advance within the company. By investing in our people, we not only ensure their personal and professional development but also foster a highly skilled and adaptable workforce.

We want our team to thrive and keep on learning because when they shine, we shine.

PENLEIGH & ESSENDON GRAMMAR SCHOOL GYM – 2021

While we look forward to the future, we remain firmly rooted in our history and long-held values of loyalty, integrity, and collaboration. Our 95 years of experience have shaped our culture, and we’ll continue to draw upon our rich heritage to guide our actions.

We’re proud of our heritage, and it’s that legacy that keeps us grounded and focused on delivering outstanding projects for our clients.

So, let’s raise a toast to our incredible 95-year journey, and let the good times keep on rolling! We’re excited about the future and look forward to continuing to build a legacy of being a safe set of hands for many more years to come.

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