What began as a modest family venture in the 1960s has grown into one of Western Australia’s most enduring family-owned success stories, deeply woven in the state’s industrial fabric. Driven by a strong commitment to customer loyalty, innovation, and community support, B&J Catalano has expanded into a multi-faceted operation, encompassing transport, bulk materials, wet machine hire, and storage solutions.
In 1962, brothers Bill and Joe Catalano founded the company with little more than a 1948 Diamond T truck and a 1951 dozer—restored by Bill from a wreck he discovered on a local farm. This humble beginning set the stage for decades of expansion, driven by hard work and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Two years later, the Catalano brothers secured their first major contract, overseeing the development of the Marlston Hill BP fuel tank site, a Bunbury landmark for decades. This milestone solidified the company’s reputation as a trusted partner capable of handling complex projects with precision and care.
In 1965, the brothers made another key acquisition—their first Mack truck, fulfilling Joe Catalano’s dream of owning the iconic Mack B61, a symbol of the company’s growing ambitions. The late 1960s marked another industry milestone when B&J Catalano purchased the Johnson 621J scraper—the first of its kind sold in WA. This forward-thinking investment in cutting-edge equipment demonstrated the company’s innovative spirit, and remarkably, the scraper remains part of B&J Catalano’s fleet to this day.
The 1970s ushered in a period of significant growth. In 1970, the company broke ground on its headquarters in Brunswick, WA, blending the original office building into the design—a tribute to B&J Catalano’s heritage. The same decade saw the company undertake large-scale clearing works for the Worsley Alumina Plant, a project spanning 36 years and cementing their reputation as a reliable partner for major industrial developments.
As the company expanded, so did its infrastructure. In 1998, B&J Catalano’s head office in Brunswick was modernised and expanded, and in the early 2000s, the company strategically entered the Perth metro area. The purchase of land in Hazelmere in 2002 allowed for the expansion of its transport and material supply operations, firmly establishing its presence across the state.
While transport services remain at the heart of B&J Catalano, the company’s operations extend well beyond this core function. Its transport division seamlessly integrates with its bulk materials, machine hire, and storage solutions, providing a comprehensive suite of services for clients.
With 14 strategically located quarries and pits across WA, the company produces high-quality materials essential to road construction, civil works, and infrastructure projects. B&J Catalano’s product range includes gravel, limestone, granite, and washed sand, supporting industries including mining, construction, and landscaping.
Stanley Road Bulk Storage Facility and Laydown areas.
Bulk storage solutions are also a cornerstone of B&J Catalano’s operations. For over 30 years, the company has offered customised storage options for industries ranging from agriculture to industrial goods. Purpose-built facilities, advanced weighbridge systems, and digitised reporting ensure efficient stockpile management and streamlined operations.
The company’s wet machine hire division further strengthens its offering, boasting a fleet of advanced equipment, from scrapers and dozers to graders, dump trucks, and excavators. Skilled operators manage this fleet, powering large-scale mining, construction, renewable energy, and land development projects across the state. B&J Catalano’s success is built on its customer-first approach. Over the years, the company has cultivated longterm partnerships through reliability, fairness, and exceptional service. By understanding and addressing the unique needs of each client, B&J Catalano consistently delivers results that exceed expectations, earning the loyalty of customers who have partnered with the company for generations.
While family values and tradition remain at the core of B&J Catalano’s ethos, the company also embraces innovation and sustainability as key drivers of future growth. Initiatives like trialling hydrogen fuel technology for long-haul trucks and investing in fuel-efficient CAT 980 XE loaders demonstrate the company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Solar power systems have been installed at key facilities, including the Brunswick Junction and Hazelmere depots, with plans to replace diesel generators with solar solutions at quarry sites.
B&J Catalano is also investing in strategic expansions, including growing its bulk storage facilities to 9,400m² and developing new gravel supply pits in Busselton and Yornup. In its materials division, the addition of advanced wash plants ensures the production of high-quality aggregates and sand for road construction and infrastructure projects.
From regional works to state-wide infrastructure developments, B&J Catalano has proven that it is far more than a transport company—it is a story of perseverance, growth, and an enduring commitment to Western Australia’s industries and communities.
Stanley Road Entrance.
By B&J Catalano
