OUR HISTORY

Set against the backdrop of the 1930's Great Depression, a band of brothers rallied their determination and skills to register two companies that would eventually become a business with more than 17,000 staff and an annual turnover of more than $7 billion.

From humble beginnings as road contractors on the Darling Downs in 1934, our company is now Australia’s leading mining, construction and services contractor with diverse international operations.

More than 75 years ago, Thiess consisted of five brothers literally moving the earth and battling to make a living in Queensland’s harsh environment. In May 1958, they reached a major milestone when Thiess Brothers became the first Australian company to be awarded a major contract on the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme. This became a springboard for a strong reputation as the company successfully completed four major contracts worth more than $98.7 million.

Since those early days, we have continued to deliver essential infrastructure projects, ranging from highways and airports, to dams and ports, to hospitals and commercial buildings. We have also played a vital role in developing Australia’s resource sector – particularly coal. Our company is now Australia’s largest contract miner with a significant presence in Indonesia and we are one of the first international contractors to be awarded a major mining contract in India.

In 1983, Thiess became part of Leighton Holdings Limited – Australia's largest project development and contracting group. Despite our dynamic growth, we maintain Thiess Brothers’ vision as we continue to deliver iconic projects that are shaping our country’s landscape.