Martinus has been winning rail industry contracts consistently for almost two decades, a testament to its professionalism and quality of work, making the company one of the most well-known names in the sector. And it’s now branching out into haulage services.
The leading full-service rail infrastructure business specialises in constructing and maintaining large-scale railways and intermodals across Australia, New Zealand, Chile and North America.
Australian-owned and operated, Martinus applies its extensive civil and rail knowledge and project management skills to deliver infrastructure solutions for its clients across greenfield and brownfield projects.
Starting in 2005 supplying rail products to the Australian railway market, today Martinus runs projects in four core countries, has 17 office locations, more than $2.7 billion worth of works in hand and more than 1500 railway experts.
The Martinus name’s strong standing to the industry is proven through multi-million dollar contracts secured for the likes of the Murray Basin Rail Project, the Carmichael Rail Network in Queensland, the Forrestfield-Airport Link in WA, the City Rail Link (CRL) Britomart upgrades in New Zealand, and more recently some major packages of works for Inland Rail, including the Rail Corridor Package (RCP) and the Albury to Parkes (Albury to Ilabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes) enhancement projects.
Chief executive officer and founder Treaven Martinus said the key to the company’s success and sustainable organic growth was its vertically integrated, self-delivery model.
“Our growth strategy has always been to ensure we take measured and strategic steps to sustainable growth,” he said.
“The growth over 18 years didn’t happen by luck. There were four key phases to our strategy: we focused first on product supply, then grew into rail services, followed by running projects, and now into major and mega projects.
“This strategy has served Martinus well and has been key to our success entering into other core markets of NZ, Chile and North America.
“Our vertically integrated model allows us to develop, build, own, operate and maintain railways, providing long-term solutions for our clients.”
Treaven said that to maintain organic growth, the business had to be profitable in every project.
SELF-DELIVERY DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
“Our organic growth can be attributed to a decision made to double down on becoming the railway infrastructure experts and to drive self-delivery of our projects,” Treaven said.
“Martinus has the in-house capability for full turnkey project development of complex railway infrastructure, from feasibility and operational transformation, engineering management, through to project management, construction management, and seamless integration.
“We provide clients a cost-effective and low-risk solution by streamlining engineering and construction processes. As a self-delivery contractor and project developer, we take full responsibility for the entire project, eliminating the need for multiple contractors and suppliers. This simplifies communication and coordination throughout the project lifecycle.
“With our deep understanding of the rail industry and proactive approach, we detect and resolve potential issues ahead of time, ensuring minimal impact on project performance.”
This self-delivery and almost one-stop-shop ability is supported by investment in the largest privately owned portfolio of in-house specialist railway plant and equipment in Australia, which Martinus continues to invest year after year.
Additionally, Martinus is accredited with ONRSR as a Rolling Stock Operator (RSO) across Australia and New Zealand, enabling it to operate rolling stock for the maintenance and construction of railway infrastructure using its experienced team of in-house train drivers.
The model enables better risk management, with risk allocated to those best equipped to mitigate it; a single point of responsibility; collaboration and integration; and faster project delivery, as work teams are empowered to make the right decisions based on their expertise.
PEOPLE POWER
Treaven is in no doubt that much of the company’s success is due to its staff.
“Together, we are building a world-class, high-performance organisation,” he said.
“Regardless of where we work, Martinus has always been about people.
“We hire motivated railway professionals and provide them with exciting career opportunities, support and professional development to ensure success.
“Martinus firmly believes that we can only succeed when we unleash the potential within each one of our employees. One great person is better than three good people.
“We invest in the best, embrace diversity and support our people with initiatives that unlock their true potential. Our global infrastructure provides opportunities for our team across our offices internationally.
“Our growth is underpinned by ensuring there is investment and support in the development of our people to ensure a long-term sustainable workforce of railway experts.
“If our people grow, we grow.”
Treaven said that within the 1500-strong employees, is a core team of 50 people who have been with the company for a long time and fostered the Martinus cultural DNA.
“Examples are COO Ryan Baden, Growth General Manager Toby Briggs and Executive Consultant Craig Boothroyd, who have each grown to be vital members of our senior leadership team with more than 10 years each in the business,” he said.
SUPPORTING LOCAL ECONOMIES
Treaven said that as a privately-owned Australian business, Martinus understands the importance of supporting the economies it works in.
“We are committed to ensuring that there is long lasting benefit to the projects we work on, and leaving a legacy long after they are complete, by ensuring that we re-invest in resources that support the growth of a thriving railway market. That commitment is not only the right way for us to do business but will be key to ongoing success in our global markets” he said.
BRANCHING INTO HAULAGE
So what is next for Martinus?
“Along with our continued global growth, we have strategically set up a team to focus on above rail customer haulage operations,” Treaven said.
Martinus is uncommonly positioned in the Australian and international markets to offer the complete above and below rail solution by providing both rail infrastructure solutions (construction and operation) and above-rail haulage operations. This rail capability synergy allows each aspect to inform the other, delivering the most efficient, harmonious rail solution possible. In addition, the infrastructure construction, rail infrastructure management, terminal operations and the above-rail haulage solution can be amortised in a single agreement. This approach particularly supports emerging industries and new mining operations.
Long term commitment to all commodities with new assets
Martinus’ entry into the haulage market is predominantly based on the procurement of new rolling stock. Martinus is looking to build a legacy of operational excellence, delivering consistent, failure-free tonnes to port. Its commitment to all bulk commodities is evidenced through its willingness to invest in bespoke assets which best align to each haulage task to deliver the most efficient, cost-effective logistics solutions possible, as well achieving industry standard or better ESG outcomes.
Competition to market
Martinus’ belief is that the mining and heavy industry markets are hungry for a modern, flexible, innovative, entrepreneurial haulage solutions. Unshackled by existing infrastructure and assets, the Martinus haulage solution is adaptable and fit for purpose.
Modern, flexible approach to market
Martinus is a modern, Australian-owned business, willing to explore contract options with its customers. It is not wedded to existing infrastructure or assets, allowing a free thinking, best solution approach in partnership with customers.
Total supply chain provider
Martinus’ logistics capabilities extend from pit to port. As a part of its full turnkey solution, the ability to include first mile, last mile, staging and storage solutions form part of the Martinus service offering. This provides customers with a single point of accountability across their total logistics supply chain.
Existing rail haulage capability
Martinus is best known as a leading Australian rail and infrastructure construction company. But to construct these projects, Martinus has operated and delivered millions of tonnes as a rail haulage operator. In the Carmichal Rail Project alone, 600,000 tonnes of ballast was delivered by rail from source to multiple locations across the project, on time and to plan. These assets remain on the books, ready to provide haulage services today.
Martinus is a fully ONSA-accredited rail operator, right across Australia.
>> Visit the team from Martinus at stand 420 at AusRAIL PLUS 2023.
