MBS bolsters unique service model

Sydney-based Maroubra Building Supplies (MBS), delivers bulk materials using a variety of crane trucks rather than tipper-truck rigs to reduce congestion of building sites and surrounding roads. ​

The fleet includes a range of Isuzu twin-steer FYJ 300-350s Autos in 8×4 and 10×4 model configurations and varying wheelbase lengths to ensure the right vehicle is presented for the job.

“Being centrally based next to Port Botany, we deliver everywhere from brand new developments in Sydney’s West, the northern beaches, eastern suburbs, southern suburbs and areas established 200 years ago in the city — we have to deliver, no matter what the site,” said Managing Director Louie Papadakis.

“It’s a necessity for us to have the crane trucks come in with the material in one-tonne bags and off-load these directly to the site,” he says.

“In the established city areas, we face some tricky locations, like loading up to the fourth floor of buildings or over the top of structures and tall trees into narrow spaces.

“In the newer areas, we are parking roadside and delivering materials to the exact spot needed—not simply dropping kerbside and making the builders shovel it in.”

First established in 1983 by Sam Papadakis, MBS was once primarily a retail hardware shop that supplied building materials as part of its offering.

By the late 1990s and the arrival of big box homeware chains, the business changed direction to focus on material supply.

The family business rebranded to MBS Building & Landscape, with a purpose-built facility constructed in Matraville in 2019. ​

After working through a number of truck brands, MBS has struck up a relationship with Isuzu dealer Suttons Trucks Arncliffe, who recommended the twin-steer FYJ 300-350 for their heavy-weight application. ​

Isuzu’s FYJ 300-350 features a GVM of 30,000 kilograms (28,000-kg on-road legal limit), a GCM of 45,000 kg, and the all-important inclusion of a second Meritor steer axle, which supports stable load sharing.

For heavy loads and off-road, the FYJ’s driveline and gear ratios have been specifically optimised for maximum stability and gradeability. ​

“As we retire some of our older tipper fleet, we will be looking to replace those with small and medium models from Isuzu, making the operational and maintenance side a whole lot more straightforward for us,” said Papadakis.

With their new FYJ crane trucks supporting the delivery side of the business, Papadakis feels confident that customers will receive the most efficient service, which doesn’t compromise on the health and safety of workers on-site.

“MBS has moved with the rapid expansion of the building industry,” said Papadakis.

“We feel this is the now and the future for professional outfits like us.

“Mums and Dads can still order a tonne of soil and it’s easy to shovel away straight into garden beds or spread across lawns for top dressing. ​

“Builders who need a number of materials and a range of products can order bulk bags of soil, mulch, or pebbles and get it dropped exactly where they need it.”

The latest addition to the fleet, an Isuzu FYJ 300-350 10×4.
  1. Australian Truck Radio Listen Live
Send this to a friend