Word is bond

Trusting its intuition and confidence in Hitachi Construction Machinery, Anric Developments broke the mould and brought innovation to Australian job sites. More than 30 years later, that trust has continued

Acivil and rail construction company based in Horsely Park, NSW, Anric Developments specialise in equipment hire, road construction and maintenance, civil earthworks, rail construction and maintenance, demolition and remediation works.

Operating a fleet of specialised plant and equipment servicing the greater metropolitan area of Sydney, Anric Developments has been working closely with the NSW rail sector for over 20 years and is heavily geared towards rail projects, as well as civil construction and demolition.

It was very difficult to convince machine operators and customers to accept excavators and their capabilities.

EARLY DAYS

Sydney-based brothers Riccardo and Raffaele Spinozzi commenced in the earthmoving business in 1980 and established their company called Agata (parent company). In due course the brothers planned to start their own businesses with their own sons; Riccardo with his son Anthony began Anric Developments. Raffaele has two sons, Emilio and Adamo; together the three began Terra Civil. Both companies operate independently, however offer one another support when needed.

Initially, the Spinozzis only invested in backhoes, as these types of machines were once thought to be the most efficient for earthmoving jobs. Riccardo recalls back in their early years in the industry that excavators were considered to be a new phenomenon, whilst crawler loaders (Drotts) and backhoes were more commonly recognised. He remembers that it was very difficult to convince machine operators and customers to accept excavators and their capabilities.

In 1984, Riccardo and Raffaele decided to purchase their first Hitachi machine, which was the UH063. They bought the brand new UH063 from Dig Domino, who was then the dealer of Hitachi products. At that time, the brothers were contracted to undertake a lot of infrastructure work with local councils, the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) and the Sydney Water Board. The Spinozzis believed that the Hitachi UH063 would allow them to take on these larger jobs.

The Spinozzis recall in their early days of earthmoving that they would turn up to a work site with a task brief advising to strip soil and grassed areas. However, they would be told by site supervisors that they required a Drott to perform this type of work, as many in the industry did not understand and were sceptical of the capabilities of an excavator.

They also recall instances where site supervisors were not supportive of them bringing their Hitachi excavator, suggesting that the site had specifically requested a Caterpillar for the

job. However, it did not take long for the Spinozzis to convince sites supervisors that the Hitachi UH063 excavator was the best machine for the job, completing the job quickly and efficiently every time.

The machine was used over the years for road construction, clearing land, sewerage, creeks, house blocks, and demolition. After a number of years, the machine was sold to a plumber that they knew. However, it wasn’t long before the excavator was back in their hands.

REFURBISHED VINTAGE MACHINE

In 2005, Riccardo’s company Anric Developments purchased the machine back off the same plumber, which they still own to this day.

The vintage excavator UH063 is still operational and is currently being restored to its original state. Riccardo plans to replace a window, remove window guards, sand back and fully re-spray the machine, then reapply new decals, which will be specially produced to match the originals.

Riccardo has a passion for restoration. He enjoys working on old cars to bring them back to their original look. Therefore, after Anric continued to purchase newer models for carrying out its work, he was always keen to keep his old UH063 and restore as close to its original condition as possible.

Another motivation was that he is looking forward to having it displayed at an upcoming Sydney trade show at the Hitachi stand as a “vintage collector’s piece” that is still in good working order. He looks forward to showcasing how Hitachi equipment is reliable, and a longlasting machine that is owned with pride.

Since starting in the earthmoving industry in 1980, the Spinozzi family of companies continue to purchase and use Hitachi construction machinery in their plant fleet. Combined, they currently have over 50 Hitachi excavators, ranging from 1.7 tonne through to 26 tonne equipment. They appreciate their closely aligned relationship with key account manager Barry Cahill in Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia (HCA) and the after sales service support offered by the local Sydney retail branch.

More than a customer relationship, HCA also proudly sponsors the Spinozzi family with its sporting enterprise in the Professional Series, Pro-Slammer Drag Car Racing. In turn HCA says that it appreciates the Spinozzis’ involvement at HCA field days and industry trade shows by offering the use of their equipment for Hitachi displays. The Spinozzis are are proud to have this relationship beyond business to help support one another.

1. The UH063 excavator brought innovation to the job site and still retains its original appeal 2. The Spinozzis are involved in many residential developments for private sector in Sydney and its suburbs 3. The UH063 being restored 4/5. Anric Developments has worked closely with the NSW rail sector for over 20 years 6. Many Hitachi Construction Machinery products are on standby at the backyard

0.55 cubic metres Features Hitachi’s OHS (Optimum Hydraulic System); variable displacement pump with high; high energy saving; pressstructured cabin and short lever; awarded the Good Design Award in Japan

The Spinozzi family of companies continue to purchase and use Hitachi construction machinery in their plant fleet.