Hardware firm creates 250 jobs

By Jo Gillespie

SURROUNDED by a barbed wire fence, the 10-hectare site on Briggs Road at Flinders View resembles an overgrown paddock.

The vacant lot, which sold for an unconfirmed figure of just under $7 million, will soon become home to hardware and building supply company, Langs Building Supplies.

Up to 250 locals are expected to be employed at the site.

Traipsing about in the mud with counterpart Ray White Ipswich principal Warren Ramsey, Ipswich Commercial agent Damian McMahon's enthusiasm was obvious.

"The size of the operation is pretty exciting," Mr McMahon said.

"It's another major coup for Ipswich.

"They are the sort of groups who are starting to call to ask about available properties and opportunities."

He said the family-owned and operated company had previously looked at another site at Dinmore.

Langs general manager David Wuiske said the company had been discussing a move to Ipswich for the past three years.

"With the growth we've seen over that period, we're much more confident we will be able to find the staff in that area to man the production facility," Mr Wuiske said.

"Finding the right block of land was a big hurdle which we've now overcome."

The Yatala-based company employs 300 people across the areas of timber and hardware, fabrication and aluminium joinery.

Mr Wuiske said it was not unrealistic that the Ipswich site would accommodate the same number.

"Two hundred and fifty people would be a conservative figure," he said.

He said the plan was to replicate what the company had in Yatala at Ipswich.

Ipswich Chamber of Commerce president Martin Corkery said Langs was a welcome addition to the Ipswich business community.

"It's not surprising that a company as well-known and respected as Langs has discovered the benefits of establishing a base in Ipswich. I am sure they will be a welcome addition to both trade and residential customers," Mr Corkery said.