A PROGRESSIVE Currumbin-based company is forecasting 250 per cent growth this year — just by screwing around.
Krinner Groundscrews Queensland is releasing an innovate product that essentially eliminates the use of concrete. The screw-in support system markets itself as a saving on cost as well as an immediate saving on time with a range of ground screws used to support items such as traffic signs, billboards and flagpoles.
Queensland CEO Mitch Bruger was first approached by the Sydney arm of Krinner Groundscrews to use the product in his own temporary fencing business, but declined as they weren’t suited to his business. But the idea played on his mind and in 2005 he moved to set up on the Gold Coast.
“The principle of the product was too difficult to ignore, I couldn’t get it out of my head, so I called the Sydney agents and asked him whether they have someone looking after Queensland,” says Bruger.
The invention was created in Germany 10 years ago and is in use throughout Europe and North America. Bruger, who has been running the Queensland agency since 2005, seized the opportunity to submit the product to Anthill’s Smart 100 list as a way to highlight the product and was listed in the top 50.
“I submitted to the list because the product is so innovative. It’s very out of the usual and people react to the idea and product,” says Bruger.
The product can be used for a variety of installations and most recently the mining industry has taken an interest in it to secure temporary housing.
“There has been a massive increase in the use up in northern Queensland, they use the ground screws to tie down the accommodation because it’s cheap and it’s quick and easy,” he says.
“If they need to move the housing they can take the screws with, it doesn’t involve the usual unearthing of concrete and digging. What takes the most time is finding the spots where the screws have to go.”
Krinner Groundscrews is responsible for various landmarks across the Gold Coast including the solar light pole stationed at the Gold Coast City Council chambers in Bundall.
“We are growing very quickly and are working on a very big contract to come through from the mining country for their workers camps,” says Bruger.
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