Wagners (Queensland business)
The Wagner family have been in business in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, since 1896 when John Henry Wagner first established the stone masonry business JH Wagner & Sons which continues to this day. In 2018 the Wagners were inducted in the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame.[1]
History
Henry Wagner, a grandson of John Henry Wagner, eventually acquired control, expanded to include concreting, and in 1989 formed a partnership with three of his sons John, Denis, and Neill. Later, a fourth son Joe, joined and became an equal partner in the business which has achieved regional, national and international distinction.[1]
From 1989, the business expanded rapidly from one concrete plant to 19 within 20 years and a work force of 1,100. Diversification led the business into pre-cast concrete, re-enforcing steel, ground-breaking building products and major construction and infrastructure projects both at home and abroad, including in sub-zero temperatures in Sakhalin, Russia.[1]
In Australia, the business thrived in a range of diverse construction and infrastructure related activities. Wagners developed fibre technology products and their "earth friendly" concrete. In 2017, Wagers successfully listed its building materials and mining services operations on the Australian Stock Exchange.[1]
![](../I/m/Approach_to_the_passenger_terminal%2C_Brisbane_West_Wellcamp_Airport%2C_2016.jpg)
The Wagner family established Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, the first public airport to be constructed in Australia in 50 years, built entirely with private money and completed in less than 20 months. Built, owned and operated by the Wagner family, the airport is a regional and interstate passenger facility with major airlines and is a hub for the export of regional produce to China via a weekly 747 service.[1]
Company values
A key to their success has been a commitment to resolve all differences face-to-face in the boardroom. Common sense, shared vision and team work characterise their partnership ensuring that no vote has ever been required to deal with a crucial issue or decision.[1]
The Wagner brothers strongly embrace the values of their parents Henry and Mary, namely honesty and fair dealing in their business activities and a commitment to improving communities in which they operate.[1]
Defamation case against Alan Jones
Following the 2010-2011 Queensland floods, radio host Alan Jones made a series of on-air allegations against the Wagners accusing them of being responsible for the deaths of 12 people during the floods following the collapse of a wall in a quarry they owned.[2] The Wagners commenced a defamation action, which resulted in a 2018 judgment that Jones and the radio stations that broadcast him were ordered to pay $3.7 million in damages to the Wagner family.[3][4]
References
- "Wagners". Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame. State Library of Queensland. 2018. Archived from the original on 23 October 2018. Retrieved 23 October 2018.
- Press, Australian Associated (30 April 2018). "Alan Jones defamation case: radio host accused of baseless attacks on Wagner family". the Guardian. Archived from the original on 2 May 2018. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
- Masters, Chris (14 September 2018). "Alan Jones, the 'reverse index of certainty' and the $3.7 million payout". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 15 September 2018. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
- Swanston, Tim; and staff (12 September 2018). "Alan Jones defamed Wagner family in broadcasts over Grantham flood deaths". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 19 October 2018. Retrieved 24 October 2018.
Attribution
Further reading
- All about stone from J. H. Wagner & Sons Pty. Ltd. : master stone masons, Cranbrook Press, 1900, retrieved 24 October 2018