This Brisbane-based firm provides a wide array of services for its clients and excels at them all
Written by Kevin Doyle
Greg Henderson, the CEO of the Matrix Group, has only been back in Australia for about a year after working abroad for 15 years. However, he has a very clear focus of the company’s identity and direction.
“We want to keep a client-focused business. We have the capacity to do a $500 million business but we are not doing that because we want to keep the focus on the customer. We look at what the client needs and organize each project against that,” says Henderson, who spent the previous nine years working in the United States and six years before that in France.
Established in 1990, Matrix today is a provider of a broad range of real estate capabilities to any size project. With offices in Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns, the company operates throughout Queensland, Pacific Islands, Asia and the Middle East, providing services from initial deal structuring through to project management and construction. Throughout the company’s history, all profits have been invested back into the home state of Queensland. The company employs 165 with annual revenue of approximately $250 million.
Henderson’s international experience, exposure to foreign markets and ability to analyze issues and opportunities from a variety of perspectives seem a perfect match for Matrix. “When I first came back it was to strategically position the company for new territories and the next wave and continued evolution of the business. Then I became more operational and hands-on. We have stabilized the business and now we’re diversifying it,” he says.
TOP JOBS
Matrix was commissioned by The University of Queensland this past November to undertake construction of the Greenslopes Medical School, located within Greenslopes Private Hospital. The project is approximately 40 percent new construction and 60 percent fitout and upon completion will provide the infrastructure for the training of University of Queensland medical and nursing students as well expanded training areas for the hospital staff.
The company is also working with Griffith University, having been commissioned in September 2009 to undertake the design and construction of new student administration facilities along with a campus library refurbishment. A one-stop Student Centre will house both Student Administration and the library, provide a single service point for students and include a range of innovative and adaptable learning and teaching areas.
Matrix is awaiting approval of the Wesley House redevelopment project, a high quality, multi-level commercial building planned for The Uniting Church Australia Property Trust. Eight levels of 5-Star Greenstar designed office space will include a fully functional commercial kitchen and church function hall for community events.
In planning for nearly 17 years, the project would be one of the first 5-Star Greenstar as-built projects in Brisbane. The Green Building Council of Australia provides Green Ratings to the top 20 percent of developments in Australia, setting this project apart. The development is one of only four in Queensland to utilize Passive Chilled Beam Technologies. A centralized Chiller plant and air handling unit are located in the roof plant room and individual radiator type beams are located on each level.
“We are 20 years young as a company and prepared to try new things and have opportunities based off those opportunities. We need to evolve with the marketplace and modify to meet the marketplace. You must remain adaptable,” Henderson points out.
DAY TO DAY
According to the corporate website, “Matrix offers a range of pre-construction, construction and post-construction services in providing holistic and well-rounded construction solutions.”
Pre-construction services range from project management and design to feasibility, site selection, needs analyses and procurement. Services related to construction and delivery of finished products include but aren’t limited to workplace health and safety management, structural engineering and cost management. The company also offers an array of post construction and occupancy services.
Matrix maintains strong professional relationship with the construction industry unions. With private financing off by more than $1 billion since 2007, the company is working primarily in the public, health and education, and non-profit sectors.
The company adheres to both federal and local safety standards and is keenly committed to the well-being of its workers. “We have the best safety history in the area. Safety is a fundamental core to our business and the systems are deployed by the people that matter most – our workers,” Henderson says.
Matrix subs out the vast majority of its work and maintains an ever-expanded base of preferred sub-contractors that are treated as equal partners.
The company is also a committed community partner and contributes a percentage of
annual profits, as well as its time, to a variety of local causes and charities such as the Make A Wish Foundation.
LOOKING AHEAD
Expect Matrix to continue to adhere to its commitment to excellence in project delivery and client services. That diligence has produced more than 40 Queensland Master Builders’ Association Awards and, in 2008, Matrix’s work on the Niecon Group’s luxury apartment development Reflection Tower Two won QMBA’s Project of the Year Award.
“The business realizes that we are in an environment of constant change and for us to be successful, we need to continue to meet our clients’ needs. We are not resting on our laurels. We will continue to innovate and stay vigilant,” Henderson concludes.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
COMPANY NAME: The Matrix Group
CEO: Greg Henderson
OPERATIONS: Matrix is a provider of a broad range of real estate capabilities to any size project.
ESTABLISHED: 1990
EMPLOYEES: 165
REVENUE: $250 million
www.matrix.com.au
View Digital Corporate Profile of Matrix in Construction Digital February 2010