Our History
At Roadways, we have been building Tasmania’s roads and
infrastructure for over 60 years.
As a proudly Tasmanian-owned company, we deliver high-quality road surfacing,
pavement marking, road safety barriers and civil construction across the state. Our
commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability drives everything we do,
from major public projects to private ventures. With a skilled team, advanced
technology, and deep local knowledge, we are dedicated to enhancing Tasmania’s
road network, improving safety, and supporting the communities we serve.
Roadways (formerly Ian Harrington Group) boasts a rich history rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit and dedication of its founder, Ian Harrington. Born on March 20, 1935, Ian’s journey began as the State Manager for VIC & TAS at Emoleum, where he gained invaluable experience in the construction industry. His career took a pivotal turn when he saw an opportunity to establish his own sealing business in Launceston, Tasmania.
In 1964, Ian registered his company and commenced operations with just two employees out of Devonport, turning over its first profit within the same year. By 1968-69, the company had expanded to Hobart, operating out of Bellerive/Warrane. Despite relying on external suppliers for asphalt and facing quality control challenges, Ian’s business acumen kept the company growing.
The early 1970s marked a significant milestone as the company moved to Jackson Street, Glenorchy, where an asphalt plant became operational in 1973. This move was a catalyst for growth, particularly after the purchase of an asphalt plant at Bridgewater in 1979. This acquisition allowed for enhanced quality control and saw production exceed initial forecasts, highlighting the company’s potential for expansion.
Ian’s commitment to quality and innovation was evident in his role as a founding member of the Asphalt Pavement Association of Australia (APAA), the pre-cursor to the Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA). He emphasised a team approach, fostering a sense of camaraderie and trust within the workforce. His hands-on management style and insistence on high standards set the tone for the company’s culture.
After Ian passed away in 1998, the company continued to grow under the guidance of a Board of Directors. The acquisition of Zaganite Victoria, Protector Rail, and Rockit Asphalting saw employee numbers surpass 100. Today, Roadways celebrates over 60 years of operation, continuing Ian’s legacy of quality, innovation, and community engagement.
Roadways has come a long way since its inception in 1964 as a modest road surfacing business. From a team of just two employees, we have grown into a robust organisation employing over 120 dedicated professionals. Today, we proudly stand as a privately-owned Tasmanian company with a significant presence across the state, providing a comprehensive range of services to the civil construction sector.
Our operations span the length and breadth of Tasmania, with strategically located businesses delivering asphalt and bitumen sealing, pavement marking, installation of road safety barrier systems, asphalt manufacture and civil construction works. Whether undertaking large contracts, smaller projects, or urgent works, we leverage our fleet of modern and highly specialised equipment to meet the diverse needs of our clients.
At the heart of Roadways is our skilled, committed, and professional Tasmanian workforce. Our permanent employees possess an in-depth understanding of the state’s road network, weather patterns, and local traffic conditions. This expertise ensures we deliver safer roads for all Tasmanians while prioritising the safety of our staff and road users alike.