About Us
History
WA Universal was founded in 1985, drawing on decades of industry experience and expertise developed through major structural steel, mechanical, and industrial construction projects dating back to the 1970s. The foundations of the business were built by industry professionals who played key roles in delivering significant projects throughout Western Australia and beyond, establishing a reputation for quality workmanship, reliability, and practical project solutions.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, our team became recognised not only within Western Australia but across Australia, successfully delivering projects ranging from power stations, processing plants, and gold mines to sugar mills, grain terminals, telecommunications towers, and major infrastructure developments. Over the years, WA Universal has continued to evolve, expanding its capabilities to include crane, rigging, transport, labour, and specialised project solutions.
Today, WA Universal supports construction, mining, industrial, energy, and infrastructure projects throughout Australia while remaining committed to the values that have guided the business for more than four decades—integrity, reliability, safety, and exceptional service. The projects completed throughout our history reflect the depth of experience, technical capability, and commitment that continue to define WA Universal today.
Timeline
Over the Decades
Tujon successfully completed the structural steel installation for the CSBP Fertiliser Plant, contributing to the development of a key industrial facility in Western Australia.
Tujon delivered the structural steel installation for the Bunbury Woodchip Loader, playing a key role in the construction of one of Western Australia’s major timber export facilities.
Tujon completed the construction and installation of six silos at Koolanobbing, supporting the region’s growing mining and bulk materials infrastructure.
Tujon carried out the structural steel installation for the Blackwood River Bridge, delivering a key piece of regional infrastructure to support transport and connectivity within Western Australia.
Tujon completed the structural steel installation for the CSBP facility in Wagin, contributing to the development of essential agricultural infrastructure in regional Western Australia.
Tujon delivered the structural and mechanical installation of precipitators at Muja Power Station, contributing to a major regional power generation facility in Western Australia.
A significant milestone in the company’s history, with Tujon transitioning to WA Universal Rigging Co. This change marked the beginning of a new era of growth, expanding capabilities and establishing the foundations for the business as it is known today.
Completed the structural steel installation for Joondalup Train Station, contributing to the expansion of Perth’s growing rail network. As part of this significant infrastructure program, Joondalup was one of seven train stations constructed throughout the greater Perth area.
Delivered the structural steel and mechanical installation for the Radio Hill Precipitator, providing critical infrastructure to support industrial processing operations in Western Australia.
Successfully delivered the erection and installation of a major blue metal crushing plant, including mechanical equipment, air and water services, through to commissioning. The project involved approximately 1,200 tonnes of structural steel and 450 tonnes of mechanical equipment.
Completed the structural steel and mechanical installation of a precipitator at Kanowna Belle, supporting the development of a major Western Australian mining operation.
Delivered the structural, mechanical, and piping installation for a boiler system at the Kununurra Sugar Mill, supporting one of Western Australia’s key agricultural processing facilities.
Completed the dismantling of a major ship loader at Fremantle Wharf, involving approximately 750 tonnes of steel structure standing 80 metres high. The project required careful planning and execution to safely decommission and remove the equipment.
Completed the installation of structural steel for approximately 15 Optus telecommunications towers across Queensland and New South Wales, supporting the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure along Australia’s east coast.
Delivered the structural steel and mechanical installation of a precipitator at the Cockburn Cement facility, contributing to the upgrade and ongoing operation of a key Western Australian industrial site.
Completed the structural and mechanical installation of conveyors and transfer towers at the CBH Grain Terminal in Forrestfield, supporting the efficient handling and movement of grain throughout Western Australia’s agricultural supply chain.
Delivered the structural, mechanical, and piping installation for a boiler system at the Tully Sugar Mill, contributing to the operation of one of Queensland’s major sugar processing facilities.
Our Values
Our approach is built on a foundation of trust, safety and precision. We ensure that every decision and action aligns with our commitment to delivering quality outcomes for our clients.
Experience
Decades of hands-on lifting, rigging and logistics experience means we anticipate risk early, plan accurately, and solve problems fast. It’s how we keep sites safe, compliant, efficient.
Integrity
Integrity guides every quote, lift plan and decision we make. We communicate clearly, follow through on commitments, and prioritise safety and compliance so clients trust us on high-stakes work.
Reliability
Reliability is showing up prepared, on time, and ready to deliver. With well-maintained equipment and disciplined processes, we keep crews moving, minimise downtime, and meet deadlines.
Performance
Performance is measured on site: safe execution, smooth coordination and quality outcomes. We bring skilled operators, precise rigging, and responsive support to deliver complex lifts confidently, every time.
Our Experience -
Celebrating Over 40 Years
Richard Holding – The Foundation
Born in 1929, Richard Holding’s journey into the construction industry began long before WA Universal was established. Leaving school during the Second World War, he joined the Merchant Navy at the age of 16 before completing four years of service and two years of National Service. He later entered the construction industry in London as a rigger, developing the practical skills, leadership qualities, and hands-on experience that would shape the rest of his career.
Richard’s career was built on hands-on involvement in some remarkable projects. In the early 1960s, he was involved in the Wembley Stadium roof redevelopment project in London, serving in a construction management role on one of the era’s most recognisable sporting venues. Two years later, in 1963, he made the move to Perth with his family and became part of Western Australia’s rapidly expanding construction and industrial sector.
Arriving during a period of significant growth for Western Australia, Richard quickly became involved in major construction and infrastructure projects across the state. During the mid-1960s, he contributed to the structural steel installation of Dumas House (now known as the Public Works Building), followed by work on the Mount Newman Rail Workshops in Port Hedland during the late 1960s.
These projects not only contributed to Western Australia’s development but also helped Richard later joined TUJON, where he progressed from Foreman to part-owner, contributing to numerous major projects throughout Western Australia and across the country. Following the sale of TUJON, Richard drew upon decades of industry experience to establish a new venture alongside George Stainton. In 1985, they founded WA Universal Rigging Co., creating a family-operated business built on the principles of hard work, integrity, reliability, and a commitment to delivering quality outcomes. Those values would become the foundation of a family legacy that continues today.
Building the WA Universal Legacy
What began as a family-operated rigging business in 1985 quickly grew into a respected name within Western Australia’s construction and industrial sectors. As WA Universal expanded, Richard’s sons—Chris, Dave, and Richard Holding Jr.—became increasingly involved in the business, working alongside their father and gaining firsthand experience in the values, relationships, and work ethic that had built the company.
Following Richard’s passing in 2001, a new chapter began for WA Universal. After the original business was sold and its assets dispersed, Chris, Dave, and Richard Holding Jr., together with two trusted colleagues who had worked alongside the Holding family for many years, purchased back the WA Universal name and key operating assets in 2002. United by a shared commitment to preserving Richard’s legacy, the five partners rebuilt the business and continued the reputation, values, and client relationships that had been established over the previous decades.
Over the following years, WA Universal continued to strengthen its reputation throughout Western Australia, becoming widely recognised as a leading provider of rigging services. As the business evolved, the ownership structure also changed, with the original group of five shareholders eventually reducing to two. During this period, the company experienced continued growth and increasing operational demands, creating the need for additional leadership to support the organisation’s future direction and assist Chris and Dave in managing the expanding business.
In 2011, Aaron Holding was appointed General Manager, bringing with him years of hands-on experience gained within the business and representing the third generation of the Holding family. Under Aaron’s leadership, WA Universal entered a new phase of strategic growth, broadening its capabilities beyond traditional rigging services to include crane hire, transport, labour solutions, and integrated project services. This diversification laid the foundations for the multi-division operation that exists today.
In 2020, Aaron joined Chris and Dave Holding as an equal shareholder, formalising a leadership role he had already held for many years and continuing the Holding family’s long-term commitment to the future of WA Universal.
Today, WA Universal proudly celebrates more than 40 years in business, a milestone that reflects the strength of the relationships, reputation, and expertise built over generations. The company’s Tower Crane Division has become a significant contributor to major projects throughout Western Australia, with its fleet regularly supporting leading Tier 1 builders and contractors on some of the state’s most prominent developments. As WA Universal looks to the future, it continues to build on the foundations established in 1985 while remaining focused on delivering safe, reliable, and innovative solutions for its clients across Western Australia.
Trusted by
Our Team
Meet the people behind WA Universal’s safest lifts and logistics
Aaron Holding
Managing Director
Dan Clark
General Manager
Cranes & Transport
Joining the business in 2007, Dan has built an impressive career through roles including Rigger, Crane Operator, Supervisor, Business Development Manager, Crane Manager and now General Manager. With a strong background in mobile cranes, he brings extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience.
Bryan Blackshaw
Operations Manager
With a diverse background spanning defence, transport and crane operations, he brings over 20 years of hands-on industry experience. Since joining WA Universal in 2016, he has progressed through driving, fleet control and operations roles, now serving as Operations Manager overseeing complex logistics, compliance and project delivery.
Jarrod Close
Tower Cranes Manager
Mark Abbott
Operations Manager
Construction
Joining WA Universal in 2010, Mark began his career overseeing precast and structural steel installations before transitioning into HSEQ. Now serving as Operations Manager, he combines strong operational expertise, safety leadership, and industry experience to support successful project delivery across the business.
Josh Sinclair
Construction Manager
Rigging & Cranes
Jason Gunnis
Project Manager
Rigging
Timeline
Over the Decades
1975
CSBP Fertiliser Plant
Tujon successfully completed the structural steel installation for the CSBP Fertiliser Plant, contributing to the development of a key industrial facility in Western Australia.
1976
Bunbury Woodchip Loader
Tujon delivered the structural steel installation for the Bunbury Woodchip Loader, playing a key role in the construction of one of Western Australia’s major timber export facilities.
1977
Koolyanobbing Silos
Tujon completed the construction and installation of six silos at Koolanobbing, supporting the region’s growing mining and bulk materials infrastructure.
1978
Blackwood River Bridge
Tujon carried out the structural steel installation for the Blackwood River Bridge, delivering a key piece of regional infrastructure to support transport and connectivity within Western Australia.
1979
CSBP Wagin
Tujon completed the structural steel installation for the CSBP facility in Wagin, contributing to the development of essential agricultural infrastructure in regional Western Australia.
1981
Muja Power Station
Tujon delivered the structural and mechanical installation of precipitators at Muja Power Station, contributing to a major regional power generation facility in Western Australia.
1985
TUJON to WA Universal Rigging Co.
A significant milestone in the company’s history, with Tujon transitioning to WA Universal Rigging Co. This change marked the beginning of a new era of growth, expanding capabilities and establishing the foundations for the business as it is known today.
1990
Joondalup Train Station
Completed the structural steel installation for Joondalup Train Station, contributing to the expansion of Perth’s growing rail network. As part of this significant infrastructure program, Joondalup was one of seven train stations constructed throughout the greater Perth area.
1991
Radio Hill Precipitator
Delivered the structural steel and mechanical installation for the Radio Hill Precipitator, providing critical infrastructure to support industrial processing operations in Western Australia.
1991 to 1992
Peterie Blue Metal Crushing Plant
Successfully delivered the erection and installation of a major blue metal crushing plant, including mechanical equipment, air and water services, through to commissioning. The project involved approximately 1,200 tonnes of structural steel and 450 tonnes of mechanical equipment.
1993
Kanowna Belle
Completed the structural steel and mechanical installation of a precipitator at Kanowna Belle, supporting the development of a major Western Australian mining operation.
1994
Kununnarra Sugar Mill
Delivered the structural, mechanical, and piping installation for a boiler system at the Kununurra Sugar Mill, supporting one of Western Australia’s key agricultural processing facilities.
1994
Fremantle Wharf
Completed the dismantling of a major ship loader at Fremantle Wharf, involving approximately 750 tonnes of steel structure standing 80 metres high. The project required careful planning and execution to safely decommission and remove the equipment.
1994
Optus Towers – QLD / NSW
Completed the installation of structural steel for approximately 15 Optus telecommunications towers across Queensland and New South Wales, supporting the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure along Australia’s east coast.
1995
Cockburn Cement Precipitator
Delivered the structural steel and mechanical installation of a precipitator at the Cockburn Cement facility, contributing to the upgrade and ongoing operation of a key Western Australian industrial site.
1997
Forrestfield - CBH Grain Terminal
Completed the structural and mechanical installation of conveyors and transfer towers at the CBH Grain Terminal in Forrestfield, supporting the efficient handling and movement of grain throughout Western Australia’s agricultural supply chain.
1997
Tully (QLD) Sugar Mill
Delivered the structural, mechanical, and piping installation for a boiler system at the Tully Sugar Mill, contributing to the operation of one of Queensland’s major sugar processing facilities.
Our Experience
Our clients include Tier-1 companies across multiple sectors who rely on WA Universal for our commitment to quality, safety and timely delivery. We build lasting relationships by delivering services that meet budget and time constraints.
Our Experience -
Celebrating Over 40 Years
Richard Holding – The Foundation
Born in 1929, Richard Holding’s journey into the construction industry began long before WA Universal was established. Leaving school during the Second World War, he joined the Merchant Navy at the age of 16 before completing four years of service and two years of National Service. He later entered the construction industry in London as a rigger, developing the practical skills, leadership qualities, and hands-on experience that would shape the rest of his career.
Richard’s career was built on hands-on involvement in some remarkable projects. In the early 1960s, he was involved in the Wembley Stadium roof redevelopment project in London, serving in a construction management role on one of the era’s most recognisable sporting venues. Two years later, in 1963, he made the move to Perth with his family and became part of Western Australia’s rapidly expanding construction and industrial sector.
Arriving during a period of significant growth for Western Australia, Richard quickly became involved in major construction and infrastructure projects across the state. During the mid-1960s, he contributed to the structural steel installation of Dumas House (now known as the Public Works Building), followed by work on the Mount Newman Rail Workshops in Port Hedland during the late 1960s.
These projects not only contributed to Western Australia’s development but also helped Richard later joined TUJON, where he progressed from Foreman to part-owner, contributing to numerous major projects throughout Western Australia and across the country. Following the sale of TUJON, Richard drew upon decades of industry experience to establish a new venture alongside George Stainton. In 1985, they founded WA Universal Rigging Co., creating a family-operated business built on the principles of hard work, integrity, reliability, and a commitment to delivering quality outcomes. Those values would become the foundation of a family legacy that continues today.
Building the WA Universal Legacy
What began as a family-operated rigging business in 1985 quickly grew into a respected name within Western Australia’s construction and industrial sectors. As WA Universal expanded, Richard’s sons—Chris, Dave, and Richard Holding Jr.—became increasingly involved in the business, working alongside their father and gaining firsthand experience in the values, relationships, and work ethic that had built the company.
Following Richard’s passing in 2001, a new chapter began for WA Universal. After the original business was sold and its assets dispersed, Chris, Dave, and Richard Holding Jr., together with two trusted colleagues who had worked alongside the Holding family for many years, purchased back the WA Universal name and key operating assets in 2002. United by a shared commitment to preserving Richard’s legacy, the five partners rebuilt the business and continued the reputation, values, and client relationships that had been established over the previous decades.
Over the following years, WA Universal continued to strengthen its reputation throughout Western Australia, becoming widely recognised as a leading provider of rigging services. As the business evolved, the ownership structure also changed, with the original group of five shareholders eventually reducing to two. During this period, the company experienced continued growth and increasing operational demands, creating the need for additional leadership to support the organisation’s future direction and assist Chris and Dave in managing the expanding business.
In 2011, Aaron Holding was appointed General Manager, bringing with him years of hands-on experience gained within the business and representing the third generation of the Holding family. Under Aaron’s leadership, WA Universal entered a new phase of strategic growth, broadening its capabilities beyond traditional rigging services to include crane hire, transport, labour solutions, and integrated project services. This diversification laid the foundations for the multi-division operation that exists today.
In 2020, Aaron joined Chris and Dave Holding as an equal shareholder, formalising a leadership role he had already held for many years and continuing the Holding family’s long-term commitment to the future of WA Universal.
Today, WA Universal proudly celebrates more than 40 years in business, a milestone that reflects the strength of the relationships, reputation, and expertise built over generations. The company’s Tower Crane Division has become a significant contributor to major projects throughout Western Australia, with its fleet regularly supporting leading Tier 1 builders and contractors on some of the state’s most prominent developments. As WA Universal looks to the future, it continues to build on the foundations established in 1985 while remaining focused on delivering safe, reliable, and innovative solutions for its clients across Western Australia.