Blanchard's Bricks & Pavers

The Blanchard’s

For more than 50 years the Blanchard’s have diversified and believed in the growth of the Clarence Valley.

Herb Blanchard Haulage Pty Ltd was started in 1955 by Herb and Noreen Blanchard. They began with one truck hauling fish from the Maclean Co-op to the Brisbane markets.

Today the business includes Blanchard’s Bricks and Pavers and is run by Herb & Noreen’s children Michael, Robert, and Christopher Blanchard, and Donna Greenhalgh. They now haul products all over the East Coast of Australia, have 23 vehicles operating, employs 30 staff and has three depots nationally located in Rocklea (QLD), Minchinbury (NSW) and Grafton.

Donna said the company continually invests in its staff to provide customers with the best possible

service and practice, already having arguably the best quality services to and from the Clarence Valley region. They will also use website marketing to grow their market share. “Marketing ourselves as an innovative and compliant company is important for our customers,” she said.

Important Milestones

three-drivers

1955 — Herb and Noreen started Herb Blanchard Haulage.

1972 — Herb bought first Volvo N12.

1984 — Sons Michael and Robert along with mother Noreen continue the business after Herb’s death.

1987 — Purchased Kelsall’s Bricks. Sister Donna Greenhalgh joined the business along with Herb & Noreen’s youngest son Christopher, a motor mechanic, joined the company as a driver.

1993 — In July the company purchased Yamba Brick Supplies and built an office display centre in Yamba.

1994 — Purchased Peter’s Ice-Cream factory in 1994, where the business is now located.

2002 — Purchase of Noremac Transport, which expanded the fleet to 23 trucks and trailers.

2004 — Employee Des Bailey awarded Natroad National Professional Driver of the Year.

2005 — Employee Des Bailey awarded Australian Trucking Association National Professional Driver of the Year.

2006 — Implemented the National Transport Insurance Road Safety Online training and compliance system.

2007 — Robert Blanchard appointed a director on the Board of Natroad

2009 — Introduction of Purpose built Twin Steer Prime Movers fitted with Specialised Epsilon Log Handling Cranes to meet the requirements of customers to enable unloading of timber poles at customer locations, safely & efficiently.

2011 — Yamba Depot & Brick Display closed in July

2011 — Robert Blanchard stood down as a Natroad director in August after completing a total of 4 successful years (2 Terms) on the board of Natroad

2020 – November 24th, Co-founder Noreen Blanchard passes after a short illness