John Coates founded the company in 1885 to support Victoria’s growing gold-rush cities – and we’ve been supporting Australian industry ever since.
From our early days importing and manufacturing machinery, we evolved into an equipment hire firm and helped pioneer the rental business in Australia.
As we continued to expand our fleet to service the booming mining, infrastructure and construction industries, we became the nation’s largest equipment hire company.
But we don’t just provide the tools and machinery. We provide an end-to-end solution – equipment rental and specialist engineering, industrial and PHVAC services, all under one roof.
We’re also a company of problem-solvers. A well-oiled machine of engineers, installation experts and shutdown managers, equipped to take on any challenge.
From equipment hire and temporary works engineering to industrial shutdowns and PHVAC services, you can trust Coates to provide equipment and expertise, whenever and wherever you need it.
Coates. Equipped for anything.
Our values shape the culture of Coates and help us build a better future for all our stakeholders.
Care deeply
We care deeply about the safety and wellbeing of our people, our customers and our communities.
Be our best
We strive for high performance through accountability, learning and the determination to be better.
Customer-focused
We are focused on helping our customers succeed by delivering above expectations.
One team
We work as one collaborative, passionate and inclusive team to deliver customer solutions.
Learn more about our commitment to safety and our progress towards reconciliation.
1885
John Coates & Co Ltd is founded in Melbourne.
John Coates establishes a small engineering company to supply heavy machinery to the Victorian goldfields. The firm soon wins contracts to build gasworks in the surrounding townships.
1939
The company starts manufacturing equipment.
We make compasses and other essentials for the war effort at a new factory in Springvale. Over the next few decades, Coates manufactures some equipment locally.
1946
An innovative roller inspires a new business model.
To encourage customers to order a new vibrating compaction roller, the company introduces a “hire before you buy” policy. It proves hugely popular and plants the seed for our rental business.
1955
Coates Hire is born.
Coates Hire is publicly listed on the ASX. The company focuses on expanding its hire fleet to service the nation’s booming mining, infrastructure and construction industries.
1960s
Our tool stores improve efficiencies during shutdowns.
The company helps halve shutdown times at major industrial plants by operating fully equipped tool stores on site. Today, Coates Industrial Solutions manages hundreds of shutdowns each year.
1972
Coates Hire is acquired by Australian National Industries.
Now Australia’s largest equipment hire company, Coates Hire expands our fleet and invests in state-of-the-art equipment such as ‘silent’ air compressors and self-propelled rollers.
1985
The company celebrates 100 years.
As we mark our centenary, Coates Hire employs around 600 people and operates 60 branches across the country. Today, we’ve grown to around 1,900 employees and more than 150 branches.
2008
Seven Group Holdings buys almost half of Coates Hire.
SGH acquires 46.7% of Coates Hire, adding to the group’s portfolio of industrial services, energy and media investments.
2015
Coates Hire creates an in-house engineering department.
We return to our engineering roots to offer temporary works design, certification and project management. Coates Engineering Solutions has grown from two engineers to 35 engineers today.
2017
Seven Group Holdings acquires full ownership of the business.
SGH buys the remaining 53.3% of Coates Hire from the Carlyle Group. The move supports SGH's vision of becoming the leading operator of industrial services firms in Australia.
2018
Coates Hire signs an R&D partnership with Monash University.
Working with Monash’s Civil Engineering department, our engineers are developing new lightweight, high-strength temporary works solutions such as props and shoring shields.
2019
We develop new digital platforms for our customers.
As part of our digital transformation strategy, we launch the Hire Now e-commerce platform and our IoT-enabled customer portal, now called Coates Connect.
2020
We begin our journey towards reconciliation.
Our inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) outlines clear goals, such as increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprenticeship participation rates to 10% by 2025.
2021
Coates Hire becomes Coates.
We’re still Australia’s number one equipment hire company, but our engineering, industrial and PHVAC capabilities mean we can also provide complete solutions for our customers. With the launch of our first Sustainability Strategy, Coates commits to net zero greenhouse gas emission by 2040.
2022
We launch our Greener Choices range.
The range of more sustainable equipment and solutions includes battery electric, hybrid, solar, low pollutant engines and biofuel blend compatible equipment.
2023
The Coates Foundation celebrates its first anniversary.
In FY23, the Foundation contributes more than $500,000 to local communities and our people contribute nearly 600 volunteering hours to our charity partners.
Introducing Coates Power & HVAC
In late 2023, we launch Coates Power & HVAC - a specialist solutions area delivering reliable temporary air, power or water to businesses across Australia.