Borger Cranes Marks 45 Years of Delivering Complex Lifting Projects Across Australia

30 Second Takeaway

For more than 45 years, Borger Cranes has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most capable and reliable crane hire and rigging companies. From a single crane in 1980 to a national fleet supporting infrastructure, renewables and major construction projects, the family-owned business has grown through disciplined planning, investment in people and technology, and an unwavering focus on safety and precision.

Capability, Scale and Trust in Australian Lifting

Across Australia’s construction, infrastructure and renewable energy sectors, demand for highly capable crane providers continues to rise. Projects are becoming larger, more complex and more scrutinised, requiring not only the right equipment, but also deep experience, robust systems and a strong safety culture.

In this environment, long-term trust is earned through consistent delivery. Borger Cranes has positioned itself as a preferred partner on complex lifts by combining fleet capability with detailed planning, skilled crews and an operational mindset focused on reliability under pressure.

From One Crane to a National Operation

Borger Cranes was founded in 1980 by Jon Borger, beginning with a single P+H T250 (1970 model) and a clear vision: to have the right equipment to do the job properly and to build a business grounded in people and relationships.

“When I started, all I knew was I could take a crane out and do a job and do it as good as possible,” Jon recalled.

“Even as a large-scale business now, we’ve always believed that if you’re not growing, you’re going, and to grow, you have to keep earning your customers’ trust.”

From those early days, the business grew steadily through word of mouth and repeat work, built on performance rather than rapid expansion. What began as a family effort evolved into a disciplined operation capable of supporting increasingly complex projects.

Sydney 2000: A Defining Moment

A major turning point for Borger Cranes came in the mid-1990s, when Sydney was awarded the 2000 Olympic Games and the scale of required infrastructure became clear.

As one of the crane providers supporting the delivery of Olympic infrastructure, Borger Cranes was involved across key sites, including the Olympic Stadium. For Jon Borger, the

experience was a defining test of capability.

“The Olympics pushed us to perform at the highest standards of supply reliability and safety, under the scrutiny of the world stage, and we rose to the challenge,” he said.

The project reinforced the importance of planning, systems and safety, principles that would continue to shape the company’s future growth.

Growth Driven by Discipline, Not Size

Today, Borger Cranes operates a fleet of more than 250 cranes and employs over 1,000 people across 11 depots along Australia’s East Coast. The company supports projects spanning infrastructure, construction, mining, transport and renewable energy, including wind farm developments

Despite this scale, growth has never been pursued for its own sake.

“Every job has its own challenges,” said Managing Director Shawn Borger.“We don’t just turn up with a crane, we design the entire lift from the ground up. The planning, the engineering, the logistics everything is done to make sure the job is delivered safely and efficiently. Every step is considered.”

That approach has guided Borger’s transition from a local operator to a national heavy-lift specialist, capable of delivering consistency across projects of every size.

Fleet Investment and Advanced Capability

A core part of Borger Cranes’ strategy has been continual reinvestment in fleet and technology. The company operates some of the most advanced cranes in the world, from compact city cranes to high-capacity all-terrains and heavy-lift machines such as the Liebherr LG 1750, used extensively for wind turbine installation and major infrastructure works.

“We’ve always reinvested in newer, smarter equipment,” Shawn said.“Later-model cranes with better technology, higher capacity and advanced control systems. That’s what allows us to deliver safely, reliably and on schedule.”

These investments ensure the business can meet the increasing technical demands of modern construction and renewable energy projects.

Safety, Systems and Planning at the Core

In an industry where the consequences of failure are significant, safety remains a constant focus for Borger Cranes. The company has developed an integrated safety framework combining engineering controls, digital fleet management systems and ongoing operator training.

“We work to make sure the right processes and structures are always in place,” Nathan said.“That’s what gives clients confidence and it doesn’t happen by chance; it’s built into the way we operate.”

This structured approach has positioned Borger Cranes as a trusted partner for high-risk, high-value lifts where precision and accountability are essential.

Supporting the Renewable Energy Sector

Borger Cranes has also become an established player in Australia’s wind energy sector, supporting turbine installation and associated infrastructure works.

“In the past few years, we’ve had a lot of success on wind farms,” Shawn said.“It’s challenging work, but we have the right scale and we’ve built very good crews for that industry.”

The company’s experience, fleet depth and planning capability have enabled it to deliver reliably in remote and demanding environments.

A Family Business Built on People

Despite its scale, Borger Cranes has retained a strong family-oriented culture. Founded by Jon and Barbara Borger, the business has grown to include relatives, long-term employees and the families of colleagues, creating a culture built on shared values and mutual accountability.

From trainees learning the trade to senior staff mentoring the next generation, people remain central to the company’s success. This focus on relationships, both internal and external, continues to define how Borger Cranes operates.

Looking Ahead

As Borger Cranes marks more than 45 years in operation, the company’s focus remains consistent with its founding principles: safe lifts, reliable delivery and long-term capability.

“For us, the goal has never been just to be big,” Jon said.“It’s to be capable, to keep growing with the industry, and to deliver what our clients need, safely and efficiently.”

That mindset continues to resonate with clients.

“If someone rings and says, ‘I need a crane at seven’, we’ll be there at six-fifty,” Shawn said.“That’s just the way we work. People know if they call Borger, the job will get done right the first time.”

About Borger Cranes

Borger Cranes is a family-owned Australian crane hire and rigging company supporting infrastructure, construction, mining, transport and renewable energy projects. Established in 1980, the company operates a fleet of more than 250 cranes and employs over 1,000 people across 11 depots along Australia’s East Coast, delivering complex lifting solutions with a strong focus on safety, planning and reliability.

Visit website: https://www.borgercranes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Borger Cranes been operating?

Borger Cranes was founded in 1980 and has been operating for more than 45 years, growing from a single-crane operation into one of Australia’s largest privately owned crane hire companies.

What industries does Borger Cranes support?

The company supports infrastructure, construction, mining, transport and renewable energy projects, including major bridge works, airports and wind farm developments.

What makes Borger Cranes’ approach different?

Borger Cranes focuses heavily on planning, engineering and safety systems, designing each lift in detail rather than simply supplying equipment.

How large is Borger Cranes’ fleet?

The company operates more than 250 cranes, ranging from compact city cranes to heavy-lift machines such as the Liebherr LG 1750.

Where does Borger Cranes operate?

Borger Cranes operates across Australia’s East Coast, with 11 depots supporting projects in metropolitan, regional and remote locations.