The Symal story from Joe Bartolo, Founder and Group Managing Director

Extract from the Symal Group Limited Prospectus

Twenty-three years ago, armed with a wheelbarrow, a shovel borrowed from my father and a ute purchased with all my savings, the Symal Group journey began. My goal was straightforward but ambitious: to build a business grounded in hard work, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. 

What began as a small landscaping business, has grown into a diversified construction group contributing to some of Australia’s most important infrastructure projects. These projects, which benefit communities across Australia, are a source of immense pride and have allowed Symal Group to grow from strength to strength.  

The name Symal Group comes from the Latin word ‘Simul,’ meaning ‘together.’ This reflects our focus on connection and our commitment to collaboration – principles that have been the cornerstone of our unique company culture. 

Fourteen years ago, Ray Dando and Andrew Fairbairn joined me as Symal Group Directors and Shareholders. With a shared vision, we have expanded and diversified Symal Group’s operations, creating synergies that drive efficiency and profitability. 

Our mission is to build a strong construction group while making a lasting impact on our communities. 

Symal Group’s growth has been powered by its disciplined strategy of blending organic investment with expansion through strategic acquisitions. This approach has strengthened our capabilities, opened new markets, and allowed us to thrive in a competitive and ever-changing industry. By reinvesting in our business, we’ve built a model that we believe supports ongoing growth. 

Symal Group’s core values are simple: 

• We build better together. 

• We innovate with intent. 

• We push what is possible. 

These values have shaped our journey and continue to guide our decisions. 

Our team is critical to Symal Group’s success. Our people are our greatest asset, and their dedication and collaboration have driven our success. Many of our team members have been with the Symal Group for more than 10 years and we consider ourselves a family united by a common purpose.  

My team and I are committed to taking Symal Group forward into this new chapter. I will remain as the Managing Director and major shareholder and will continue to lead Symal Group into the future.  

Let’s build better together.  

Joe Bartolo 

Founder and Managing Director Symal Group Limited