As we’ve now reached the end of 2024 – the year in which we are proudly celebrating HIC Services 30th anniversary – I’ve had the opportunities to research and reflect on HIC’s journey as an organisation over the past three decades.

Originally founded as Hunter Industrial Ceramics by Frank Bynon in 1994, we – like every successful organisation – have faced our share of ups and downs. From the lows of economic recessions and pandemics to the highs of releasing its HICTECH range of products. As our list of achievements has grown, so too has our ambition for creating an even more meaningful impact. What started out as a Newcastle based organisation working with the local steel and mining industries has now spread to three states contributing to the success of over 230 customers with some customers being with us for the full 30 years.

Frank and the Bynon family continue to work in the business daily reinforcing the basic foundations of the business, INTEGRITY, LOYALTY and TRUST. These key attributes ensure HIC provides its customers quality and reliable solutions, safely. These values underpin the relationships built over thirty years and are why HIC’s customers rely on them.

Since taking over as General Manager in 2023, I’ve had the great privilege of working with HIC employees and customers alike, witnessing the care, respect and dedication shown towards each other and watching the business grow and strengthen because of it. I’m particularly excited to see where the business can go in the next thirty years. There’s certainly a strong base to build on.

Finally, from Frank, the Bynon family and myself, I’d like to say thank you to all of you who have been involved on this journey over the past 30 years. Thank you for your camaraderie; your support; your inspiration; your success stories; and for continuing to stand here with us today. I look forward to what’s next as we continue to work together.

– Blaine Scarr
General Manager

With over 30 years in the business, HIC Services is proud to continue providing innovative wear prevention and asset protection solutions for the mining industry & beyond. As we look to the future, we are excited by the opportunities for growth and advancement in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Our commitment to excellence means that we are constantly exploring ways to expand our product offerings, incorporating the latest in digital and automated solutions. We aim to build on our legacy by forming strong partnerships.

By investing in cutting-edge technologies like predictive maintenance and sustainable wear solutions, we are prepared to address modern challenges around efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Our focus is on supporting our clients with reliable, future-proof solutions that drive productivity and minimize downtime

Moving forward, HIC Services is dedicated to expanding our presence within Australia and beyond.

Our team of experts and our extensive industry experience give us a unique advantage to set new standards in wear prevention and asset protection.

We look forward to serving our customers with the same commitment to quality and innovation that has defined our company for over three decades-and to building a strong future together.

Looking to the future, HIC Services remains steadfast in its commitment to core values and social responsibility, creating a foundation for lasting impact and growth. Guided by values such as accountability, integrity, openness, respect, and sustainability.

HIC Services strives to exceed client expectations and foster an inclusive, transparent workplace that embraces diversity and environmental stewardship.

In parallel, the company actively supports social initiatives close to the community’s heart- promoting domestic violence prevention, mental health awareness, and arts and sports engagement.

These efforts reflect HIC Services’ dedication to being a responsible corporate citizen, building strong relationships with local organisations to uplift and enrich the lives of those it serves.

Tell us about the business.

HIC Services began operations in 1978 as Bynon Industrial Ceramics, providing industrial tiling services to the NSW steel and coal markets. By 1995, the business had grown significantly and the name was changed to HIC Services. We now have facilities in Newcastle, Mudgee, Gunnedah and Mackay.

In 2017 HIC Services released its first product, a premium grade alumina tile under the brand name HICTECH. Since 2017 several other products have been developed and form part of the HICTECH Product Solution range such as cyclones, wear plates and belt press filter cloths.

Industrial tiling, off-site refurbishments and painting remain the mainstay of the business.

How many people work for the business?

Today HIC Services has sixty-four employees servicing over one hundred mines and businesses.

What’s the best thing about the business?

I’ve been at HIC for twelve months now and the thing that struck me when I first came into the business was the openness of the people and how proud they are of the business and the part they play in it.

What are the biggest challenges facing your business?

I think like a lot of businesses, being able to attract people into the business as you grow has to be one the biggest challenges. HIC have been able to mitigate this somewhat by looking at its employees as a national labour pool and has been able to send NSW employees to Queensland for major shut down as an example. Whilst this serves a purpose it has its limitations so the challenge of attracting labour continues and we must find innovative ways to meet this.

What is the biggest opportunity for your business right now?

For us I think there are several opportunities to grow our product sales both domestically and internationally, but the biggest opportunity would be HIC’s expansion into the Queensland mining market. Our Mackay branch has been in operation for close to two years now and has spent a lot of time and effort supporting a few key customers on their sites making sure the strong reputation and culture we have in NSW is replicated in Queensland.

What is the business most proud of?

There is a great sense of pride in the products the business has developed and when I talk to the people on the floor they have a great drive to give the customer what they need. If they can’t deliver what they’ve promised they get very disappointed in themselves.

So what are we most proud of, being able to deliver what we promise when we promise it.

Community or other causes close to its heart and values?

We are proud to be supporters of Got Your Back Sista. Established as a registered charity in 2016, its vision is to see women and their children happy, thriving and living independently after escaping the trauma of family violence. Got Your Back Sista offers benevolent relief and support to women and children escaping domestic violence and are at risk of living below the poverty line.

Any employees that deserve a shout out?

Geoff Milne, one of the largest characters in the business, has worked for HIC Services since 1995 and is well known throughout mine sites in NSW and Queensland for his cheeky, hard-working, no-nonsense style. Geoff has been a key presence at HIC Services and played a large part in developing its culture and reputation.