In one form or another, concrete has been used in construction for thousands of years. The ancient Romans were masters at making bricks and concrete but the manufacture of concrete blocks – more correctly ‘concrete masonry units’ – began in the late 1800s.

The acquisition of a number of concrete masonry manufacturers, most notably GB Masonry in Queensland, complemented established manufacturing Victorian facilities and led to the formation of Austral Masonry. The new enterprise is part of the Brickworks Building Products group, which includes Austral Bricks, Auswest Timber, Bristile Roofing and Eureka Tiles.

Austral Masonry markets a complete range of concrete masonry units and pavers in the three eastern states.

Standard concrete masonry units have long been the workhorse of the construction industry. However premium masonry units – coloured smooth-face and split-face blocks – are increasingly being applied in cutting-edge architectural designs.

Similarly, concrete pavers have long offered a blend of economy, colour and durability. They are now also being manufactured in finishes and formats that are finding a ready home in upmarket contemporary landscapes.