Who is RBD Contracting
RBD Contracting Services Pty Ltd was founded in 1993 by Robert 'Bob' and Bev Dickson to provide services and manpower during major upgrades at Australian Paper's Wesley Vale paper mill, located on the North West Coast of Tasmania. Bob was a foreman at the Wesley Vale mill during construction in the late 1960s, and held numerous positions at the mill over the following 20 years. Bob has since retired from RBD Contracting in 2007, but left the business in the capable hands of Fred, Robert and Mark.
Fred Williams joined RBD Contracting in 1995 as an employee, and later became a partner in the business with Bob. Fred previously worked at Australia Paper's Wesley Vale mill during the construction stage, and then as a leading hand in the maintenance and projects department. Fred left Australia Paper and worked in the electrical contracting industry prior to joining RBD Contracting.
Robert 'Bob' Newman commenced employment with RBD Contracting in 2000, and became a partner with Bob Dickson and Fred in 2003. Bob Newman started work at the Wesley Vale mill in 1970 as an electrical apprentice, and performed a range of roles during his 30 year tenure at the mill, including leading hand and shift electrician. Bob joined Silcar in 1994, assuming a number of technical and management roles, before leaving Silcar in 1999 to work in Antarctica for six months.
Mark Richardson was recruited by RBD Contracting in 2007 as a partner to fill the gap brought about by Bob Dickson's impending retirement. Mark started work with Australia Paper in 1983 as an electrical apprentice. Mark left Australia Paper in 1987 and began work with UMT (now known as Fonterra) as an electrician. Mark returned to the Wesley Vale mill working in numerous technical roles with Australian Paper and then Silcar. In addition to his electrical work, Mark also owned and operated a small business incorporating computer sales and support for 15 years.