Russell returns to CBD
RME makes move back to the city
TOOWOOMBA company Russell Mineral Equipment has celebrated its return to the city’s CBD after moving into the heritage-listed property at 2 Russell St.
The long-standing business made the addition last month after buying the property on September 12 through Colliers International for $1.1 million.
RME executive chairman Dr John Russell said the manufacturing technology business needed to find an extra home after a massive recruitment drive created space issues at its current headquarters.
“We’ve put on an additional 122 people at RME since Christmas 2017 and we’re just plain running out of room at Hursley Rd,” he said.
“We had a few options, but the acquisition of 2 Russell St solved the problem immediately.
“We feel a connection to Russell St and appreciate this building’s past as well as its central location.
“The building will have an exciting, vibrant future.”
This isn’t the first time the company, started in 1985, has been based on Russell St.
“A large number of our engineering and shared services staff worked from 141 and 143 Russell St for more than a decade,” Dr Russell said.
“It was during these years that RME’s collegial culture was formed and many fond memories were made.
“Our move back to Russell St represents a homecoming, of sorts.”
The company worked with heritage architect Stephanie Keays to help with the purchase of the historically-significant building, which was added to the State Heritage Register in 1992.
“Thanks also to our loyal contractors Andrew Baker, Brett O’Donnell and Andrew Jardine who are working carefully with us to comply with the heritage codes applicable to the refurbishment of this building,” Dr Russell said.
The company’s headquarters will remain at RME’s Hursley Rd location.
Up to 50 staff will eventually work from Russell St.
Data and electrical cabling works, painting and furniture fitouts have been carried out.