Local Wunderlich tilery the world’s most modern
Terracotta tiles are produced at this Wunderlich factory at Northgate using the latest scientific production methods in the world.
HUTCHIES has continued its long and successful relationship with tile manufacturer, Wunderlich, with construction of a tilery at Blitzinger Road, Northgate, valued at £76,682. Hutchies’ had ongoing work for Wunderlich at a factory built at Ferny Grove in 1928 and built a new large factory at Gaythorne in 1936. More recently, work started at Northgate in 1949 and included factory, kilns, drying chambers, stack, pump house, wash and toilet blocks, cottage, house, store, fences, drains and garages. Work also included the pit, well test sinking, road and power line. Wunderlich imported the popular Mar-
Tiles laying foundation for hemisphere’s largest seilles pattern terracotta tiles from France until the beginning of the first World War. When importation ceased due to hostilities, Wunderlich established tileries at Rosehill in Sydney and at Brunswick in Melbourne and started production in 1916. Wunderlich had produced metal ceilings and architectural work in Brisbane since the early 1900s but clay tiles were not manufactured locally until the company set up a factory at Ferny Grove in 1928. Since the easing of restrictions for the building industry after the recent Second World War, there has been great demand
for terracotta tiles from the industrial, commercial and domestic sectors. Although the Ferny Grove tilery has been extended and modernised over its lifespan, it is unable to cope with the demand. As a result, work began on the Northgate tilery and on completion, it will be one of the most modern in the world, with production based on the latest scientific methods. Wunderlich has plans to establish factories in South Australia and Tasmania with the goal to become the largest manufacturer of terracotta tiles in the Southern Hemisphere.
Large church for tiny town Rural ‘cathedral’ to seat 1000
Construction of Hatton Vale’s eye-catching new ‘cathedral’ is underway.
THE impressive new Apostolic Church at Hatton Vale, via Laidley, being built by Hutchies will seat a congregation of 1000 people. Construction is of brick with concrete foundations and floor and an arched ceiling. The building is so large that it is already being commonly referred to as a cathedral. Architect is J.P. Donaghue, Cusick and Edwards. Following the start of construction of the imposing church, Hutchies has also been contracted to build shops and offices in Laidley at a cost of £7,208. Hutchies’ team is camping at the Laidley Showgrounds during construction.