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Rockhampton-based CQ Soil Testing is expanding, with the addition of its own laboratory for in-house testing of samples.

The company specialises in the investigation, sampling and testing of soil, and geotechnical work for the domestic, industrial, government, and mining sector.

“CQ Soil Testing will continue to provide efficient and effective drilling and geotechnical investigations for our clients in the engineering, soil, construction, and mining industry using our state-of-the-art soil sampling rigs,” director Scott Walton said.

“However, in the past we sent soil samples for testing to outside laboratories which can be fraught with danger in terms of consistency of results and waiting times, which made us realise we needed to take control of our own work.

“To change that and to take control of our own laboratory testing, we decided to expand our geotechnical work further and build a laboratory (CQ Soil Labs) which not only allows us to do our own testing and look after our clients better but also service local industry.”

CQ Soil Testing has been operating in Rockhampton for the past 22 years. From starting a small operation in his backyard to now moving into the old Rockhampton Park Avenue Fire Station, Mr Walton said it had been a tough journey but one worth travelling.

“When I first started the business there was only one other company working within the domestic market in Central Queensland and I wanted to offer more choice,” he said.

“Like any new business it was tough at first but after some groundwork and a lot of cold calling, slowly but surely I managed to gain traction, pick up some clients, and the rest is history.”

After working in the domestic market for 10 years, CQ Soil Testing expanded into the commercial and industrial markets and the mining industry including geotechnical and pavement works.

The business has opened offices in Hervey Bay and Mackay, runs a fleet of drilling rigs, and has grown to 12 staff.

This article first appeared in Industry Queensland.