The AUSPAN History
Our journey
Explore the AUSPAN timeline from the family farm through to our growing team and innovative facilities today.
The original family farm
Ben Richardson left school to join his father John on the grain, sheep, and – believe it or not – red deer family farming enterprise. They farmed around 5,000 acres just south of Gnowangerup and from a very young age Ben and his three brothers Steve, Caleb and Lloyd thoroughly enjoyed helping their dad wherever they could. They still have the original family farm, which has been in the family since 1910. Their great, great grandad settled on this land and started the huge task of clearing and setting up the farm to support his growing family. The family now sharecrop the farm, and when they aren’t at AUSPAN, you will often find them out there enjoying family time together.
The first steel workshop
Steve Richardson left school and joined Ben and John in the family farming operation. With this came the need to find some additional work to keep them all busy, so they set up a corner of the farm shed as their first steel fabrication workshop and started doing some sub-contract steel fabrication for businesses in the local area.
AUSPEX
A property was purchased in Gnowangerup and with the help of some family friends, the AUSPAN journey began. Although back then the business was known as AUSPEX STEEL.
A big milestone
The 100th project is completed.
A small and mighty team
Employee count is now at eleven including Ben and Steve’s brother Caleb, and cousins Gavin and Mike.
The age of AUSPAN
This was the year that AUSPEX STEEL became AUSPAN, and the employee count stood at 14, plus an ever-growing team of sub-contractors.
A proud accomplishment
The 500th project is completed.
Major growth
Lloyd, the youngest of the Richardson brothers, joins the business. The new industrial arm of the business was launched and saw the company expand its offering into the design and construction of factories, warehouses, bulk storage facilities, heavy vehicle workshops and the mining sector. AUSPAN's second office opens in Maddington and is moved to Canning Vale by the end of the year. The company's third office also launches this year in Albany.
We hit 1000!
Our 1,000th project is completed.
Toodyay office opens.
Geraldton office opens.
Gnowangerup HQ
Our 1,500th project is completed. Plus, the new Gnowangerup production facilities and HQ is completed.
Innovative technologies
Installation of the new Voortman beam line steel processing machine.
100 team members!
The opening of an additional office location in Canning Vale to accommodate the increased number of team members.
Working with AUSPAN has been an exceptional experience. Their knowledge, professionalism, and attention to detail made the entire process easy and enjoyable. From design through to construction, everything was handled with care and precision. Walking through the finished building for the first time, I was genuinely impressed — it’s an outstanding result that showcases AUSPAN’s expertise and commitment to quality.
Working with AUSPAN has been a seamless experience from start to finish. Their technical support, quick communication, and attention to detail made the entire process effortless. The build quality is exceptional, and the partnership between AUSPAN and Red Rust Construction worked brilliantly. This new shed gives us flexibility we’ve never had before — it’s a real game changer for how we manage and store our products.
The overall experience with AUSPAN has been terrific — everything went to plan from start to finish. The design works perfectly for our road trains, and the quality of the build is outstanding. Their professionalism and unique roof-lift system really set them apart. I couldn’t be happier and would 100% recommend AUSPAN.
AUSPAN made the whole process really easy for us. They were quick to respond, gave us clear cost estimates whenever we looked at changes, and guided us through what would work best. We ended up with a four-court stadium the kids absolutely love — and we’re now the envy of other associations.
At AUSPAN, we’re proud to have delivered another successful project for Direct Freight Express. From feasibility to final handover, the collaboration between our team and theirs was seamless. This facility in Kenwick reflects our shared commitment to practical design, build quality, and long-term performance.
This project really showcases what’s possible when modern dairy technology meets local shed-building expertise. From early planning through to completion, we focused on creating a structure that not only fit Mark’s operational needs but also future-proofed his investment.
With a 50-metre lean-to for added functionality and 38 metres of ridge ventilation, the end result is a purpose-built, high-performance dairy shed—strong, efficient, and designed to last.
The overall experience was easy, really. Once we’d determined the size and design, the process was seamless, and I was kept informed the whole way through. The quality of the materials is outstanding — it’s a substantial structure that’s built to last. Every time I drive past, I feel proud knowing it’s something that’ll stand strong for years.
What I enjoyed most about working with AUSPAN was the responsiveness, [and] the depth of knowledge of the staff. They’re a very good team to work with and so the overall experience was fantastic as a result.
“The dealings we have had with AUSPAN have been really good. I wouldn’t hesitate on calling them again to put up another shed for us in the future.”
“The whole process was seamless. I definitely would recommend AUSPAN; they are serious shed builders I think they have done a fantastic job!”
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