Australian Mine Services (AMS) was established in 2003 by welding engineer Ian Massara and his partner Julie Smith-Massara. Operating in a traditional and highly competitive industry sector, Ian and Julie have identified a specialist niche. They focussed on the fabrication and maintenance of heavy earthmoving and fixed plant equipment and were poised to expand into the east coast. AMS grew rapidly from a standing start to having a budgeted turnover of $20 million and 120 staff in 2006.
<br> <br> AMS was acquired by Leighton Holdings in February 2008. AMS became part of Leighton's HWE operation, which is operated by Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd, which also owns Perth-based Broad Construction Services Pty Ltd.