Hardie founded the business in 1964 with his older brother Ian. From a farming background, they started out as a plant hirer before evolving into a civil engineering contractor. The pair experienced tremendous growth and success; laying the foundations for the business it is today.

A message posted to the company’s LinkedIn page reads: “When Hardie founded the business 57 years ago, I doubt he would have dreamed what it would have grown into. He leaves an incredible legacy behind him.”