For more than 140 years, EJ has built a global reputation for producing the essential infrastructure components that quietly keep cities running. From manhole covers to drainage grates, their products are rarely noticed when they perform as intended — which, according to Managing Director Simon Bottomley, is exactly the point.
This year EJ has stepped forward as the sponsor of the EJ Sustainability and Community Award, aligning the company’s global values with the increasing focus on environmental responsibility, community outcomes and long-term thinking across Queensland’s construction sector.
For Bottomley, supporting the awards was a natural next step in EJ’s growing relationship with the Queensland Major Contractors Association.
Supporting an organisation that delivers for industry
EJ’s decision to partner with the QMCA Awards followed several years of engagement with the association through industry events and forums.
Bottomley says the organisation has built a strong reputation for creating meaningful opportunities for contractors, suppliers and industry leaders to connect.
“The QMCA consistently delivers events and conversations that genuinely bring the industry together,” he says.
“Whether it’s breakfasts, forums or networking events, they create opportunities for suppliers like us to engage with different levels within contractor organisations and strengthen relationships across the sector.”
Those interactions have also provided EJ with valuable insight into the scale of infrastructure investment expected across Queensland over the coming decade.
“When our global leadership visited Australia recently, the QMCA took the time to provide a detailed overview of the sector and the opportunities ahead,” Bottomley says. “That kind of industry leadership really stood out.”
A natural alignment with sustainability and community
When the opportunity arose to sponsor an award category, the Sustainability and Community Award immediately resonated with EJ’s direction as a global business.
Across EJ’s international operations, sustainability and environmental performance are becoming increasingly central to the company’s strategy. The business has recently achieved strong ESG ratings across its European foundries through international sustainability certification programs, reflecting a growing commitment to responsible manufacturing and environmental stewardship.
“Sustainability and community outcomes are becoming inseparable from successful infrastructure delivery,” Bottomley says.
“Projects today need to consider their environmental footprint, how materials perform over decades and the broader benefits they create for the communities they serve.”
For EJ, that philosophy aligns closely with the nature of the products it manufactures.
“Our components are designed to last for decades. If you use quality materials and get it right the first time, it’s better for the environment and more cost-effective over the life of the asset.”
A culture built on community values
While sustainability has become a major global focus, Bottomley says EJ’s community-minded culture runs far deeper than corporate strategy.
The company traces its origins to East Jordan, Michigan, where the EJ foundry first began operations in 1883. More than a century later, the business remains closely connected to that community.
“It’s still very much a company town,” Bottomley says. “Generations of families have worked at the foundry, and the company has always believed in supporting the community that supports it.”
That commitment has translated into significant investments in civic infrastructure and community facilities over the years.
“They’ve funded fire stations, supported schools and invested in local projects. It’s a culture where community responsibility is simply part of how the business operates.”
The power of bringing industry together
The upcoming QMCA Awards long lunch will bring together hundreds of leaders from Queensland’s construction sector to celebrate innovation and excellence.
For Bottomley, events like this remain an important part of the industry’s culture — particularly in a sector where collaboration and relationships are essential to delivering complex projects.
“There’s real value in stepping away from the day-to-day pressures and having the chance to connect with people across the industry,” he says.
“These gatherings create a relaxed environment where people can build trust and strengthen relationships. That ultimately makes it easier to solve problems and work together when challenges arise on projects.”
Recognising the people behind major projects
Bottomley also believes industry awards play a critical role in recognising the extraordinary effort that goes into delivering infrastructure — work that often goes unnoticed by the wider community.
“People drive across a bridge or through a tunnel without realising the immense amount of skill, planning and collaboration that went into delivering it,” he says.
“Queensland has some outstanding contractors, engineers and project teams delivering world-class infrastructure. These awards shine a light on the people behind those achievements.”
With Brisbane preparing for the 2032 Olympic Games, Bottomley expects the coming decade to showcase the industry’s capabilities on a global stage.
“When the Olympics arrive, people will see the results of the work happening now — the transport networks, public spaces and facilities that will shape the city for generations.”
Built to perform for decades
As EJ continues supporting projects across Australia, Bottomley says the company remains focused on the fundamentals that have sustained the business for more than a century.
“We design and manufacture products to meet local standards and perform reliably for the long term,” he says.
“Our philosophy is simple: provide high-quality products, stand behind what we deliver and make life easier for contractors and engineers on site.”
It is an approach that has helped EJ operate successfully in Australia for four decades and globally for more than 140 years.
“You don’t stay in business for that long unless you’re doing something right,” Bottomley says.
EJ is a 5th generation family-owned company that has a long history of fostering strong customer relationships. EJ is the global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of access solutions for water, sewer, drainage, telecommunications and utility networks worldwide.
Since our founding in 1883, we have grown by providing access solutions to meet the demands of the world’s growing infrastructure. Fueled by innovation, our design, manufacturing and distribution processes continue to evolve – creating solutions that provide an unparalleled customer experience.
Wherever you are, EJ provides access solutions that adhere to the local specifications in a timely and competitive manner. We also work with our customers to produce access solutions to meet their specialised requirements. Our sales staff around the world understands the unique needs of your market.
Wherever you are, whatever your specific requirement might be, EJ has the best access solutions for your infrastructure project.
Learn more about EJ by downloading their Capability Statement.
