Call : 1800 571 464
Call : 1800 571 464
A New Era for Screenmasters Australia
SMA (Screenmasters Australia) say it’s time to start a new era.
For over 30 years, Michael McGinley and Mick Lagan have grown SMA into a cornerstone of the Australian Crushing and Screening Industry.
Their stewardship as Directors has seen SMA grow from strength to strength, becoming authorised dealers for the world’s largest crushing and screening equipment manufacturers, servicing the quarrying, mining, recycling and dry bulk handling sectors nationwide.
But Michael and Mick aren’t wasting time looking at the past. They’re focused on the future and entrusting their sons, Ben and Ciaran, to lead the way.
Ciaran – National Sales Manager
Ben – VIC/SA Sales Manager
Passing the Torch: Stability Through Family Leadership
So, why now? For Michael and Mick, it’s all about stability.
“Creating a steady and seamless leadership shift will ensure we don’t lose what we do best, offering proven solutions and leading customer support,” says Michael. Handing the reigns to Ben and Ciaran continues SMA’s family-style business approach, an approach that enables their renowned levels of customer service.
For many of SMA’s loyal partners, this won’t change much at all. Ben and Ciaran have already put in plenty of time operating on the front foot, as SMA’s VIC/SA Sales Manager and National Sales Manager, respectively.
They have been building customer and partner relationships on job sites, at conventions and anywhere else the job takes them. To many satisfied customers, Ciaran and Ben already are the face of SMA.
Resilience and Growth in a Changing Industry
Leadership is more than just smiles and handshakes; Ben and Ciaran are stepping behind the controls of SMA, already battle-tested.
Working alongside their fathers in 2019, when the industry was rocked by natural disasters, pandemics and a global shipping crisis.
“No one could have predicted what the last five years had in store. We had to be agile and ready for anything; staying in touch with our customers and how their needs could change was so important,” remembers Ben.
Perseverance, grit and hard work saw SMA navigate these game changing events, as they celebrated 30 years in business in 2024, alongside strengthened partnerships and a fleet of newly launched products.
“It was inspiring to see how our dads were able to take on each new obstacle,” says Ben. “They never panicked and never lost sight of the customer. No matter the situation, they kept returning to how we could best offer support.”
Innovation, Sustainability, and Smart Technology
These lessons will guide Ben and Ciaran as they navigate the evolving Crushing and Screening Industry.
New challenges bring significant opportunities and SMA are betting on their boys to find ways to grow while continuing to cement the business as a leader in the industry.
Changing government emissions and energy standards mean businesses must consider more factors when finding the right equipment for their job and means there is more demand for sustainable machinery from original equipment manufacturers (OEM).
“Industries are getting greener, faster,” according to Ciaran. “It’s important that we’re always working with our brand partners to provide equipment that’s sustainable and effective.”
Ben and Ciaran’s SMA isn’t staying passive when it comes to sustainability. SMA has already partnered with G.P.P Industries, a respected player in the Australian sustainability market, dedicated to recycling waste and reducing landfill impact. Ciaran met with GPP Industries to discuss their needs and find the right solution for their waste recycling practice. “There’s a definitive shift towards sustainable practices,” according to Ciaran. “It’s encouraging to see businesses like G.P.P leading the way.”
Technology is changing faster than ever. Automation, AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) are just some of the ways crushing and screening equipment is evolving. It’s integral that SMA lead the way in offering tech-smart efficiencies that meet their customer’s needs.
For Ben, staying ahead of tech trends comes down to real-world impact. “Tech is evolving all the time. It’s critical to get a full understanding of new product innovations, so you can ensure you’re offering people the most effective solutions possible.”
Staying on top of these trends is key for SMA’s favourite sons, ensuring that the solutions they have to offer are a step ahead and that they position the business for continued growth.
Ben & Director, Michael McGinley
Ciaran & Director, Mick Lagan
Relationships That Stand the Test of Time in the Crushing & Screening Industry
One trend that hasn’t changed for over 30 years in the screening and crushing industry is that it’s all about people and building relationships that last. SMA may have connections with the world’s largest manufacturers and 24/7 expert support, but it’s their ability to connect with their customer, understand their needs and provide the right solution for their job that has led to SMA’s continued success.
“We’re a family business. Our livelihood is governed by how well we look after our customers. That’s why we do whatever it takes to keep our customers producing,” explains Ben.
General Manager, Joshua Berardinelle of Austip Recycling is testament to this customer first philosophy, praising Ciaran and SMA for understanding his needs and sourcing the best machine to meet them. “With SMA and the Keestrack K6 we saw production increase and costs and downtime reduce”.
Ciaran is exemplary of SMA’s long-term approach when it comes to partnerships. Chris, of Smallmon Brothers Waste and Recycling, credits Ciaran with expanding his family business, “Ciaran was instrumental in helping us find the right machinery.”
But their relationship didn’t end at that initial transaction. Ciaran and his team continued to offer on-site and phone support as Chris continued to grow his own business.
“We aim to build lasting relationships,” says Ciaran. It’s a proven business philosophy that has stood for 30 years. As trends and technology come and go, this steadfast, people-first approach will assure SMA stands the test of time.
Experience Meets the Future
For proud dads, Michael and Mick, this is the beginning of a new era, but as for their roles as SMA Directors, it’s not quite the end.
“Michael and I certainly aren’t disappearing” laughs Mick. “We still have a lot to offer the business, customers and our partners, but now is the time to start planning for the next 30 years of SMA.”
There’s a still a bit of wisdom to pass on yet and, together with Ben and Ciaran, they’ll usher in a new era of success, built on a generation of experience.
Want to learn more about working with the SMA team?