Henry Wagner, a grandson of John Henry Wagner, eventually acquired control, expanded to include concreting, and in 1989 formed a partnership with three of his sons John, Denis, and Neill. Later, a fourth son Joe, joined and became an equal partner in the business which has achieved regional, national and international distinction. From 1989, the business expanded rapidly from one concrete plant to 19 within 20 years and a work force of 1,100. Diversification led the business into pre-cast concrete, re-enforcing steel, ground-breaking building products and major construction and infrastructure projects both at home and abroad, including in sub-zero temperatures in Sakhalin, Russia. In Australia, the business thrived in a range of diverse construction and infrastructure related activities. Wagners developed fibre technology products and their "earth friendly" concrete. In 2017, Wagers successfully listed its building materials and mining services operations on the Australian Stock Exchange. The Wagner family established Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, the first public airport to be constructed in Australia in 50 years, built entirely with private money and completed in less than 20 months. Built, owned and operated by the Wagner family, the airport is a regional and interstate passenger facility with major airlines and is a hub for the export of regional produce to China via a weekly 747 service.
Company values
A key to their success has been a commitment to resolve all differences face-to-face in the boardroom. Common sense, shared vision and team work characterise their partnership ensuring that no vote has ever been required to deal with a crucial issue or decision. The Wagner brothers strongly embrace the values of their parents Henry and Mary, namely honesty and fair dealing in their business activities and a commitment to improving communities in which they operate.
Following the 2010-2011 Queensland floods, radio host Alan Jones made a series of on-air allegations against the Wagners accusing them of being responsible for the deaths of 12 people during the floods following the collapse of a wall in a quarry they owned. The Wagners commenced a defamation action, which resulted in a 2018 judgment that Jones and the radio stations that broadcast him were ordered to pay $3.7 million in damages to the Wagner family.
