ASX-listed construction firm Symal Group partners with Macquarie Cloud Services to scale its Microsoft Azure cloud environment, strengthen AI capabilities and accelerate Digital Transformation.
Macquarie Cloud Services, part of Macquarie Technology Group, is providing Microsoft Azure public cloud services to Symal Group to support the company’s digital foundation and rapid growth.
Symal Group was founded in Melbourne with ‘a shovel, a wheelbarrow and a ute’ in 2001 and has since evolved into a newly ASX-listed construction giant. The Group comprises five complementary businesses offering services across contracting, plant and equipment hire, material sales and recycling – all spanning multiple sectors.
With digital innovation a core focus for the company and a key reason behind its continued growth, Symal needed a Microsoft Azure specialist with deep technical expertise, according to Trent Dawson, General Manager IT and Systems, Symal Group.
“We’ve been moving at pace and we needed a new partner who could keep up and match our digital ambition and expertise,” said Dawson.
“It became very clear that Macquarie Cloud Services’ team had what it takes – their experience in managing Azure DevOps environments which we have, the AI foundations and developments they’ve made as a company, and really walking the talk of customer service. Many providers talk a big game here, but it’s ingrained in every aspect of what Macquarie Cloud gives and it makes for a truly proactive partnership experience.”
Macquarie Cloud Services managing the Azure environment has freed Dawson and his team of more than 20 technology experts from time-consuming tasks like software patching so they can focus on business growth, security and networking. Macquarie has also enabled cost savings including a 10% reduction in Microsoft subscriptions and reducing certain less-used cloud resources.
Symal also benefitted from improved commercial discounts on Azure consumption and the deployment of cloud-native monitoring, which significantly reduced infrastructure downtime and improved capacity management.
At the same time, a heightened need for robust cybersecurity and compliance measures was a front-of-mind concern for Symal to ensure the seamless integration of new acquisitions while reducing both the cost and risk often associated with growth.
Building AI capabilities in the construction sector
Symal is focusing heavily on building AI capabilities in its Azure environment, including the development of LLMs through Microsoft Copilot, building its own AI agents and leveraging its data in new ways. The company is looking at a number of AI developments to improve construction projects’ efficiency and reduce risk.
“The construction sector has lagged behind in technology and innovation for so long, but in the last few years we’re seeing a drastic shift and more impactful digital services being offered and created,” said Dawson.
“Innovating with intent is one of our core values and we’re 100% committed, from the top down, in being a leader in the industry transformation that’s happening. AI will be central to that and so will having a partner in Macquarie Cloud we can rely on to manage our Azure environment and who has that AI expertise and focus.”
Macquarie Cloud Services Head of Azure, Naran McClung, says Symal’s unique innovation and AI focus will help improve efficiency and digitalisation in Australia’s construction sector.
“AI can’t construct buildings, but it can dramatically improve efficiency, forecasting, collaboration and lower costs for construction companies and customers,” said McClung.
“Symal doesn’t just see this or sit back and wait for it; they’re experimenting now and creating this change the industry needs. We’re committed to helping them achieve that vision with our own unique approach to data, Azure cloud management and customer service.”
As Symal continues to evolve as an ASX-listed company, digital innovation remains central to its success. With an increasing reliance on Microsoft Azure for business operations, Symal needed a specialist partner with deep technical expertise. Finding the right provider was crucial to maintaining the company’s momentum and ensuring its IT team could focus on high-value strategic initiatives.
“We’ve been moving at pace and we needed a new partner who could keep up and match our digital ambition and expertise,” said Trent Dawson, General Manager IT and Systems, Symal Group.
At the same time, a heightened need for robust cybersecurity and compliance measures was a front-of-mind concern for Symal.
“It became very clear that Macquarie Cloud Services’ team had what it takes – their experience in managing Azure DevOps environments which we have, the AI foundations and developments they’ve made as a company, and really walking the talk of customer service.”
Macquarie Cloud and Symal – The technical solution
- Better commercial discounts on Azure consumption via Macquarie Cloud Services CSP
- Deployment of cloud-native monitoring to reduce infrastructure downtime and improve capacity management
- Enablement of Hosting Management Centre for 24×7 support and Service Delivery Teams for operational and project management
- Integration with the Cloud Analytics Portal and FinOps team for continual cost optimisation
- Managed Azure Virtual Desktop for optimised user VDI experience
- Improved cybersecurity and compliance measures ensuring seamless integration of new acquisitions while reducing both the cost and risk often associated with growth
The partnership has also laid the groundwork for Symal Group’s AI-driven transformation, enabling the company to develop LLMs through Microsoft Copilot, build AI agents and leverage data in innovative ways.
Cost optimisation was another key area of focus. Macquarie Cloud helped Symal achieve a 10% reduction in Microsoft subscriptions and optimise cloud resources by identifying and reducing underutilised services.
With Macquarie Cloud’s support, Symal is advancing its Digital Transformation initiatives and AI capabilities – looking at a number of AI developments to improve construction projects’ efficiency.
Symal is leading the charge and Macquarie Cloud’s role in managing Symal Group’s Azure environment ensures the company can focus on leading by example to pioneer change in the industry.
