Australian Mine Services (AMS) was established in 2003 by welding engineer Ian Massara and his partner Julie Smith-Massara. Operating in a traditional and highly competitive industry sector, Ian and Julie have identified a specialist niche. They focussed on the fabrication and maintenance of heavy earthmoving and fixed plant equipment and were poised to expand into the east coast. AMS grew rapidly from a standing start to having a budgeted turnover of $20 million and 120 staff in 2006.
AMS was acquired by Leighton Holdings in February 2008. AMS became part of Leighton's HWE operation, which is operated by Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd, which also owns Perth-based Broad Construction Services Pty Ltd.