Company History

Bassett was founded in 1928 in Melbourne, Australia by leading Australian engineering pioneer and entrepreneur, Sir Walter Bassett.

Sir Walter held degrees in both mechanical and electrical engineering, was the Professor of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering at Melbourne University, and was a decorated fighter pilot in World War 1, all before starting the company in Melbourne in 1928.

From its Melbourne beginnings, the company was the first to expand as a national company to open offices in each state of Australia and beyond in South East Asia and the South Pacific.

The company grew since this time to become the dominant force in mechanical and electrical consulting engineering in the Australasian region. The company has continued the spirit of its founder by adopting a profound strategy that encompasses:

• The provision of the highest levels of customer focus.
• Elevating the science and art of mechanical and electrical engineering to new levels.
• Providing added value in every aspect of our work.
• Investing in understanding the business of our clients. 
• Employing extraordinary people. 
• Providing an environment where each member of staff can reach their fullest potential.

October 2004 was a watershed in the company’s history.  The Principals of the company recognised that in order to keep on growing and to extend our reach into the nearby international markets, we needed a sharp international partner.  In late 2004 the Principals of the company voted to join the AECOM group of companies and to link our management operations in Australia with Maunsell, AECOM’s predominant operating company in the region.

Bassett and AECOM chose each other for their complementary services, similarities in culture and values and areas of specialisation. In addition, Bassett became AECOM’s primary mechanical and electrical specialist within Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Bassett also work in joint venture with Cansult Maunsell in the Middle East.

According to Bassett Managing Director, Geoff Hardy, by joining Bassett transcended geographic boundaries in its operations and has seen an immediate benefit for the merged parties, through addition of mechanical and electrical expertise to the group's civil engineering, major project and infrastructure design capabilities.

Bassett is focussed on achieving growth through excellence, innovation, and integrity. We are expanding the breadth of our capabilities into new professional specialisations, offering new services to clients, and continuously improving standards of service by keeping apace with the latest developments in technology and communications.