Rapid Results: How ATS Delivered a Weatherproof Auction Canopy for Ritchie Bros in Just 10 Days

daniellaATS
2 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 21 hours ago

When one of the world’s largest auctioneers of heavy equipment and machinery needed a fast, durable, and professional weatherproofing solution, Ritchie Bros turned to Australian Temporary Structures (ATS).

At their Spring Farm auction yard in New South Wales, the company required a covered space large enough to accommodate vehicles, bidders, and staff, all while withstanding Australia’s unpredictable climate.

Working in partnership with HR Structures GmbH, the German manufacturer of premium modular building systems, ATS delivered a 15 m × 40 m Cargo Canopy featuring a 6.3 m side height, Thermo Roof System, and modular aluminium frame, all installed within just 10 days of order confirmation.

Meeting the Weatherproof Auction Canopy Challenge

Ritchie Bros. hosts regular large-scale auctions that attract hundreds of attendees. As operations expanded, they needed a weather-protected auction zone capable of providing:

Reliable weatherproof auction canopy protection from wind, sun, and rain
Ample clearance height for large vehicles and equipment
Thermal efficiency to reduce heat build-up during summer
A semi-permanent structure that could be relocated or reused

The project came with a tight deadline, the canopy needed to be installed and operational before the next auction weekend.

Ritchie Bros Cargo Canopy — Ritchie Bros Weather Protection Canopy

The Solution: Cargo Industrial Canopy

ATS engaged HR Structures to manufacture and deliver a high-performance Cargo Canopy system, custom-engineered to meet the site’s operational needs.

Key features included:

Thermo Roof System: A dual-membrane, air-cushioned roof providing superior insulation and internal climate control.
Roof Pump Integration: Maintains constant air pressure and efficient water drainage during heavy rainfall.
High Clearance: 6.3 m side height for unrestricted movement of heavy machinery and vehicles.
Fast Deployment: Modular aluminium frame system enabled rapid installation on existing ground, without major foundations.
ATS’s installation team managed the entire build process locally, ensuring quality control, compliance, and precise assembly.

Results & Outcomes

The project was completed within 10 days, allowing Ritchie Bros. to meet their auction schedule without interruption.

The new canopy delivered:

A professional, weather-protected auction space
Improved comfort and presentation for bidders and staff
Operational continuity, even during adverse weather
A long-term, relocatable structure now replicated at multiple Ritchie Bros. sites across Australia

Expanding Success: Ritchie Bros. Extends Modular Canopies Nationwide with ATS

From one successful installation at Spring Farm to multiple sites across Australia, modular precision driving long-term partnerships.

From Pilot Project to Proven Solution

When Ritchie Bros., one of the world’s largest heavy-equipment auctioneers, first engaged Australian Temporary Structures (ATS) to deliver a weatherproof auction canopy at their Spring Farm (NSW) site, the goal was simple: create a durable, fast-to-install solution that could protect vehicles, bidders, and staff from Australia’s harsh climate.

The result exceeded expectations and turned into a National Roll-Out: Pinkenba QLD, Laverton VIC & Cranbourne VIC

Following the Spring Farm success, Ritchie Bros. expanded their canopy program nationwide, commissioning additional structures at:

Pinkenba, Queensland. Covering heavy-equipment display areas in a high-sun coastal environment.
Laverton, Victoria. Providing a weather-resilient auction and preparation zone for the busy Melbourne market.
Cranbourne, Victoria. Creating a flexible canopy system for year-round operational use and future scalability.

Each site received a custom-sized Canopy, with local compliance to Australian Standards and engineered foundations to suit site conditions.

The canopies were tailored to local environmental factors, from coastal wind loads in Pinkenba to regional climate variations in Victoria. ensuring consistent performance and durability across all locations.

Why Ritchie Bros. Chose to Expand

The decision to replicate the canopy system nationally was driven by several key benefits proven at Spring Farm:

Speed of Delivery. 10-day turnaround from delivery to completion.

Operational Reliability. Auctions protected from rain, sun, and wind.

Professional Presentation. Enhanced visual experience for bidders and clients.

Modular Flexibility. Structures can be relocated, expanded, or reconfigured as operations evolve.

“The turnaround from start to finish was exceptional. The canopy delivered exactly what we needed, function, speed, and durability. It’s now a core part of our setup at Spring Farm.”

— Ernesto Ayala, Ritchie Bros.

The Takeaway

For clients requiring rapid-deployment industrial structures, whether for logistics, auctions, warehousing, or manufacturing, ATS delivers turnkey modular solutions that are built to perform and built to last.

From design to installation, ATS offers end-to-end project delivery with the support of certified European manufacturing and Australian engineering standards.