Crafting Excellence in Civil Construction

From humble backyard beginnings to a nationwide industry leader, Manhole Form Hire has been redefining the construction of underground access chambers since 1994. Guided by a legacy of innovation, precision, and unwavering commitment, we bring expertise and ingenuity to every project we undertake.

Our Founding Vision

The story of Manhole Form Hire begins with our Founder/Chairman, Cliff Rae-Smith, a master concreter whose expertise and ingenuity transformed the construction of underground access chambers.


In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Cliff was renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship and engineering, actually building his own manhole forms in his backyard. These custom forms enabled the casting of chambers in-situ with unmatched precision and efficiency. His dedication to quality and dependability earned him a reputation as a trusted leader in the civil construction community, consistently delivering projects on time and within budget.


A pivotal moment came in 1993 when a fellow contractor, impressed by the superior quality of Cliff’s forms, asked to borrow them for payment. This request illuminated an opportunity to share his groundbreaking designs with the broader industry.


By October 1994, Cliff transformed this vision into reality, founding Manhole Form Hire. His commitment to precision, reliability, and innovation laid the foundation for a company that continues to set benchmarks in the civil construction sector, ensuring his legacy endures in every perfectly formed chamber.

Innovation and Excellence

Cliff’s entrepreneurial spirit and meticulous attention to detail led him to patent his designs, including a groundbreaking universal ‘corner planing plate’ that revolutionised the efficiency and precision of square and rectangular pit construction. His dedication to improvement and excellence laid the foundation for Manhole Form Hire’s reputation as a trusted partner in the civil construction industry.

Growth and Expansion

The business slowly but steadily grew, moving from Cliff’s backyard to a factory/warehouse on Chetwynd Street, Loganholme, in 2003. Thirteen years later, the need for more space drove the company to its own current premises in Yatala. Today, Manhole Form Hire operates nationwide, with branches in Sydney, Melbourne, and soon the Sunshine Coast, enabling us to better serve our customers across Australia.

Manhole forms with taper back

Our People

At the heart of Manhole Form Hire’s success is the wisdom and drive of our founder, Cliff Rae-Smith, whose leadership and life experiences have shaped the company’s values. His sharp eye for detail, ingenious thinking, and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to inspire the team. Integral to our journey has also been the leadership of Barry Kuster, who joined us in 2002 and is now our Managing Director and National Manager. Barry’s unparalleled ability to take on any challenge and deliver results has been invaluable, along with his own inventiveness and subsequent patents, whilst at the same time, driving the company’s quality controls, growth and also ensuring that every aspect of our operations runs seamlessly.

Our Legacy

From its humble beginnings to becoming a leader in the industry for casting chambers in-situ, Manhole Form Hire remains steadfast in its commitment to the principles that sparked its success: precision, reliability, and innovation. We are proud to carry forward Cliff’s legacy, delivering solutions that continually push boundaries and exceed expectations.

Why choose us?

Manhole Form Hire provides a superior range of forms and equipment designed to help you complete your projects with exceptional quality. Here’s why we’re the trusted choice for forms and construction solutions.

Manhole forms with taper back
Patent certified

Engineer-certified and patented products

custom manhole

Customisable manhole forms to suit your project

range of manholes

Wide range of manhole form sections available

In Need Of Advice

Speak with one of our team members to guide you through all the best options to suit your project.

Other benefits include:

next day delivery

Next-day delivery, no delays

maintenance

Equipment storage and maintenance included

Wide range

Wide range of sizes for flexible quoting

Specialist

Specialist equipment to handle unique projects

varied sizes

Pour multiple jobs at once with our varied sizes

stacking

Stack them for taller structures effortlessly

track equipment

We track the equipment, condition, or relocation

work-at-height

Safety-focused work at height solutions

Dust free

Dust-free form cleaning with off-site options

Certified

Certified equipment, easily accessible documents

expanding products

Expanding product range for a one-stop shop

Australia’s Leading Manhole Form Hire Provider

Our in-situ manhole forms and equipment are trusted by a diverse range of clients across civil infrastructure and sub-divisional developments along Australia’s east coast. From national and multinational civil contractors to local subcontractors, pipelayers, sewer and drainage specialists, pit builders, cable installers, and earthmovers, we proudly support projects of every size and complexity.

Light duty pit box

Our available products

Manhole Form Hire provide you with the forms you need on-site quickly and efficiently

Check out our latest blog posts

Manhole formwork used to launch tunnel boring machine
By Lisa Aquino February 16, 2025
Innovative formwork solutions for challenging excavations
By Lisa Aquino February 6, 2025
Smarter formwork solutions for complex pit designs
horseshoe-shaped formwork to construct a culvert
By Lisa Aquino November 14, 2024
A look into Manhole Form Hire’s custom formwork solutions
Manhole Form Hire forms, poured to height
July 3, 2023
As providers of Pecaform formwork, we’ve compiled a range of frequently asked questions so you can learn more about how Pecaform works!
Stormwater drain
July 3, 2023
Want to know more about the importance of concrete stormwater pits? Click here to learn how they’re installed and their benefits.
Heavy duty panels
July 3, 2023
Want to learn more about the function of gully pits and how they are installed? Click here to read our blog and get the information you need.
More Posts

About us contact form

Contact us

The helpful team at Manhole Form Hire are committed to providing you with the best service and form equipment possible, so you can focus on completing your project on time and on budget. Contact us today to learn more about our services across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria – all you have to do is fill in our enquiry form or give us a call.



Share by: