PROVIDING PLANT TO
THE PILBARA SINCE 1989

Red dirt always found a way of calling out to the Patterson’s. 

During the 60’s and 70’s, Dampier dust flowed through Hector ‘Paddy’ Patterson’s veins. His unwavering loyalty and hard-work in the community eventuated in a Dampier street named after him called ‘Patterson Crescent,’ or so the story goes. He was after all, the man responsible for pushing the last bit of soil on the causeway to join intercourse island with the mainland. 

It seemed only a matter of time before his son Phil would feel the same innate pull to venture north. Phil and Tammie’s relationship with the Pilbara began in 1983 when the prosperities of the North West Shelf Gas Project enticed them to Karratha. This fateful decision ignited a lifelong love affair with this hometown. 

A few years passed before they began to recognise the serious need for quality plant and operators. They let the thought simmer for a while as they studied the land, adapted to the harsh weather conditions, and became imbedded in the growing community. Finally in 1989, after years of observation, the young couple decided to offer this new service to the town. Phil and Tammie worked hard to ride the ups and downs of the Pilbara which wasn’t always kind to them. Eventually, their work spoke for themselves as they built a reputation based on integrity, reliability and quality. 

By the early 2000’s the determined pair had acquired excavators and backhoes to the fleet. One particular Komatsu PC200 - affectionately known as “Mr Wobbly” is now a permanent Dampier feature after being donated to the Hampton Harbour Boat and Sailing Club.

In 2011, their son-in-law Steve joined the family business and a couple of years later Lorcan was welcomed into the fold as Yard Supervisor.  The team worked even harder together and consequently transformed KMH into the largest home-grown plant hire business in the Pilbara. However, the aim was never to be the biggest in the hire game.  

Our ambition remains as it did in 1989; to be known for offering exceptional service, customer satisfaction and quality machinery.

THE KMH FAMILY