Alan’s 60-Year Journey at Coffey Testing
Alan’s remarkable journey at Coffey Testing began in an unexpected way. He arrived in Sydney by boat just two weeks before starting at Coffey Testing, aboard the Kanimbla (later renamed The Oriental Queen). After settling in, Alan visited his Uncle who was determined to help Alan find work, he contacted some friends, leading to an interview with David Coffey.
Despite having no immediate vacancies, David Coffey was impressed by Alan’s expertise in what was then known as “Soil Mechanics”. After discussing his skills, Alan was offered a role, which marked the start of a career that would span 60 years at Coffey Testing.
The Early Days 
When Alan joined Coffey Testing, Sydney was a very different place. The Opera House was still under construction, and the tallest building in Australia was the AMP Building. In the office, Alan worked with a Xerox 914 photocopier that produced seven copies per minute and occasionally caught fire, and an Olivetti Divisumma 24 calculator, which printed results on paper tape after taking minutes to process calculations.
Alan’s first major projects included supervising backfilling work at Tom Price, WA, and overseeing bush clearing and foundation work for a new tailings dam at Renison Bell, Tasmania. He later worked on a site investigation for the Lostock Dam in the Hunter Valley. His time at these projects provided valuable experience, leading to his return to Tom Price for a major railway construction project.
Embracing Technology
As technology evolved, so did Alan’s role. Coffey Testing made its first steps into offset printing during Alan’s time in the Purchasing Officer role. Soon after, Alan introduced digital data logging systems and played a pivotal role in adapting the company to the use of spreadsheets for data management. His work with JetForm software and the development of MS-DOS-based triaxial test programs improved efficiency and helped revolutionise Coffey’s lab operations.
Innovation in Testing
Alan’s work in data logging extended to soil and rock testing. He helped introduce systems that automatically logged readings, significantly reducing the need for manual data entry. These innovations led to faster, more accurate testing and streamlined processes across the company. Alan also became involved in pile inspections for major projects, including the M2 & M2 Extension bridges, Cockle Bay Wharf, King Street Wharf, and the Olympic Stadium.
A Career Built on Passion
Over the 60 years Alan has spent at Coffey Testing, he’s demonstrated remarkable dedication and adaptability. From the early days with basic office equipment to leading the charge in digital transformation, Alan’s career is a testament to his passion for his work and the innovative spirit that has defined Coffey Testing. Through his contributions, Alan helped shape Coffey Testing into the leading company it is today, and his legacy continues to inspire the team and future generations within the company.
