Our History
We’ve been building to connect communities from the very beginning. The Colas story started in a laboratory, almost 100 years ago.
Colas’ story began with innovation.
In 1922, two British engineers working in Shell laboratories developed cold asphalt, a cold bitumen emulsion that was cost-effective, easy to apply and transformative for road construction. This breakthrough marked the start of a new era for transport infrastructure.
Colas was formally established in France in 1929 to develop and commercialise the patent, launching what would become a unique industrial and people-focused journey. The name COLAS was derived from COLd ASphalt, reflecting this pioneering technology.
Driven by the conviction that infrastructure connects communities and supports development, Colas has continually evolved for nearly a century, sustainably transforming regions around the world. Backed by significant and ongoing investment in research and development, the global Colas Group has expanded from roads into all forms of transport infrastructure, specialising in innovative materials and processes that deliver safer and more sustainable transport systems.
In Australia
Colas has been operating in Australia since 2004, initially establishing a presence through bitumen imports and supply to support the nation’s growing road network.
In 2008, Colas Australia Group was formally created following the acquisition of several established local businesses. This laid the foundation for an integrated operating model that combines strong local knowledge with global expertise.
Since then, Colas Australia has grown through organic expansion and further acquisitions, now operating across seven states. The group delivers an integrated range of services including bitumen supply, binder and emulsion manufacturing, asphalt production, paving, surfacing and road maintenance.
Today, Colas Australia continues to invest in innovation, technical capability and sustainable practices, drawing on global research while remaining deeply connected to local communities and customers. This balance of international expertise and local delivery underpins Colas’ ongoing commitment to building, maintaining and improving Australia’s transport infrastructure.