Macquarie nails Azure cloud services for Symal Group

Macquarie Technology Group’s Cloud Services division has been tapped by construction business group Symal Group for Microsoft Azure public cloud services.

Based in Melbourne, Symal Group was founded in 2001 and is made up of five businesses – Symal, Sycle, Unyte, Searo and Wamarra – with offerings ranging from contracting, recycling, plant equipment hire, energy systems and Indigenous construction services.

The group required an Azure specialist provider with a deep technical skillset that could keep up with its own “digital ambition and expertise”, according to Symal Group general manager of IT and systems Trent Dawson.

There was also a “heightened need for robust” cyber security and compliance measures, Macquarie said, for the integration of new acquisitions while reducing growth-related costs and risks.

“It became very clear that Macquarie Cloud Services’ team had what it takes – their experience in managing Azure DevOps environments which we have, the AI foundations and developments they’ve made as a company and really walking the talk of customer service,” he said.

“Many providers talk a big game here, but it’s ingrained in every aspect of what Macquarie Cloud gives and it makes for a truly proactive partnership experience.”

Additionally, the deployment of cloud-native monitoring has “significantly reduced” infrastructure downtime and improved capacity management.

With Macquarie Cloud Services managing Symal Group’s Azure environment and handling tasks like software patching, Dawson and his team of over 20 technology experts are able to spend time on business growth, security and network.

In a statement, Macquarie claimed Symal Group has saved costs, including a 10 per cent reduction in Microsoft subscriptions, reducing less-used cloud resources and improved commercial discounts on Azure consumption.

Building AI capabilities

Symal Group is also looking at developing its AI capabilities in its Azure environment to improve construction projects’ efficiency and reduce risk.

This includes the development of large language models (LLM) via Microsoft Copilot, the building of AI agents and leveraging data in new ways.

“The construction sector has lagged behind in technology and innovation for so long, but in the last few years we’re seeing a drastic shift and more impactful digital services being offered and created,” said Dawson.

“Innovating with intent is one of our core values and we’re 100 per cent committed, from the top down, in being a leader in the industry transformation that’s happening. AI will be central to that and so will having a partner in Macquarie Cloud we can rely on to manage our Azure environment and who has that AI expertise and focus.”

Macquarie Cloud Services head of Azure Naran McClung said Symal’s AI focus will “help to improve efficiency and digitalisation in Australia’s construction sector”.

“AI can’t construct buildings, but it can dramatically improve efficiency, forecasting, collaboration and lower costs for construction companies and customers,” said McClung.

“Symal doesn’t just see this or sit back and wait for it; they’re experimenting now and creating this change the industry needs. We’re committed to helping them achieve that vision with our own unique approach to data, Azure cloud management and customer service.”

The construction group’s focus on AI comes as Macquarie Technology Group’s half yearly results for the 2025 financial year showed the megatrends of AI along with cloud and cyber to be driving its financial success.