Celebrating 50 Years of Building Trust in Australia

This year marks a major milestone for Sika Australia, celebrating 50 years since establishing in Australia in 1976 - alongside the people who’ve trusted our innovations to perform for decades.

In construction and major infrastructure, some of the most important work often goes unseen - until it matters most. It’s the roofing system that stays watertight year after year. The high-performance concrete that helps keep traffic moving under constant pressure. The refurbishment solutions that strengthen existing buildings and extend the life of iconic Australian landmarks.

Behind success stories like these is the Sika team, driven by chemistry, innovative engineering, sustainable solutions and performance made to last when it matters most.

As we celebrate our 50 Year Anniversary, we’re commemorating what’s been built together, as well as our commitment to keep innovating and remain a trusted partner for the next 50 years and beyond.

Sika’s origins go back to 1910, when Swiss chemist Kaspar Winkler developed Sika-1, a quick-setting waterproofing admixture that helped waterproof the Gotthard Tunnel. That same mindset still drives Sika today: solve tough construction problems with better chemistry, backed by real-world performance.

Our commitment has always been the same: to provide the right Sika solution so industry professionals can deliver work they can stand behind.

Sika Australia was founded in 1976, when local projects needed solutions built for Australian conditions - high UV exposure, extreme temperature swings, coastal corrosion, and the realities of building across a vast and varied landscape.

Fifty years on, Sika Australia continues to employ more than 300 people across all major capital cities. Following the integration of MBCC Group in 2023, Sika Australia is the country’s leading specialty construction chemicals company, with a portfolio of 1,000+ products supported by Sika’s global R&D network.

But this anniversary isn’t only about looking back. It’s about staying focused on what the industry needs next. From smarter systems to safer application, and sustainable solutions that help projects perform for the long-term.

Over five decades, Sika solutions have been specified, installed and trusted on projects across every state and territory. Here are a few projects where Sika products have trusted to perform.

• AIS Arena, Canberra (ACT) One of Australia’s early Sarnafil roofing installations - a long-term durability proof point that still stands.
• Perth Arena (WA) Expansion of local manufacturing capability, supporting faster supply and locally produced solutions.
• Quay Quarter Tower, Sydney (NSW) A landmark “upcycled” high-rise project, reinforced rather than demolished - showing what’s possible when performance and sustainability goals align.
• Sydney Opera House Forecourt (NSW) A major waterproofing scope designed to protect an iconic public asset.
• Sydney Metro, Cross River Rail and METRONET (NSW/QLD/WA) Ongoing contributions to some of Australia’s most significant infrastructure programs, including admixtures and tunnelling technologies.

Explore more local projects.

Our anniversary reflects on Sika Australia’s pioneering role in the construction industry and how we are evolving to meet future demands.

Innovation that makes work safer, faster and more reliable – from advanced membranes and admixtures to next-generation polyurethane systems. Learn more about the five core technologies.

More responsible construction without compromising performance. This includes durable systems that reduce waste, minimise maintenance and support better lifecycle outcomes.

A practical focus on what helps on-site and in design offices, including faster-curing systems, lower-VOC formulations, and smarter structural solutions for ageing assets.

Trust is built by people. Sika’s Australian team brings technical expertise, accountability and genuine partnership to every project, from specification through to installation support.