For over four decades, the name Smith Broughton Auctioneers has been synonymous with trust, integrity and results in Western Australia. Since its founding in 1977, we have grown from a local family-rooted business into the region’s leader in industrial remarketing.
Today, we are entering our most exciting chapter yet.
Following our acquisition by Ritchie Bros. (part of RB Global), Smith Broughton is officially combining 49 years of local Western Australian expertise with the world’s largest industrial marketplace.
For the sellers who have trusted us with their fleets for decades—from the Pilbara to the Wheatbelt—the game has changed. While you will still deal with the same local team you know by name, your equipment is no longer just being seen by WA buyers.
- Global Exposure: Your assets are now visible to Ritchie Bros.’ massive global buyer base across North America, Europe, South East Asia and the Middle East.
- More Eyes, More Bids: Increased competition from international markets means better price realisation for your machinery.
- End-to-End Solutions: We now offer an even broader range of disposition methods, from our signature timed online auctions to the global reach of the Ritchie Bros. platform.
MORE OWNERDRIVER TRENDING STORIES:
- Border Express mourns passing of founder
- Australian family operator acquires Ron Crouch Transport
- Isuzu delivers 300,000th truck in Australia
- Fremantle Traffic Bridge officially closes to traffic
- Is AI an assistant or adversary to local transport operations?
For our buyers, the core of our business remains the same: transparency and reliability. However, the partnership brings new advantages:
- Enhanced Inventory: Access to a wider variety of used equipment from national and multinational fleets.
- Seamless Technology: Continued use of our user-friendly bidding platforms, backed by the global innovation and security of RB Global.
- Local Continuity: You can still visit us in Midland or Port Hedland to inspect equipment in person. Our staff, our service and our commitment to a “hassle-free” experience aren’t going anywhere.
“This partnership represents the best of both worlds – global scale combined with local service,” managing director Darren Smith says.
“For more than 49 years, our customers have trusted us to deliver reliable results with integrity. Joining Ritchie Bros. enables us to continue that legacy while opening the door to new markets and opportunities.”
As we look toward the future, our mission remains unchanged. We are still the same team that understands the grit of the Pilbara and the demands of the Australian market – we just have a much bigger toolbox to help you get the job done.
Four decades, nine years or a lifetime in the industry – with Smith Broughton and Ritchie Bros., you’re in the best hands in the business.
Subscribe to the weekly Owner//Driver newsletter here.