1983 | Folding Scaffold

A world first in building innovation.

For decades, scaffolding meant hundreds of loose pieces, long erection times, and high-risk site work. The Preston Folding Scaffold System changed that forever. Designed and manufactured by Preston Australia, it was the world’s first heavy-duty folding scaffold — a complete, preassembled unit that unfolds on site in minutes.

Built from fully welded, hot-dip galvanized steel, each module folds flat for transport, then opens into a rigid, walkable platform with integrated safety rails and floors. The result is a scaffold that’s ten times faster to erect, proven up to 60% lower in total project cost, and vastly safer for workers and the public alike (see field testing by UNSW on page 41 of the brochure).

Its modular adaptability makes it suitable for everything from high-rise towers to bridges, refineries, heritage restorations, and curved façades — any project where strength, access, and speed are critical. Unlike traditional systems, there are no loose planks or fittings, eliminating loss, damage, and setup hazards.

Key advantages include:

• Super-fast erection — up to 800 m² installed per day using crane or hoist

• Proven safety performance with integrated rails, platforms, and mesh containment

• Low maintenance and transport efficiency — each folded unit stacks compactly, reducing handling and truckloads

• Massive cost savings — independently verified reductions of up to 60% for builders

• Versatility — adaptable to uneven ground, suspended setups, curved façades, and high-load applications

In short, the Preston Folding Scaffold redefined site access — the first truly engineered, modular scaffold system, decades ahead of its time.