But yesterday marked the end of an era for its owner, Peter Delaney, as he closed down the business he has been involved with for the past 40 years.

The business was first opened by his father, Frank, who himself was in the business for 40 years, in 1952 as a civil construction firm before establishing its quarry on Roach Road in 1975.

Among the things he'll miss about the business, Mr Delaney said its employees had left quite an impression with him over the years.

"I think one of the things about the company is the employees we've had over the years," he said.

"We've had two employees here for over 40 years with the company, another 45 years and another one 21 years."

Yesterday's end to FA Delaney Quarries has been nine years in the making though, beginning in 2005 when Mr Delaney started work on a 13-lot subdivision on the quarry site.

The last of the blocks was sold last year.

Mr Delaney now plans to move up to Ballina to enjoy his retirement.

Despite having lived in Wagga all his life, he was coy when asked if he would return to his hometown, saying: "not in the winter".