MESSAGE FROM THE ASI CHIEF EXECUTIVE INNOVATION IN FABRICATION
Our feature in this edition of steel Australia magazine is 'Innovation in Fabrication'. In recent years, Australia’s imports of selected steel fabricated products have been historically high compared to a decade earlier. Recognising the competitive pressures that the international procurement environment has brought to Australia’s doorstep, the industry has responded through innovation and investing in improved capability and mechanisms. Innovation in construction of steelwork structures is endemic, driven by continual striving for cost-effective, timeefficient and risk-minimised solutions in a nationally and internationally competitive market. Every steel structure is ultimately a bespoke design, responding to external environmental influences and complex user requirements. The power of bespoke design is evident in the Sydney Football Stadium (page 36), and the work undertaken by ASI members DBM Vircon and S&L Steel to bring this steel structure to life. Australian fabricators are also innovating in different ways, diversifying their business into new sectors. For instance, NEPEAN Engineering & Innovation has branched out into additive manufacturing of medical devices (page 34), and ArmorGalv has developed a thermal diffusion galvanizing technology (page 41). Others still‚ like Icon Metal (page 44), have invested in innovative approaches to company culture to shore up future success. AUSTRALIAN STEEL CONVENTION
I'm pleased to announce that the Australian Steel Convention will be held from 9 to 12 October 2022 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney. The program is shaping up to be exciting. Just some of the confirmed speakers include Donna Looney (Acting Head of Division to Industry Growth, Department of Industry, Innovation and Science), Professor Veena Sahajwalla (Director of Sustainable Materials Research and Technology, University of New South Wales). We've also lined up a special
Mark Cain Chief Executive Australian Steel Institute
presentation from Future Crunch Founders, Dr Angus Hervey and Tane Hunter, as well as case studies on Lachlan's Line Bridge and Sky Walk. Plus, we have secured the Museum of Contemporary Arts as the venue for the cocktail party on the opening night, as well as entertainment by Diesel at the Convention dinner. If you haven't already done so, I encourage you to register for the Conference via our website: steel.org.au. 2022 STEEL EXCELLENCE AWARDS
The ASI Steel Excellence Awards will be held this year. The 2022 Awards will adopt the very successful format that was introduced in 2020. This saw statebased award presentations take place online. With a huge digital reach, finalists and winners will also be celebrated via video presentations, as well as the ASI website and social media channels. All state-based finalists and winners will then be invited to attend the 2022 Australian Steel Excellence National Awards Gala, which will be held in Sydney later in the year. This year’s award categories include: • Buildings (Large Projects) • Buildings (Small Projects) • Steel-Clad Structures • Engineering Projects • Young Designer, Detailer or Tradesperson
We are also introducing a new category this year: Cold Formed Precision Buildings in recognition of the enormous expansion in that space. I encourage all ASI members to start shortlisting projects for entry, and to encourage your customers and clients to enter their projects. Further details around the submission process and deadlines will be made available as soon as possible. ASI's CHAIR
I'd like to welcome Tony Schreiber (General Manager, Orrcon Steel) as the new Chair of the ASI Board of Directors. Tony has extensive experience in the industrial and FMCG industries across areas such as manufacturing, distribution, product development and innovation. Having worked in Australia, the United States, and across Asia, Tony has held management positions with Smorgon Steel Tube Mills, LiteSteel Technologies and BlueScope. He joined Orrcon Steel as their General Manager over six years ago. Tony has been a valued member of the ASI Board since 2017, and was appointed as the Vice Chair in 2021. I look forward to working with Tony in the coming months. I'd also like to acknowledge our outgoing Chair, Bernie Landy. Bernie has been a Director of the ASI since 2017, and Chair
