SOTO: Engineering Excellence for 25 Years

Frank Soto (General Manager)

For 25 years, Soto Consulting Engineers has worked collaboratively with major companies in the heavy industrial, mineral resources and construction sectors to design, build and refine engineering solutions that enable them to compete in global markets. Their team of specialists has a wealth of experience across engineering disciplines and a strong track-record of delivering solutions.

Frank Soto and Associates Consulting Mechanical Engineers was officially registered in January 1998. Originally from Whyalla, Frank Soto has never been far away from heavy industry, moving from one iron and steel town to another: Wollongong. Although Frank claims he is first and foremost a mechanical engineer, he is also a process engineer by training.

In the early days, Frank worked with a small team of talented and specialised professionals, designing and drafting in a ‘tin shed’ behind a fabrication shop in Kemblawarra, Wollongong.

According to Frank, "We came from humble beginnings. We started out picking up small packages of work, helping local manufacturers, machining shops and fabrication shops, as well as undertaking equipment assessments for mining and steel sector companies. That soon expanded into the cement and refractory sectors."

Moving from that ‘tin shed’, Frank celebrated his success and moved to Unanderra. There, he renovated the old chicken shop, and gradually expanded the company's footprint to take in the premises downstairs, and eventually the bank building next door.

As Jim Allan (Chief Operating Officer, SOTO) explained, "To become the businessman he is today, Frank has navigated the company through times of significant change in competitive industrial and commercial environments. He appointed himself Principal Engineer in 1990 and, over the years, has overseen many defining moments and major developments."

EXPANSION

To keep pace with growing demands for their services, Frank Soto and Associates expanded from a small, family business, with a predominantly local client base, into a medium-sized firm providing leading quality design engineering to heavy industries and mining companies outside of the Illawarra.

Additional skilled engineers and draftspersons were brought into SOTO, diversifying the company's skillset to take on new projects that increasingly involved civil and structural design. More complex mechanical engineering challenges brought about the establishment of a computational analysis team.

Team diversification became the hallmark of the SOTO business, and with their expansion, a name change

became necessary to illustrate to the marketplace that the company was no longer just a small, local, family business.

As Leonardo Da Vinci—arguably the greatest engineer of all time—once said, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication". So, from Frank Soto and Associates Consulting Mechanical Engineers, the company became SOTO.

"As time went on the team grew, and so did our clients, but many things remain the same to this day; our passion for solving engineering problems; our diverse team of specialists keen to be the best at their job; our focus on integrity and values; and our commitment to the Illawarra community and economy," said Jim.

"That passion, seeded two decades ago, created the foundation for our growth and has led to a thriving business with a reputation for pinpoint sharp, innovative, engineering solutions all around Australia, and importantly to us, a name synonymous with Illawarra industry. Through Frank’s determination, persistence and our team’s innovative designs, we’ve played a significant part in the metamorphosis of local manufacturing, steel and heavy industry, improving safety, efficiency and productivity wherever we contact our client’s business."

"Frank’s confidence, conviction and consistency are how the business evolved to become a recognised brand and is a testimony to his principal strategy based on the pillars of integrity, innovation, excellence and respect. Even after 25 years, we still live these values day to day," said Jim.

SOTO TODAY

Today, SOTO provides a comprehensive range of engineering design services to the resources and heavy industry sectors.

"We are an engineering design consultancy specialising in mechanical and structural engineering, which gets us involved in many industries, and with many clients," said Frank. SOTO's specialist engineers have experience in the design and installation of equipment and heavy industrial plant. This includes the design of process lines, mining equipment, machinery, rolling mills and piping systems with applications across a diverse range of industries as well as in heavy lifting, construction, and temporary works. They design, build and refine structures in steel, concrete and masonry construction with experience in commercial, mining and heavy industrial design.

"We've worked across projects involving everything from aluminium components and high pressure ductwork, through to very large steel support structures. More locally, we're working on gantries, safety equipment and designs for machinery and buildings," said Frank.

"We've supported the local manufacturing industry for 25 years now. Over that time, we've produced countless engineering designs using Australian steel, for local projects and projects all over Australia."

When asked about the secret to SOTO's success over the last 25 years, Frank explained that a firm understanding of the needs of industry has been key. "Consistency, quality and an understanding of what fabricators need these days have been essential. Industry has transformed over time. Everyone needs to work smarter."

"We help by providing the level of design detail required for fabrication workshops to be efficient and productive. We help fabricators understand how and what improvements to make to their workshops to improve their operations. We try to add value to the industry by bringing in the smarts and the tools that enable fabricators to be more efficient in steel processing and the

“We've supported the local manufacturing industry for 25 years now. Over that time, we've produced countless engineering designs using Australian steel."

THE SOTO WAY

The SOTO way is a three-step process based on working together with their clients to deliver outstanding outcomes that the entire project team can be proud of.

Design

SOTO starts with building an understanding of their client, their needs and the scope of the project. They care for their clients and treat them with respect, valuing open communication and enduring relationships.

Build

SOTO takes responsibility for delivering on their commitments. After initial contact, they provide a task brief that outlines the scope, deliverables, timeline and fee. SOTO's standards of professionalism drive the company to be transparent in demonstrating that client needs are understood and expectations can be met.

Refine

SOTO's team of specialists get to work, and take ownership for the outcome, conducting their work with passion, creativity and integrity. They strive to build on the relationship with their clients, maintaining clear and open communication. Their technical excellence and quality management systems underpin their drive for excellence. manufacture of structures," said Frank.

"On the constructability side of things, we're very experienced in providing temporary supports and other aids. SOTO is not there just at the start of a project; instead, we partner with our clients from design, right throughout construction. We focus on adding value throughout the entire lifecycle of a project so that local manufacturers are more efficient and keep pace with the rest of the Australian industry," said Frank.

SOTO is excited by engineering solutions that improve client productivity and the safety of workers and influence industry. "We play with the latest technology to deliver unique and diversified engineering design solutions. We’re dedicated to the Illawarra community, as it nurtures our employees, their families and the next generation," said Jim.

"Frank remains our Managing Director and principal engineer, and he is as much ‘one of the team’ as ever before. But what propels us forward is an entire team of high-performing staff, who are equally passionate about their expertise, our industry and the community."

"We embrace diverse skills, backgrounds and ideas. This diversity makes us more dynamic as an organisation. However, we have important things in common; we’re focused on quality and integrity; have respect for those around us, and are passionate about what we do. Every person at SOTO plays an integral part in our success," said Jim.

THE FUTURE

"We’re really optimistic about what the future entails. We've just started to hit our straps after 25 years. We have a clear vision of where the business sits within the market, where we're heading, and how to add value to the supply chain," said Frank.

"We will continue to design using Australian steel and continue to invest in our team, the technology and the hardware we need to stay ahead of the curve. We've been investing heavily in our team, for well over two years, with a view to increasing our capacity in anticipation of the work that is likely to be available in the medium to near term."

"We are focused on training the next generation of design engineers and continuing to grow our capability. The longevity and sustainability of the business is built on reinvestment in the team continuing to identify opportunities where the latest technology can be incorporated into day-to-day design." "As a business owner, investing in the future of design and Australian steel, I'm confident that the future looks bright," said Frank.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SOTO, THEIR CAPABILITIES AND THEIR PROJECTS >>>

PROJECT CASE STUDY: WESTCONNEX M4-M5 LINK TUNNELS VENTILATION FACILITY

When roads, and the vehicles they carry, go underground, so do their emissions. Ventilation systems make the tunnels safe for users, but they must also consider the health, wellbeing, and liveability of the communities that live near the outlets.

The 33km WestConnex motorway network is Australia’s largest road infrastructure project. Designed to relieve traffic congestion on Sydney's road network and cater for future growth, the project is mostly underground, with several complex underground interchanges linking the south-west and west of Sydney with the CBD and airport.

A critical project is the M4-M5 Link Tunnels, comprising 7.5km of tunnels in the city’s inner west. Each tunnel includes a Parramatta Road Ventilation Facility that draws fresh air into the tunnel, where large fans and vehicle movement push that air through the tunnel. Rather than spilling exhaust emissions out via vehicle entries and exits, the ventilation facilities suck air out of the tunnel, filter it, and disperse it over a wide area. The result is cleaner air inside and outside of the tunnel.

Given the project’s location in a densely populated area of Sydney, the challenge included designing support structures, equipment, and associated ducting that enabled efficient transport to site, construction in a safe and timely manner, and considered future maintenance needs. SOTO was engaged by Illawarra Engineering Services for design and construction of components for the ventilation facility, as well as construction aids for the new steelwork, based on its track record in end-toend engineering services and an ability to seamlessly integrate with site project teams and suppliers.

SOTO undertook detailed design, from concept models to fabrication drawings, for structural and mechanical components, and provided project engineering support through design management and construction planning. In effect, SOTO became the critical link in integrating original equipment into a complex construction environment that enabled the project consortium to deliver on its objectives for a safe, effective, and reliable ventilation system. Value delivered: • Concept models created during the design process enabled the project teams to understand key constraints, such as limited space, and optimise designs for the structural supports and frames for the fans and associated equipment, including ducting. • Optimised designs reduced materials costs and heavy lifting equipment needs on-site. • Delivered a two 20-tonne monorail system that makes maintenance and replacement of the fans safer and more efficient. • Rigorous design checks of supplied equipment and existing structure using 3D scanning and modelling to ensure smooth and accurate installation, reducing the risk of needing on-site modifications. • Designed and delivered innovative construction aids, including a support floor, temporary lifting beams, roller frames, temporary ductwork support beams that reduced installation time, cost, and safety risk. • Modelled equipment lifts and documented safety plans for clear communication between contractors and ensuring the installation met high safety and quality standards.