Issuu

VALUE-ADDED DISTRIBUTION & PROCESSING

PLUS

BUILD BETTER NOW: FORTIS HOUSE Winter 2022 Vol. 35 | No. 2 ISSN 2208-7486 (online) ISSN 1447-5359 (print)

SPANTEC: MAKING BUILDING EASY FOR OVER 30 YEARS STEELINE: SERVICE OVER AND ABOVE 1

12% super guarantee by 2025 Small increases equal big benefits The superannuation guarantee (SG) is the percentage of wages that employers pay into a super fund on behalf of most employees. It’s an important part of the superannuation system and adds up to support Australians financially in retirement overtime. From 1 July 2022, the SG rate will be 10.5%. 12% SG by 2025 The government legislated a gradual increase in the SG rate with the first increase from 1 July 2021. From this date, the rate will increase slowly by half a percent each year until it reaches 12% SG in 2025. While such a small increase may not sound like much – over time, it could have a big impact on the retirement savings of Australians.

An increase in SG could mean people won’t have to work as long Slowly increasing the SG to 12% by 2025 means people may not have to work as long to save the same amount for their retirement. Even small increases to the SG will make a big difference in the long run.

Taking a long-term view helps this generation and the next

This means there’ll be fewer working people paying taxes to support things like the Government Age Pension, and more people likely to rely on part or all of the age pension in retirement. The SG increase to 12% will help to take some of the pressure off the broader government budget and the overall economy over time.

Supporting the rise to 12% AustralianSuper supports the increase of the SG to 12% by 2025 as legislated by the government. AustralianSuper believe it’s needed, affordable and necessary. It aims to positively impact the retirement outcomes of millions of Australians, particularly women and lower income workers, leading to a more comfortable and dignified lifestyle. These are key indicators of a good retirement outcome.

Australians are living longer and not having as many children. The ratio of Australians working to those in retirement is expected to reduce into the future1.

Learn more at: australiansuper.com/how-increasing-super-guarantee-could-see-big-benefits

1. Source: 2021 Intergenerational report https://treasury.gov.au/publication/2021-intergenerational-report Sponsored by AustralianSuper Pty Ltd, ABN 94 006 457 987, AFSL 233788, Trustee of AustralianSuper ABN 65 714 394 898.

Vol. 35 No. 2 | Winter 2022 ASI HEAD OFFICE

34 CONTENTS

Suite G1, Ground Floor 25 Ryde Road Pymble, NSW 2073 T: (02) 8748 0180 E: enquiries@steel.org.au W: https://www.steel.org.au

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

ASI STATE OFFICES

New South Wales & ACT David Varcoe on 0419 136 720 Victoria, Tasmania & South Australia Michael Dawson on (03) 9694 4499 Western Australia James England on (08) 9355 1544

Queensland & Northern Territory John Gardner on (07) 3853 5320 ShedSafe Neil Creek on (07) 3853 5204

STEEL AUSTRALIA CONTACTS

Editor Sally Wood on sally@wordly.com.au Advertising and Distribution Alison Dennis on marketing@steel.org.au

DISCLAIMER

While every effort has been made and all reasonable care taken to ensure the accuracy of the material contained herein, the Publisher does not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which may result from any inaccuracy or omission in this publication, or from the use of the information contained herein, and the Publisher makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to any of the material contained herein.

32 48

Reproduction of the material is permitted only with the express permission of the Publisher and due acknowledgment of steel Australia.

Message from the Chair

Message from the Chief Executive

Super Guarantee Increases to 10.5%

The Future's Bright for Watkins Steel

Pre-Qualification of ACRS Steel Makes Compliance with AS/NZS Standards Easy

Precise Steel Detailing is Critical for Complex Projects

SMEs Ready to Fight Inflation

External Factors Put Businesses Under Pressure

Weak Cyber Security Lands Company in Court

Why Reliable Software Systems are Crucial for the Steel Industry

Multi-Functional and Versatile: The Ficep Drilling and Coping Line

On the Beam

Spantec: Making Building Easy for 30 Years

Build Better Now: FORTIS House

Steeline: Service Over and Above

FEATURE: VALUE-ADDED DISTRIBUTION & PROCESSING

Boosting Sovereign Capabilities for Major Projects with BlueScope Distribution’s National Product, Processing and Solutions Hub

Orrcon: Growth, Efficiency, Service and Sustainability

United Steel Group: Independent. Focused. Better.

Southern Steel: Project Ready Steel, On Site, When You Need It

Vulcan: A Key Link in the Steel Value Chain

InfraBuild: Building Futures Through Sustainable Steel

INSIDE THE ASI

New ASI Members

ABOUT THE ASI

steel Australia is published by the Australian Steel Institute (ASI)—the peak national body of the steel industry. The ASI works to increase the awareness of the benefits of steel and promote Australian made steel as the material of choice. Increasing the competitiveness of the Australian steel industry and its member companies is central to that vision. The organisation conducts engineering seminars and disseminates relevant, timely and detailed information. Expert technical advice, a library and a resource centre are available to all members, along with a range of other member benefits. For further information, please visit: https://www.steel.org.au

ASI Book Shop Update

Upcoming ASI Events

CONTENTS | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

steel Australia

Cover image:

Vulcan: A Key Link in the Steel Value Chain. Story on page 48.

Working with industry For a safer workplace

BlueScope has collaborated with industry partners in consultation with WorkSafe Victoria to ensure safer loading practices. Together, we have developed a guideline for the safe use of Maxibinder Chain Tensioners. To view the guideline for the safe use of Maxibinder Chain Tensioners visit ASI website: steel.org.au/what-we-do/focus-areas/ health-and-safety/enforceable-undertakings/ BlueScope website: bluescope.com/sustainable-steel/ workplaces/health-safety/

Engistics SPIRAL LOGISTICS

DEL I VERI NG A C OM PE T I T I VE EDG E

BlueScope is a registered trade mark of BlueScope Steel Limited ABN 16 000 011 058

After nearly a decade of low inflation and near zero interest rates, many parts of the world are dealing with a series of challenges. The inflationary impacts of rising energy and fuel prices, tight labour markets and supply chain disruptions have not been seen in 20 to 30 years. In Australia, and within our industry, we have seen rising construction costs, low unemployment levels and challenges with freight availability over the last two years. Many of us have been experiencing inflationary impacts for quite some time. So, it is not surprising that inflation is now permeating the broader economy. The Reserve Bank, like many of its international counterparts, is endeavouring to temper inflation by lifting cash rates. Rising interest rates are impacting household discretionary spending. Although, we must acknowledge that interest rates are well below the long run average, and are not expected to break the long term mean. Borrowing money is no longer ‘free’. We will remain in an inflationary environment for the mid-term. People who have entered the workforce in the last two decades have never operated within such an environment. So, it is timely that this edition of steel Australia magazine draws attention to the opportunities that we, as a steel industry, can contribute meaningfully to society during these times. This edition highlights Australian steel Distributors and showcases the value-adding role they play in our entire supply chain. Historically, Distributors took large lot sizes from steel manufacturers, and broke down those bulk orders to meet the needs of customers without the same capacity. Australian Distributors have, and continue to, transform themselves into providers of value added products and services that improve the velocity of the supply chain, reduce material waste and shorten lead times. In our feature article, your distribution network proudly shares the investments they have made in stocking locations, inventory levels, and advanced and automated processing equipment to transform

manufactured steel products into the unique requirements of customers throughout the economy. As we look at the value accretion that arises from partnership with our Australian Distributor network, we see clear benefits in an inflationary environment that each customer can leverage to provide value to their downstream customers. Inventory holdings provide a buffer against the impact of international exchange rate variation that impacts steel price stability. Similarly, with international steel prices rising in the last year, our Distributors are aligned to steel manufacturers who tailor their offer of mass per metre being at the lower end of the Australian Standard tolerances. This provides customers with maximum linear metres of product per equivalent tonne of raw steel make. This reduces overall costs to the customer, and provides a less energy intensive solution (on a per linear metre basis) than provided by less focused supply sources. Additionally, the investment in sophisticated processing equipment and skilled labour allows Distributors to offer exactly what customers require and minimise yield loss (aka provides cost savings). Our Distributors have sophisticated procurement teams and advanced quality assurance processes. They are demanding of their suppliers and are a catalyst for promoting steel manufacturers to innovate, to improve and to excel. One such example is the impact of steel chemistry repeatability and tightness of tolerances of elements such as silicon content which, amongst other factors, is critical in optimising the cost structure of hot dipped galvanizing.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

MESSAGE FROM THE ASI CHAIR

Tony Schreiber Chair, Australian Steel Institute

rising, the Australian Distributors are valuable partners to each of us in the supply chain. They provide a buffer from variability, cost optimisation, service and lead time benefits. They are experts in their field and are great people to partner with. In May, your ASI Board of Directors participated in a structured strategy process led by our Chief Executive, Mark Cain. The intent was to take stock of the current economic climate, and to calibrate our strategic direction against the needs of members. Your Directors, coupled with the tireless work of ASI employees, are constantly availing themselves of priority issues and opportunities across the industry. We have refined our strategy and elevated three areas for particular focus:

From a service perspective, each of the Distributors that are presented in this edition are proud to serve and are committed to service improvement. When we deal with the Australian steel industry supply chain, we are dealing with people whose livelihoods depend on ‘getting it right’ and being empathetically responsive to any challenging situation.

In a period where money is no longer ‘free’, where exchange rates will move around abruptly as governments battle with their interest rate policies, and where freight and labour costs are

In closing, and on behalf of the entire Board, we offer an invitation to our Australian Steel Convention in October. We look forward to seeing you all there.

2. 3.

Securing robust supply chains with strong local content Promoting a sustainable and decarbonising steel industry Creating a strong and skilled steel workforce

We will share our progress across these areas in future editions of steel Australia magazine.

MESSAGE FROM THE ASI CHIEF EXECUTIVE The feature of this edition of steel Australia is Value-Added Distribution and Processing. The integrated Australian steel chain typically holds more than two million tonnes of inventory that is comprised of an extensive range of products, made available through distributors located at over 300 sites across the country. This means that projects in any location—even remote areas—can be flexibly supported with efficient logistics capability. Not only do Australian distributors offer large stocks, but they also offer valueadded steel processing capabilities on equipment which includes CNC beam lines, angle lines, band saws and cropping lines capable of processing the full range of structural steel, merchant bar, pipe and tube products. Plate processing capabilities include laser, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting, drilling, counter-sinking, boring, bevelling and marking of the biggest available plate. The industry also offers extensive capabilities for sheet and coil including slitting, purlins, roof and wall sheeting, and so much more. By leveraging these processing capabilities, customers within the Australian steel supply chain are able to substantially increase their productivity, allowing them to take on larger projects, and finish them faster and within budget. They also benefit from reduced handling, the elimination of mistakes and the reduction of waste. For further details, see the article on page 36. ADVOCACY WORK

The ASI continues to advocate on behalf of the Australian steel supply chain on key issues. Energy pricing and security of supply is a critical issue for a tradeexposed industry such as Australia’s domestic steel value chain. We continue to work with all levels of government to address this issue. We're also aware that the shortage of skilled employees remains high on the priority list for the entire industry. We are working on various fronts to help address this. For instance, in early May, we were invited by South Australia’s Department for Education to attend the Aboriginal Career Exploration (ACE) Expo. The aim of the Expo was to help promote career pathways in

the fabrication, manufacturing and steel industry. Held in Adelaide, the event attracted approximately 500 students. Notwithstanding our efforts, we know there is no short-term solution. Overcoming the skills shortage requires a collaborative effort from governments, industry and the education sector. AUSTRALIAN STEEL CONVENTION

The Australian Steel Convention will be held from 9 to 12 October 2022 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney. The Convention brings together key industry leaders and innovators to discuss opportunities, showcase industry successes and examine what the future can and will look like. The program is shaping up to be exciting. Just some of the confirmed speakers include Professor Veena Sahajwalla (Director of Sustainable Materials Research and Technology, University of New South Wales), Davina Rooney (Green Building Council of Australia), and Dr Phil Commins (Facility for Intelligent Fabrication) We've also lined up a special presentation from Future Crunch Founders, Dr Angus Hervey and Tane Hunter, as well as case studies on Lachlan's Line Bridge, the ACT COVID-19 Surge Hospital and Sky Walk. 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. Plus, on day two, we are hosting a dedicated Fabricators Forum running in parallel to the main plenary sessions. We also have breakout sessions for Rollformers and Modellers. If you haven't already done so, I encourage you to register for the Conference via our website. For further information, scan the QR code below.

Mark Cain Chief Executive Australian Steel Institute

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 • Innovative Cold Form Steel Building • Young Designer, Detailer or Tradesperson We have introduced a new category this year: Innovative Cold Form Steel Building in recognition of the enormous expansion in that space. Due to demand, the entry closing date has been extended to Friday 12 August. So if you have not already entered, now is the time to do so. For further information, scan the QR code below.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE 2022 AUSTRALIAN STEEL CONVENTION IN SYDNEY FROM 9 TO 12 OCTOBER >>>

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO ENTER THE 2022 STEEL EXCELLENCE AWARDS >>>

üIndependent

ACRS is a steel certification scheme for steel users, and independent of product suppliers. So you know ACRS is working for you;

üExpert

All ACRS auditors and technical staff are qualified and experienced in the manufacture of the materials ACRS certifies. So with ACRS you know certified materials have been audited and approved by people who understand them;

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

THE ACRS DIFFERENCE

üComprehensive

ACRS certifies all steel products, from all manufacturing locations to all scheme standards. So with ACRS you know all listed products are covered, not just some;

üRigorous

ACRS audits every major site at least once every year. So with ACRS you know certificates are up to date;

üVerified

During every audit, ACRS takes samples at random from standard production and checks production data every three-months. So with ACRS you know supplied materials are assessed regularly;

üContinuous

ACRS uses only selected laboratories to ensure accurate results independent of the supplier, and matches these with the supplier’s production data to monitor the supplier’s consistency.

www.steelcertification.com

Ph: (02) 9965 7216 | E: info@steelcertification.com ABN: 40 096 692 545

ACRS - Independent, Expert Third Party Certification & Verification of Reinforcing, Prestressing 7 and Structural Steels for Compliance with Australian and New Zealand Standards

SUPER GUARANTEE INCREASES TO 10.5% – PAYING YOUR EMPLOYEES SUPERANNUATION PAYMENTS WILL INCREASE TO 10.5% FROM 1 JULY 2022. THAT MEANS CHANGES TO YOUR PAYROLL AND THE AMOUNT OF SUPER YOU’RE EXPECTED TO PAY YOUR WORKERS. THE SUPER GUARANTEE INCREASE IS LEGISLATED TO INCREASE FROM 1 JULY AND WILL RISE INCREMENTALLY EACH YEAR UNTIL IT REACHES 12% IN 2025. IF YOU MANAGE A BUSINESS, OR THE PAYMENT OF STAFF, THESE CHANGES WILL IMPACT THE AMOUNT OF SUPER YOU PAY YOUR WORKERS.

SUPER GUARANTEE RATE RISES TO 10.5%

From 1 July 2022, the super guarantee (SG) is 10.5% of a worker's ordinary time earnings (OTE). This is a rise of 0.5% (from 10%), the rise aims to better support working Australians financially in retirement. If you manage a team or payroll, you’ll need to check you’re paying eligible workers at least 10.5% super. Check you’re paying eligible workers at least 10.5% super. WHAT THE RISE IN SG MEANS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

The key change to your business is you’ll need to pay workers 10.5% super. This may impact your payroll. You can still

pay super via a clearing house if that’s your preferred method. Advise your workers of this change and make sure they check their pay slips and super contributions. If your team isn’t sure where their super is paid, they can log into myGov and go to the ATO section. Any changes in the super system can be a good time to remind your employees to check their super accounts and balances. Super is an ongoing part of their financial future. If you have any questions relating to the rise in the SG and how it may financially affect your business over the coming years, consider speaking to your accountant. AustralianSuper’s National Manager Business Partnerships, John Zanetti,

says, "The rise is a huge help to working Australians who will now benefit from increased retirement savings. However, it may be an additional financial commitment for some businesses. We would suggest business owners plan accordingly for the new commitment and if required, seek advice from their preferred business partner to help guide their business and ultimately its employees." For an employee earning $60,000, super payments would rise by $300 a year. From $6,000 to $6,300 under 10.5% SG. PAYING THE NEW SG RATE

The new rate comes into effect from 1 July 2022. You may have a payroll cycle that crosses this period. To work out the super owed, the ATO advises it’s the date of the salary payment that determines the rate of SG payable. Not the date the work was completed. So, if a worker is paid in July 2022 for work completed in June 2022, then the 10.5% SG rate applies. To find out more about the increase in super guarantee and how it may impact your business, read the full article here: https://www.australiansuper.com/ employers/employers-articles/2022/05/ super-guarantee-increases

Sponsored by AustralianSuper Pty Ltd, ABN 94 006 457 987, AFSL 233788, Trustee of AustralianSuper ABN 65 714 394 898. This information may be general financial advice which doesn’t take into account your personal objectives, situation or needs. Before making a decision about AustralianSuper, you should think about your financial requirements and refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. A Target Market Determination (TMD) is a document that outlines the target market a product has been designed for. Find the TMDs at australiansuper.com/tmd. AustralianSuper Pty Ltd ABN 94 006 457 987, AFSL 233788, Trustee of AustralianSuper ABN 65 714 394 898.

This article was supplied as part of a paid advertising package.

BRISBANE-BASED WATKINS STEEL HAS TAKEN THE ART OF STEEL FABRICATION TO THE NEXT LEVEL BY EMBRACING ADVANCED ROBOTICS AND THE LATEST 3D TECHNOLOGY, AND IT ALSO OFFERS STEEL DETAILING AND 3D LASER SCANNING. IT IS NO SURPRISE THEREFORE THAT THE COMPANY’S SERVICES ARE INCREASINGLY IN DEMAND FROM CUSTOMERS IN THE BUILDING, MINING, AND CONSTRUCTION SECTORS, NOT JUST LOCALLY BUT RECENTLY ALSO FROM AS FAR AFIELD AS THE STATES AND INDONESIA.

Managing Director, Des Watkins, pinpoints when expansion really took off. “we got our first line of robotics back in 2014, and augmented this with software and further digitisation of the business. This led to a trajectory of growth of 20% year on year since then, and this last year we’ve grown by a staggering 50%.” This meant that the company needed to address the logistics of moving steel in the most efficient way. As Des pointed out, “the robotics themselves are fantastic in terms of speed, but they are only as good as how quickly they can be fed with material. When we increased the size of our factory and added more lines of robotics we knew that we couldn’t just rely on our overhead cranes or frontloader forklifts any more.” Des credits investigative trips to Europe which initially alerted him and colleagues to the capabilities of the Combilift range of multidirectional forklifts. “I don’t think that was the first time that our Production Manager Matt Hunter had seen a Combilift, but when I saw it, it was like an epiphany and I could see the benefits straight away. So we invested in a C8000 model with a triplex 4.8m mast which can get under low doorways and a C4000 4t capacity truck. We also use a compact, counterbalance design multidirectional CB3000 with a 4.9 triplex mast and we have another C4000 on order.”

According to Des, the big issue with steel fabrication is to reduce the number of man hours per tonne of fabrication, so speed is of the essence when moving steel around. And when you are dealing with beams that can be 12,15 or 18m in length this adds an additional challenge. In this respect the Combilifts dovetail perfectly into their operation; four-way ability and sideway travel enables a minimal turning circle and almost limitless movement around the factory. When delivery trucks arrive on site, the Combilifts’ ability to quickly offload them and move material to where it is required avoids bottlenecks and backlogs. It's also not just Watkins’ own products that the Combilifts handle, but also steel that is to be processed or galvanised for other fabricators and merchants. Overall

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT FOR WATKINS STEEL

volumes can total around 1,000t per month—quite a hefty workload for the Combilifts. Watkins Steel is in the process of adding to its current factory footprint in Brisbane and will soon operate from a facility that is 7,500m² and 220m in length, so again efficient movement of steel in this area will also be crucial – but Des is confident of the outcome. “When we moved a facility from Banyo which was 2,500m² to Northgate where there was a footprint of 4,000m² we added an aisle in the middle of the factory with bays either side and we increased efficiency by 30%. Most of this is down to the Combilifts’ attributes such as manouevrability and speedy operation.” Choosing which models are best for Watkins’ requirements is a very democratic process. Des freely admits that he leaves these decisions completely up to those at the sharp end of the handling procedures. This has proved to be a very astute decision as the production manager and the drivers all love the Combilifts. Des sums up: “With the new lines of robotics coming next year we are planning to shake this industry up – and I couldn’t be more excited about it!” This article was supplied as part of a paid advertising package.

COMPLIANCE MADE EASY PRE-QUALIFICATION OF ACRS STEEL MAKES COMPLIANCE WITH AS/NZS STANDARDS EASY THE SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS WHICH HAS OCCURRED OVER THE PAST 18 MONTHS – TOGETHER WITH THE ASSOCIATED GROWTH IN DEMAND FOR CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS – HAVE ALSO RESULTED IN AN INCREASED CHANCE OF INFERIOR PRODUCTS AND MATERIALS FINDING THEIR WAY ONTO CONSTRUCTION SITES IN PLACE OF MATERIALS WHICH CONFORM WITH THE RELEVANT AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND STANDARDS. AS SUCH, MATTERS RELATING TO PRODUCT CONFORMITY AND CERTIFICATION OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS SUCH AS STRUCTURAL AND REINFORCING STEELS TO AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND STANDARDS IS PERHAPS NOW MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER BEFORE.

Ensuring that the construction steels being used throughout all stages of construction or fabrication conform with all relevant Australian and New Zealand Standards and Building Codes, irrespective of their country of origin, is of paramount importance. After all, these Standards have been considered and developed to ensure that buildings and other structures are not only ‘fit for purpose’, but are also capable of meeting their design life requirements. Unfortunately, in this day and age, it’s simply not enough to think that just because steel has been ordered to an Australian or New Zealand Standard that the delivered product will automatically conform with that Standard and be fit for purpose. Increasingly, this is not the case. In fact, there are some instances where even though the materials have been specified and ordered to an Australian Standard, the materials that arrive are non-conforming. The product may meet the Standard; it may be supplied with documents for “an equivalent Standard” (but which Standard and is it really equivalent?) or it may not meet any Standard at all.

Importantly, whether this nonconformance is an intentional act of deception or 'counterfeiting' on behalf of the materials supplier, the builder or the contractor; or simply a matter of non-conformance through lack of correct process or an innocent misunderstanding of what constitutes conformance with Australian Standards, is effectively a moot point. Using nonconforming building materials carries a high risk of 'built-in' failure—and the results can be disastrous. INDEPENDENT, EXPERT, THIRDPARTY CERTIFICATION

The only way to be truly sure that the materials being used conform fully with the appropriate Australian and New Zealand Standards and are fit for purpose, is through independent, expert third party certification with ongoing validation. ACRS provides a fully independent, expert assessment and certification to AS/NZS Standards for both Australian and internationally sourced construction steels, including reinforcing steels, structural steels and prestressing steels.

All ACRS certification personnel are fully-qualified metallurgists and engineers with many years of direct experience in manufacture, processing, or design and construction of the steel materials it certifies. In addition to factory production control audits and independent testing, the ACRS scheme provides regular review and analysis of all products manufactured and supplied by the certified supplier. All testing is observed and verified by independent NATA test laboratories, and all processes, including the use of traceability tags, are audited. The ACRS scheme operates as a verification-based system modelled on international best-practice standards. Where some certification systems might accept the suppliers’ own quality management systems certification and test reporting without further checking, ACRS doesn’t. ACRS assessors

independently select the samples for testing during the audit to prevent any chance of “cherry picking” by the supplier. It then manages the subsequent verification process though independent qualified laboratories selected by ACRS, not the supplier. The process is further bolstered by ACRS conformity checking on the suppliers’ raw production data, which is undertaken every three months. ACRS MAKES IT EASY

Perhaps most importantly, ACRS certification makes checking for compliance with the relevant Australian and New Zealand Standards easy. It demonstrates INDEPENDENTLY and EXPERTLY that the supplier consistently meets the Standards stated on the certificate. Beyond checking the supplier’s ACRS certificate, product markings and tags, there’s no need for you to make any further checks on ACRS certified materials. That means: • No more checking materials properties against technical specifications; • No more checking batch numbers against the test certificates. This makes matching material to conformity documentation simple and

effective for the customer and for any verifier. The ACRS website (www. steelcertification.com) also forms an integral part of the process of verification of supply claims and helps to protect against fraudulent certification claims. Visitors to the website are able to search for all current ACRS certified suppliers by location (globally) and/or product category. Search results include a full listing of all certified suppliers for the selected criteria, detailing: company name; location, certification status and certificate number. The certificate number also provides a ‘link’ to a pdf version of the current certificate. Most entries also contain additional ‘links’ which provide visual details of product markings, together with a scanned example of an actual product tag from the supplier.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

ACRS steel is pre-qualified. The manufacturers and processors have already demonstrated compliance with the relevant Australian and New Zealand Standards. By using ACRS certified construction steels, builders and contractors can be confident that they are getting the AS/NZS compliant materials that they ordered, and engineers and building certifiers can be confident that the steel meets the requirements of the Building Codes and associated Standards and is fully traceable from the point of manufacture to the point of delivery.

The bottom line... with ACRS it’s easy for your suppliers, easy for your customers and easy for you! For further information email ACRS at: info@steelcertification.com or visit: www.steelcertification.com This article was supplied as part of a paid advertising package.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ACRS AND THEIR STEEL CERTIFICATION SOLUTIONS >>>

HOW DO I SPECIFY ACRS CERTIFIED STEELS?

The easiest way to manage and minimise the risk of non-conforming construction steels, is to specify ACRS certified steels. Suggested Wording for Structural Steels “Structural steels shall comply with AS 1074, AS 1442, AS 1579, AS/NZS 1163, AS/NZS 1594, AS/NZS 3678, AS/NZS 3679.1, or AS/NZS 3679.2, as appropriate. Structural bolts shall comply with AS/NZS 1252. Where applicable, materials shall be fabricated in accordance with the “Fabrication” requirements in Section 14 of AS 4100 or Appendix G of AS 5100.6, or AS/ NZS 2327, or NZS 3404, and the requirements of AS/NZS 5131. Acceptable manufacturers of structural steels, structural bolts, and the fabricators of structural welded sections must hold a valid certificate of approval issued by the Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels Ltd (ACRS), or to such other accredited product certification system as shall be demonstrated by the supplier to be directly equivalent in scope and technical rigour to ACRS and approved as such in writing by the specifier. Evidence of the supplier’s compliance with this clause must be obtained when contract bids are received.” Suggested Wording for Steel Reinforcing Materials “Steel reinforcing and steel prestressing materials for concrete shall comply with AS/NZS 4671 or AS/NZS 4672, respectively. Where applicable, materials shall be cut and bent in accordance with the requirements of the "Material and Structural Requirements for Reinforcing Steel" clauses in AS 3600 or AS 5100.5, or the “Reinforcement” clauses of NZS 3109. Reinforcing couplers shall comply with RMS specification RMS SF2013/184115 Approval of Mechanical Reinforcing Bar Splices, or NZTA SP/M/022 Bridge Manual (technical approval sections), as specified. Acceptable manufacturers and processors of steel prestressing and steel reinforcing materials, including both manufacture and application of reinforcing couplers, must hold a valid certificate of approval issued by the Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels Ltd (ACRS), or to such other accredited product certification system as shall be demonstrated by the supplier to be directly equivalent in scope and technical rigour to ACRS and approved as such in writing by the specifier. Evidence of the supplier’s compliance with this clause must be obtained when contract bids are received.”

PRECISE STEEL DETAILING IS CRITICAL FOR COMPLEX PROJECTS STEEL DETAILERS PLAY AN ESSENTIAL ROLE IN THE CONSTRUCTION CYCLE, FACILITATING COLLABORATION, COMMUNICATION, AND COOPERATION BETWEEN ALL PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS, PARTICULARLY ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS AND FABRICATORS. QUALITY STEEL DETAILERS CAN CREATE 3D MODELS THAT PRODUCE DETAILED ERECTION PLANS, SHOP DRAWINGS, NC EXPORTS, REPORTS, AND OTHER DOCUMENTATION FOR USE BY STEEL FABRICATORS AND ERECTORS DURING MANUFACTURING AND INSTALLATION. Precise structural steel detailing confirms that a structure is not only geometrically correct, but that it is constructible and erectable, and that fabrication is practical. Precise steel detailing also helps to avoid project delays and costly rework or replacement. All these benefits are particularly pertinent for complex projects in which miscalculations or human error can compromise its viability, safety, and structural integrity.

down a construction site altogether. Multi-discipline 3D model coordination, incorporating all construction services, delivers fully integrated clash detection capabilities to resolve delays and rework. Interactive development streamlines the design process by checking fit-up and resolves design discrepancies and intent before the final phase of the geometry lockdown.

AVOID PROJECT DELAYS, REWORK AND REPLACEMENT

CONFIRM ERECTABILITY AND CONSTRUCTIBILITY

Prefabricated steelwork might be transported to a construction site hundreds or thousands of miles away. If this steelwork arrives on-site and is found to be incorrect, expensive rework may be required. Or, in the worst-case scenario, complete replacement might be the only course of action. Rework and replacement of structural steelwork can be incredibly expensive, cause severe project delays and shut

Structural steelwork must fit together perfectly. However, it must also be erectable; once on-site, there must be enough space to erect or swing the steelwork into place. For example, if a beam needs to be installed between two members, but the ends are tucked in between the two flanges and it runs close to the web of those two beams, it will not be easy to erect the beam—unless it can be dropped between the two flanges and then swung around. VERIFY DESIGN INTENT

Preconstruction modeling and planning can allow stakeholders to visualize a design concept, which improves communication and cooperation between all project stakeholders. Precise structural steel drawings can help verify that design intent has been accurately interpreted, and that fabrication deliverables have been created in accordance with the design intent. PROVIDE COST AND SCHEDULE CERTAINTY

On large-scale projects, cost and scheduling requirements are integral. Accurate steel detailing is essential to meet these benchmarks and ensure costly mistakes are detected early on. This means that the potential for rework delays, or even complete site shutdowns, can be avoided altogether. Integrated design processes help ensure cost and schedule certainty by removing unnecessary design and shop detailing duplication and offer real-time project updates that allow all project stakeholders to be proactive throughout all stages of the project and accelerates the transition from conceptual design to fabrication level modeling. HELP TO CREATE A DIGITAL TWIN

When this level of steel detailing precision is combined with early project involvement, it allows for the creation of a digital twin: a dynamic, 3D model of an asset. DBM Vircon can utilize the BIM models created during construction to build a single consolidated model—a digital twin—for use in long-term facility management.

There are many moving parts in assets such as power stations, mine sites, stadiums, and buildings, all of which require constant maintenance. Having a live model that reflects the real world helps simplify and streamline the ongoing management and maintenance processes of these assets. A virtual walk-through of assets can be used for training purposes, as well as rapid problem resolution. Shutdowns are safer due to pre-planning and animated rehearsals facilitated by the digital twin. CONCLUSION

Quality structural steel detailing services are vital in complex projects. They help ensure that the fabrication process flows seamlessly. While it only makes up 2-4% of the total steel package costs on a project, poor steel detailing could cost millions of dollars in fabrication rework and schedule delays. Precise steel detailing means there is no need to halt fabrication to confirm missing details or dimensions, the construction timeline is expedited, and costs can be reduced. By investing in quality detailing undertaken by a partner like DBM Vircon, the enhanced constructibility of a project pays for itself many times over. DBM Vircon provides precise and accurate modeling and detailing to verify all elements of a steel structure, and avoid any unnecessary expenditure on additional labor and materials.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

Image: The $830 million Sydney Football Stadium is a modern, world-class venue. DBM Vircon supplied shop detailing services for the stadium roof structure and site temporary works steelwork.

This article was supplied as part of a paid advertising package.

MAKING RENEWABLE ENERGY MORE SUSTAINABLE Allthread’s Australian-made windturbine anchor cages have numerous advantages over imported alternatives. They’re quicker, safer and easier to install, and cheaper when the entire cost is included. Their environmental performance is also significantly better, with a recent independent Life Cycle Assessment finding the carbon footprint of Allthread’s cages to be around half that of their overseasmanufactured counterparts. Pangolin Associates’ Life Cycle Assessment compared the environmental impacts of Allthread’s innovative, locally made and assembled anchor cages to that of similar cages manufactured in China and flat-packed to the site. Allthread’s cages had many significant benefits, including a 48% lower carbon footprint, and reductions of 133% and 89% in ozone layer depletion and minerals resources consumption, respectively. "We are thrilled to receive these results," said Simon Preston (Group General Manager, Allthread Industries). "This expert report shows there are huge environmental advantages to using locally-manufactured wind farm

components, on top of the compelling construction and financial benefits." The exceptional environmental performance of Allthread’s anchor cages is due to several factors. The cages are made in Western Sydney using predominantly Australian materials, dramatically reducing emissions from shipping and other transport. Half of the factory’s electricity comes from solar power, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Allthread prioritises the use of both Australian and recycled material, reducing the environmental impact of transporting and manufacturing components. Allthread pioneered the approach of preassembling anchor cages and delivering them to site, reducing the cages’ environmental impact and making them faster, easier, safer and more reliable to assemble. Allthread’s method dramatically reduces on-site assembly time, with the average cage taking less than four hours. In contrast, imported cages are shipped as flat packs from overseas and assembled on site from scratch, taking around 100 hours.

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MANY SMES DIDN’T NEED A CRYSTAL BALL TO PREDICT THAT INFLATION WAS COMING, AND ARE USING DIFFERENT STRATEGIES TO MANAGE IT, ACCORDING TO BANJO’S RECENT SME BUSINESS COMPASS REPORT. With inflation now running at 5.1%, a reversal of the deflationary environment we’ve been in for the last few years has been looming on the horizon for some time. In response, the RBA raised interest rates from 0.10% to 0.35% in May for the first time since November 2010, and many mortgage holders are no doubt starting to feel the pinch as the banks follow suit. According to the Australian Financial Review, the Reserve Bank has ratcheted up its central forecast for headline inflation this year to about 6 per cent, although it expects this will ebb to around 3 per cent by 2024. The National Australia Bank has been quoted as saying it expects the Reserve Bank to lift the cash rate to 1.25 per cent by the end of the year, and that it will peak at 2.5 per cent by 2024. Before we feel too sorry for ourselves, this situation is not unique to Australia. According to Trading Economics, our inflation rate is currently lower than many first world economies, including the US (8.5%), UK (7%), Germany

(7.4%) and New Zealand (6.9%). The US Federal Reserve has been hiking up interest rates since March this year, and the Bank of England has been doing so since late 2021. The global reasons for these inflationary pressures include the pandemic, and lately, the war in Ukraine. These twin demons have, among other things, severely disrupted the supply chain and put oil prices into the stratosphere. From a local perspective, the early autumn floods were also a contributing factor. As noted above, many SME owners have seen this coming. At the time Banjo surveyed businesses in February and March this year, over half (55%) were concerned that inflation will be a barrier to growth within the coming year. To mitigate the impacts of inflation, the broad spectrum of businesses surveyed are responding by increasing prices (42%) or reducing supply costs (37%). However, it’s interesting to drill down into the some of the different sectors. Businesses in the retail industry (70%) are the most concerned about inflation, higher than the overall market (55%). The anxiety level varies by industry, as

do the plans for mitigating the effects of inflation. Looking at four key SME industries that have been hard-hit by the pandemic – retail, hospitality, construction and manufacturing – there were some marked differences. The highest level of concern was felt by SMEs in retail, who also felt the least able to increase prices, but most likely of the four to cut costs. Hospitality SMEs were most likely to increase prices (68%) than the other 3, and also compared to the wider market, 42% of whom were prepared to raise prices.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

SMEs READY TO FIGHT INFLATION, AND HOW THEY’LL DO IT

Construction and Manufacturing were roughly on par in terms of their inclination to raise prices and lower costs. While consumers in some sectors can be more pricesensitive than others, in a period of high inflation, many businesses can’t afford to sacrifice margin in the face of rising costs. Talk to your accountant, bookkeeper or lender about how your business can best meet the challenge of the current inflation environment. This article was supplied as part of a paid advertising package.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY OF BANJO'S SME BUSINESS COMPASS REPORT >>>

NCI supports $2Bn+ of trade credit sales in the steel industry. We specialise in all things trade credit related. We’re here to help your business grow and to protect you from potential bad debts. 35 years of experience

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RISING COSTS AND PROJECT DELAYS ARE CATCHING UP WITH MANY BUSINESSES AROUND AUSTRALIA. RECENT INSOLVENCIES HAVE HIGHLIGHTED THAT THERE IS RISK IN THE MARKET, SPECIFICALLY IN THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND MANY PREDICTIONS ARE THAT THESE WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Businesses with trade credit insurance have already seen their policies in action this year with claims payments in the millions of dollars. It is always good to remember that a business that loses $100,000 as a result of non-payment, will have to sell another $1,000,000 worth of goods or services at a 10% profit margin to recoup those losses. Some companies have found themselves struggling with fixed price contracts, the shortage of materials and the rise in costs has diminished many returns that that they would have originally received. NCI claims rose in March to levels not seen since 2020, although dropping off again in April, External Administrations reported by ASIC remained at a constant level. See below for a comparison. As a trade credit insurance broker, key indicators that are specific to us include the number of claims we receive, the overdue data that our clients are

submitting, limit decisions from insurers and our incoming collection work. These factors give us an idea as to how the economy is performing around Australia. We have seen immediate flow on effects from some well reported insolvencies in Q1 of 2022, particularly Probuild and Condev, which has resulted in an increase in the number and value of claims. Without a doubt, these insolvencies will have flow on effects to other businesses in the industry, not just to the 50 or so NCI clients that have reported losses, but more so to those that deal with other suppliers. This domino effect that we predict will mean that the number of insolvencies will grow, businesses will experience tighter cashflow, and many will have to seek additional work to recoup these losses. Depending on the outcome, more work will need to be sourced which could mean taking on more risky jobs, ultimately placing more risk on their business. Trade credit insurance is the ultimate protection against a bad debt, but there are many things a business can do to reduce the risks. For example, businesses should: • Know who they’re trading with and confirm they are dealing with the correct entity • Have up-to-date terms and conditions that their customers agree to

196

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122

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Companies Entering External Administration

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800

Companies Entering External Administration

220

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Have a robust assessment criteria with a process to evaluate potential customers and stick to it Set specific credit limits and make sure they’re justified

Considering the data we have examined from this Financial year, we believe that we are at the beginning of an increase in corporate insolvencies. The external factors and pressures on businesses have been building and for many this may prove too much. A renewed emphasis by the ATO looking at recouping outstanding tax debts and a tightened k market will certainly play a part but the current pressures on the supply of materials – causing contractors to commit funds earlier than they otherwise would – will not only make businesses more vulnerable to failure but those failures will hit harder than they would have previously.

ASIC External Administrations and NCI Claims (2018-2022) 900

•

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

EXTERNAL FACTORS PUT BUSINESSES UNDER PRESSURE; TRADE CREDIT RISKS RISE

Only time will tell as to whether insolvencies will continue to rise in 2022 and beyond, certainly at this stage it looks as though they will with many factors contributing to this. We just hope that businesses seek help and are proactive in protecting themselves against potential financial loss. This article was supplied as part of a paid advertising package.

WEAK CYBER SECURITY LANDS COMPANY IN COURT IN A PRECEDENT SETTING JUDGMENT, THE FEDERAL COURT, RULED AGAINST A COMPANY OVER INADEQUATE CYBER “RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.” THE COMPANY WAS ORDERED TO PAY THE CORPORATE REGULATOR, ASIC, $750,000 IN DAMAGES. THIS CASE IS A WARNING FOR ALL BOARDS THAT WEAK CYBER SECURITY MAY RESULT IN LEGAL CONSEQUENCES CARRYING SUBSTANTIAL FINANCIAL PENALTIES. BACKGROUND

Over a period of six years, a Melbournebased company faced nine cyber security incidents. In many cases, criminals launched Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks in which the company’s email systems were hacked. Once inside its systems, hackers used company email addresses to send fake requests for money transfers to commercial partners. In one instance, this resulted in a $50,000 fraud. WHAT IS BUSINESS EMAIL COMPROMISE?

BEC is now the most widely reported form of cyber-crime in Australia. Last financial year, over 4,600 BEC incidents were reported to the Australian Cyber Security Centre. The average amount lost in a successful BEC attack exceeded $50,600 – a whopping 54% increase on the previous year. BEC often involves criminals hacking into an email account belonging to a CEO or CFO, which is used to send

fake messages to either commercial partners or Accounts Payable staff with instructions to process payments to a bank account controlled by the criminals. In other cases, attackers hack into supplier emails and manipulate the banking information in any attached invoices, so payments are redirected to bank accounts controlled by the criminals. Given these risks, boards have a responsibility to implement systems that help mitigate cyber-threats such as BEC. ASIC is now firmly focused on boards that are not yet taking the threat of cybercrime seriously! DOES ASIC HAVE YOU IN ITS SIGHTS?

Governance standards around cyber security are increasingly on ASIC’s radar. Of course, all directors and officeholders have an obligation to act in good faith in the best interests of their company in accordance with the Corporations Act. Now, ASIC is exercising its powers in relation to a company for failing to have adequate cyber risk management systems in place. Whilst it may not be possible to reduce cyber security risk to zero, it is possible to materially mitigate the risk with adequate controls. WHAT BOARDS NEED TO CONSIDER As instances of cyber-attacks, such as BEC, increase exponentially, boards must be able to demonstrate to regulators and courts that they are adopting reasonable cyber risk mitigation standards.

And with BEC now impacting more Australian organisations than ever before, it’s not reasonable to process

payments without first ensuring that you are protected from BEC attacks. Australian organisations are particularly vulnerable to BEC due to a gap in payment verifications, whereby Australian banks can’t match a beneficiary Account Name with either the BSB or Account Number. Knowing this, boards must have systems in place to plug the verification gap in order to enhance their resilience against BEC attacks. Failing to do this could see ASIC haul an organisation before the courts! HOW EFTSURE CAN HELP

Protecting your organisation from BEC is now easier than ever, thanks to Eftsure’s unique fraudtech solution. Our proprietary database aggregates verified banking data from over 80% of active Australian organisations. Whenever your Accounts Payable team processes outgoing EFT payments, the beneficiary details are matched against the records in the Eftsure database. Mismatched payment records are flagged, giving you a chance to stop fraudulent or incorrect payments before it’s too late! With Eftsure sitting on top of your accounting processes, your organisation can demonstrate that you have the systems in place to mitigate the growing risk of BEC. Contact Eftsure for a full demonstration: get.eftsure.com.au/demo/ This article was supplied as part of a paid advertising package.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

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FEW THINGS DETERMINE SUCCESS IN THE METAL SERVICES MARKET: COMPETITIVE PRICING, A GREAT CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE, AND VALUEADDED SERVICES. TO SUPPORT THESE PURSUITS, RELIABLE SOFTWARE SYSTEMS ARE INCREASINGLY BECOMING CRUCIAL. It all boils down to efficient stock management, waste reduction, accurate and timely deliveries, and handling operational complexity. To top all that, businesses need to plan for scalability as the business capacity, as well as customer needs, change with time. A good software system must provide the following capabilities: • Manage, track, plan and sell inventory based on attribute sets, including heat certifications and test report information • Maintain inventory costs broken down by material, labor, subcontract, or shipping costs • Make stock checks more efficient by equipping warehouse and yard workers with wireless mobile capabilities • Create new stock items as needed, including for offcuts to avoid waste. An intelligent system must also bring information together to make the right decisions in a manufacturing

environment, which explains why disparate software products and simple spreadsheets are no longer dependable. A well implemented system provides visibility to crucial information for various owners, like stock movement for the operations team, order transactions for the finance community, up-to-date quality control for the production group, and finally, powerful analytics for management staff. Here is the bottom line: customer loyalty is built on satisfaction and experience. Today customers generally have options, and they can be quick to look elsewhere when their needs are not met. With growing competition, metal and steel manufacturers must improve their delivery in these areas: • Supply rapid and accurate estimates with every new order • Empowered salesforce that is mobile and responsive to customers’ requests • Customer self-service interface that enables configuration, order tracking, and account review • Accurate deliveries, scheduling, picking, shipping advice and efficiency

Finally, always consider planning ahead, be it expansion, security, or system robustness. Whether this means in the cloud or on-premises deployment, and anticipate integration with other nesting systems currently in use. It pays to map out all the needs, present and future, with a knowledgeable and reliable vendor, who understands the industry and future trends. Epicor has 50 years of experience delivering industry focused, world-class solutions, and ongoing customer care and service to over 20,000 customer installations. It is a true global solutions partner with support offices worldwide. The key vehicle that transforms Epicor Kinetic into a successful business solution is our Signature Implementation Methodology. Epicor delivers one of the most cost effective and efficient techniques to plan, design, validate, and deploy your Epicor solution. Visit www.epicor.com or reach out on info.anz@epicor.com today to learn more.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

WHY RELIABLE SOFTWARE SYSTEMS ARE CRUCIAL FOR THE STEEL INDUSTRY

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Modern steel constructions are built with profiles (beams, U sections, angles, tubes and so on) which are welded or bolted to shape the final structure. In addition to drilling and milling, straight, mitered and shaped tilted cuts are required on the profiles web or along the flanges to ensure the necessary geometries. Scribing and layout marking are automatically generated to facilitate the assembly process and to avoid human errors. All these operations are efficiently performed by the FICEP drilling line VALIANT combined with the coping robot FLEX. Multi-functionality and versatility are the most appreciated features of VALIANT, FICEP latest technological evolution for drilling operations of profiles for the steel construction industry. VALIANT is a drilling, milling and scribing system for the processing of profiles up to 1,200mm that is able to cover the entire required series of operations for the steel construction industry. VALIANT has a robust structure and has been designed to support intensive manufacturing cycles. In terms of productivity, the new FICEP Direct Drive spindles have a crucial role as the 100% of the 31kW motor power is automatically transferred to

the tool allowing even more elevated performances, and matching the highest expectations in terms of resistance and torque. As for other FICEP lines, in addition to the longitudinal movement of the beam, a 300mm auxiliary stroke can be added to each head. This allows the spindle to process numerous operations, such as special millings and rat holes on the fixed beam, without having to move the material. Thanks to the integration between the VALIANT line and the coping robot FLEX, FICEP is able to provide turnkey, fully integrated drilling and coping lines. These lines ensure that high quality processing can occur, without any kind of action from the operator. The FICEP coping robot allows the torch to be moved and orientated around the profile. An automatic torch tool changer affords rapid selection of the type of torch required for cutting operations (oxy or plasma torch) so that the operator can easily proceed with the most efficient cut, based on the profile to be processed. The FLEX robot is controlled by dedicated software that optimises its movements, ensuring the best possible cutting sequence.

At the machine infeed, the geometry of the piece is detected by a laser system. The real geometry of the piece is then compared to the virtual geometry included in the machine's CNC library. If differences are detected, the torch cycle is automatically corrected in order to compensate for any discrepancies. This ensures precise torch positioning at the beginning of the cycle, and throughout the enstire cutting process.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL & VERSATILE: THE FICEP DRILLING & COPING LINE

The shape to be processed is selected from the library but only the real dimension detected by the laser is loaded in the machine program. Both VALIANT and FLEX benefit from FICEP's internally developed CNC: Pegaso. This ensures the best possible performance and a relevant time cycle reduction. Pegaso is designed with a powerful processor, enhanced data storage, up to 15 controlled axes and more communication protocols (Canbus, Profinet, Ethercat) and comes complete with innovative offline programming software Office Technology Central, which is very user friendly. This article was supplied as part of a paid advertising package.

ON THE BEAM EACH QUARTER, THE AUSTRALIAN STEEL INSTITUTE BRINGS YOU NEWS AND VIEWS FROM AROUND THE STEEL INDUSTRY IN OUR REGULAR COLUMN: ON THE BEAM. FROM PROJECTS WON AND COMPLETED, THROUGH TO NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES AND COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENTS, YOU CAN FIND IT ALL HERE.

WATKINS STEEL CELEBRATES THE OPENING OF A NEW FACTORY

Watkins Steel recently celebrated the official opening of their new factory at Raubers Road in Banyo, Queensland. Watkins Steel was established in 1968, with its first workshop located underneath a suburban house in Hendra. The company soon rented some smaller factories, before building its first factory in 1978 on Toombul Road in Virginia. Every decade since then, Watkins Steel has progressed into larger facilities until the company's last move to Depot Street in 2008. 14 years later, Watkins Steel has officially expanded into its entire Raubers Road factory, taking their overall footprint from approximately 2,500m2 to 10,000m2. This expansion is testament to the ongoing growth of the business and the incredible work of their employees across estimating, drafting, fabricating, installation, research and development, business services and Holovision. Watkins Steel combines the latest 3D technology with advanced robotics to produce a variety of steel structures with unparalleled accuracy. Specialising in small structural steel, metalwork, urban artscapes, architectural structures, and refurbishment jobs, Watkins Steel's range of services also includes steel detailing and 3D laser scanning.

Steel-Australia_automation_2022.indd 1

ASI SUBMISSION TO NSW GOVERNMENT’S FUTURE INNOVATION GREEN PAPER

ASI has made a submission to the NSW Government’s Securing future innovation and global competitiveness in NSW Green Paper. Consultation was sought on "on the forces driving substantial, rapid and ongoing change across the economy", to help the Government with industry policy reform in NSW over the next 10 to 15 years. Key points in ASI's submission were: • Transition to net zero emissions by 2050 is the single biggest challenge and opportunity for the steel industry over the next 20 years. • All the major Australian steel producers have announced their intention to meet a net zero emissions by 2050 commitment, which is supported by comprehensive, published sustainability plans. • The single most critical business operating environment constraint is the availability of skilled personnel to fill industry wide vacancies. • We believe the single most effective means of encouraging local industry innovation and growth is for the NSW Government to set mandatory local participation targets for major projects.

31/05/22 14:13

9 – 11 OCTOBER 2022

| STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

AUSTRALIAN STEEL CONVENTION

REGISTRATION OPEN

BE SURE TO REGISTER FOR THE DEDICATED FABRICATORS FORUM

The Australian Steel Convention 2022 brings together key industry leaders and innovators to discuss opportunities, showcase industry successes and examine what the future can and will look like. Australian steel is vital to this country’s economy, stability, and growth. While the global stage is learning to adapt to an ever-changing landscape, Australia’s steel industry has an opportunity to thrive by delivering high-quality products through a robust and effective supply-chain. As billions of dollars are being invested in both civil infrastructure and domestic homebuilding, the opportunities for the steel sector are immense. From research to design, manufacturing, and fabrication, through to installation and construction, the future of Australian steel looks bright. Brighter still when consideration is given to the ever-growing dependence on steel across sectors and the burgeoning of a new era of endless innovative uses to propel Australia towards a new economy.

HONEST DISCUSSIONS

VALUE FOR MONEY PROPOSITIONS

OUTSIDE THE STEEL BOX THINKING

In an everchanging global landscape, the Australian steel industry needs to be prepared to adapt to advancing technologies, sustainability, and environmental concerns and a rapidly changing economic outlook. As an industry, Australian steel has shown its ability to innovate and adapt. In today’s environment, these qualities have never been more important. Honest discussions, value for money propositions and the ability to think outside the steel box, will all be on display at this year’s convention.

IMCRC ACTIVATE PROJECT TO DEVELOP CORROSION RESISTANT STEEL FENCING

The Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC), together with leading Australian steel manufacturer, InfraBuild, and Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, have embarked on a collaborative research project to develop more corrosion resistant steel products. The project, made possible with $100,000 funding through IMCRC’s activate program, will modernise InfraBuild’s finishing process by introducing CSIRO’s solid state, low-cost additive Cold Spray ZAP™ technology. CSIRO’s cold spray technology works by applying a highstrength, recycled corrosion-resistant coating to steel that produces more damage and corrosion resistant products, particularly in soil. By employing the use of robotic coating application technology, InfraBuild and CSIRO will develop a fully automated digital manufacturing production line, improving productivity and increasing cost competitiveness. Bradley Taylor, Director of Technical at InfraBuild Wire, said the IMCRC activate project is enabling InfraBuild to explore the technology as an alternative coating option, advance its manufacturing process and create new innovative steel products for a number of sectors. “As part of IMCRC’s activate project, we aim to develop highvalue, cost-effective steel products that will deliver benefits to many sectors, from our primary producers and rural sectors to nation-building infrastructure. By integrating CSIRO’s Cold Spray ZAP™ technology in our manufacturing process, we will be able to manufacture longer-lasting, damage resistant, coated steel products that have the ability to withstand aggressive environments. Saving our customers money over the full life of each product,” he said. CSIRO Research Director, Advanced Materials and Processing, Dr Kathie McGregor, recognised the important role that initiatives like IMCRC activate play in developing local industry capability and creating globally relevant commercial products. “CSIRO aims to accelerate sustainable manufacturing that is globally competitive, which we can achieve through collaboration with Australian industry. This project will help us develop our Cold Spray ZAP™ technology into a leading-edge, commercially viable and scalable solution to manufacture corrosion-resistant steel products in Australia,” she said. Dr Matthew Young, IMCRC’s Manufacturing Innovation Manager, said IMCRC was delighted to be co-funding the development of an Australian manufactured innovative steel fencing that would address the national challenge of in soil steel corrosion. “This research collaboration is enabling InfraBuild and CSIRO to solve a nationwide challenge, improving the sustainability of fencing in Australia under some of the toughest environmental conditions on earth. It’s an example of what can be achieved through investment in shorter-term collaborations between Australian manufacturing and research organisations that activate program has been specifically designed to address,” he said. “The innovative coatings developed as part of this project, if successful, will significantly increase the life of selected InfraBuild steel products, cutting costs associated with production, installation and corrosion. IMCRC is pleased to be contributing to the development of a scalable steel product that has wide ranging applications and the potential to benefit many sectors in Australia and beyond,” Dr Young said.

Warm Charging involves minimising the time between billet being cast and entering the rolling stage of manufacturing various steel products, such as the reinforcing bar and mesh produced by InfraBuild’s EAFs at Laverton and Rooty Hill. During rolling, the billet must be hot enough to be rolled into the final shapes. This is achieved by placing it in a gas-fired reheat furnace. At this stage, the billet may vary in temperature, which makes a difference to the time it needs in the furnace. When done consistently and effectively, Warm Charging can deliver significant savings in gas use and carbon emissions. In an ideal Warm Charging process, hot billets are picked up and fed to the mill using crane tines (prongs); alternatively, warm billets are handled using a crane magnet. However, this presents several challenges, including having the right equipment to handle hot billets and coordinating the caster and mill production schedules so the same billet grade is being cast and rolled in the mill at the same time. The team at the Laverton Rolling Mill tackled these challenges with a few modifications to the plant, including

installing a crane lifting beam package to lift hot billets (controlled from inside the crane cabin), and modifying the bar and rod mill charge table to allow placement of hot billets without interfering with existing ones. Additionally, planning and scheduling is being addressed to align steel making and optimise opportunities using Warm Charging. Since its introduction, Warm Charging has delivered increased energy savings and a tangible reduction in energy use. Warm Charging has also been in place for several years at the Sydney Bar Mill. On the back of this initiative, a technical submission was put to the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) to recognise Warm Charging as a valid Energy Reducing Process (ERP) in Credit 20.1B of the Green Star ‘Design & As Built’ tool. In March, the GBCA acknowledged that InfraBuild's Warm Charging technique qualified as a valid ERP, which will deliver one Green Star point from the use of reinforcing products made using InfraBuild manufactured steel. The use of Warm Charging is in addition to the Polymer Injection Technique (PIT) which was recognised by the GBCA in 2014 as providing the same Green Star point. InfraBuild

can now use PIT and Warm Charging to provide reinforcing bar and mesh products with one Green Star Point, as they occur at different stages of the steelmaking and rolling process As part of the GBCA’s approval, InfraBuild needs to meet two conditions stated by the GBCA: undertaking a third-party review and compliance with recommendations from the review; and providing annual updates to help educate the wider industry on the benefits of Warm Charging. The third-party review has already been undertaken by thinkstep-anz and independently verified by start2see, while the annual update (which will be publicly available) will be reflected in their annual ERP certificate on their website.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

WARM CHARGING DELIVERS ONE GREEN STAR POINT USING INFRABUILD MANUFACTURED REINFORCING PRODUCTS

This initiative forms part of InfraBuild’s CN30 Objective, to be a low emission, carbon neutral steel maker by 2030. Their use of Warm Charging is a deliberate choice that they are making to help reduce their Scope 1 emissions, redefine steel as a green building material, and further assist their customers to improve the sustainability credentials of their projects. This first appeared on the InfraBuild website: https://www.infrabuild.com/ourstories/warm-charging-project/

SPANTEC: MAKING BUILDING EASY FOR OVER 30 YEARS SPANTEC IS A LEADING INNOVATOR OF LIGHT STRUCTURAL STEEL BEAMS AND STEEL FLOORING SYSTEMS. SINCE THE COMPANY WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1991, IT HAS HAD MANY FIRSTS; SPANTEC PIONEERED STEEL FLOORING SYSTEMS IN AUSTRALIA, AS WELL AS THE USE OF ADJUSTABLE STEEL PIERS UNDER SUB-FLOORS, AND WAS THE FIRST COMPANY TO LAUNCH A LIGHT STRUCTURAL STEEL BEAM IN THE HOME IMPROVEMENT MARKET.

According to Grant Irvine (General Manager, Spantec), "The company was started by Roy Beaumont back in 1991 in Sydney. Roy saw the need for a timber alternative to assist the DIY and owner-builder market. Roy wanted to create a system that homeowners could put together themselves—a system that was durable and simple to install. When Spantec was first established, we focused predominantly on our flooring, which is lightweight, termite resistant, and easy to use on all types of sites." Spantec's foundation product was Boxspan®. A rollformed beam manufactured from two C-shaped sections of Z450 high tensile, zinc coated steel, Boxspan® mechanically locks together with a patented process. The result is a 40% to 60% lighter beam with the strength of steel and the versatility of timber. This unique system provides the benefits of a full protective zinc coating on the inside and outside of the beam. Boxspan® beams can substitute timber in many structural

Engineering specification of wall studs for Sydney Metro.

applications, such as sub-floors, decks and roof frames, without the concern of termites. "Since the early 1990s, Spantec has become the leading innovator in lightweight structural beams and steel flooring systems, through automation and innovative design that constantly improves our products," said Irvine. "In 1996, to support our Boxspan® system, we launched EzipierTM. The range of pier heads suit specific bearer arrangements and locations in a floor to make installation as seamless as possible. The result is a pier system that is easy to assemble, can be adjusted with just a spanner, and helps people to get their floors absolutely level. EzipierTM works in conjunction with Boxspan®, but also supports timber, purlins and the like—it's a universal product." "Out of that came EzibraceTM—our high capacity sub-floor bracing system. We set out to simplify our sub-floor

bracing because the alternative bracing components we'd used over the years were slow to install and expensive to buy." "In 2006, we developed a second beam—Colorbeam®—and evolved the riveting process so that the galvanized beam could be powder coated in any colour and used in architectural applications," said Irvine. "Within the factory, we've always looked at innovation and automation to improve the floor system, boost efficiencies, reduce costs and make the products more economical for people to use." "With the lack of timber in the market and skilled labour shortages, builders are looking for innovative products that can reduce time, labour and waste on site. Builders are looking for a point of difference for their clients, as well as flame, flood and termite resistant building materials. Our products offer all these advantages," said Irvine.

Sub-floor on a sloping site for an architecturally designed home.

Molycop's SAG robot.

Large deck at height in the Blue Mountains.

MORE THAN FLOORS

Today, Spantec offers much more than a flooring system. Their durable, lightweight beams can be used in a variety ways, from lintels and rafters, through to purlins and commercial applications such as high kPa flooring and decking systems in data centres and schools. Spantec's beams have also been used as structural wall framing on which steel cladding façades can be hung. Recent project examples include the Metro Tunnel in Sydney and the Sydney Fresh Food Markets. Spantec also offers a full design service. "You can purchase our system two ways. Through our design service so that the entire system is engineered and made to order. We can use architectural plans or—even better— CAD drawings, measure everything up and cut to length. On piers, on framework, on a sub-floor, we can design everything using architectural plans. Or, you can buy the beams in lengths and cut them up yourself," said Irvine. "We also deliver a fair bit of customer training. When larger customers like hardware stores, distributors, and large builders come ob-board, we go out to their premises so we can train groups of their staff on how to use and install everything." "And, of course, we also provide technical advice. We have an R&D team that is constantly developing our products, and available to provide advice when customers need information about things that go outside of our standard details," said Irvine.

All these services are delivered from Spantec's 30,000m2 facilities in Mittagong, in New South Wales' Southern Highlands. With several undercover areas already in operation, Spantec is currently building two more factory complexes to support their expanding business. "Our facilities are fairly modern. In particular, when it comes to automation and software applications, we’re state of the art. The proprietary software we use on the floor has all been developed in-house." "In terms of machinery, we have two rollformers, which are fairly standard. However, one has a riveting system on the end and the other has a notching system on the end. We developed these two systems and own the IP— they are what stitch the beams together. We’ve also incorporated several robots into our materials handling system," said Irvine. However, it's not the automation or the cutting-edge software that make Spantec so successful. As Irvine described, "It's our people that make us successful." "We have a very low staff turnover, which means the team is highly experienced—their expertise and service is often praised by customers as being exceptional. We provide a flexible, family-friendly environment where people want to come and work."

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

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With the lack of timber in the market and skilled labour shortages, builders are looking for innovative products that can reduce time, labour and waste on site. Builders are looking for a point of difference for their clients, as well as flame, flood and termite resistant building materials. Our products offer all these advantages."

A BRIGHT FUTURE

Spantec is set for growth, with the launch of an exciting new product on the horizon. "We’re extending and expanding, investing back into the business. At the moment, we've got a new rollformer on the way and we're increasing our automation capabilities with new robots going into the lines. All this improves efficiency, as well as safety by taking the weight out of the materials handling process," said Irvine. "We're also adding a new product to our line: a parallel chord truss or open web truss made out of BlueScope's TrueCore® steel. While we've always had beams for a ground floor or sub-floor, we haven’t had a suitable beam for upper floors." "In the inner-city residential market, blocks are very small, so everyone has an upper floor. Spantec is creating a beam that can support an upper storey floor and comes with the cavity needed to house all the usual services." "Before we release the product to market, we want to streamline the connection details as much as possible. We've applied our innovation and automation mindset to remove a lot of labour from its assembly process, making it more economical. We're hopeful to have it on offer in the new year," said Irvine.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SPANTEC AND THEIR INNOVATIVE RANGE OF PRODUCTS >>>

BUILD BETTER NOW: FORTIS HOUSE FORTIS HOUSE WAS DEVELOPED IN RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY REQUESTS FOR HELP TO BUILD BETTER. EVERY YEAR, THE BUSHFIRE BUILDING COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA (BBCA) IS CONTACTED BY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ASKING FOR HELP TO MAKE THEIR HOMES MORE RESILIENT TO BUSHFIRE AND OTHER DISASTERS. THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ASKING FOR HELP IS RAPIDLY INCREASING AS DISASTERS BECOME MORE FREQUENT, INTENSE AND WIDESPREAD. SPONSORED BY NRMA INSURANCE, THE PROJECT HAS DELIVERED HOUSE DESIGNS AND A SET OF BUILDING PRINCIPLES FOR EXTREME WEATHER AND DISASTER RESILIENCE, SUSTAINABILITY, SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND QUALITY.

BBCA created FORTIS House in response to the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires and subsequent floods to help recovering communities re-build. According to Kate Cotter (CEO, BBCA), "FORTIS House came about because we were receiving lots of enquiries from people in the wake of the Black Summer bushfires. People really wanted to know how to build better, what materials to use, and how to build to best practice. The sheer scale of that disaster meant it was almost impossible for us to help people on an individual level. So, we thought the best way to help was to work with a recovering community to design a home that local people wanted to live in. Importantly, we wanted to ensure that the outcome of the project was something that everyone could use," said Cotter. COMMUNITY-LED DESIGN

FORTIS is a world first community-led resilient house design project. The

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"The FORTIS Principles are how we demonstrate best practice – they are about going beyond building regulations and adapting buildings to climate change over their lifecycle."

overarching aim was a design project 'for the community, by the community'. The Shoalhaven community in New South Wales helped design FORTIS House, empowering a disaster-affected community to lead their own recovery and re-building. "BBCA approached the Shoalhaven community, which was heavily impacted by the Black Summer bushfires. Together with the Shoalhaven City Council, we put out an Expression of Interest, to which a lot of people replied," said Cotter.

architects and builders facilitate a co-design process. This all happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, so it involved a lot of online webinars. We asked general questions about what they loved about Shoalhaven, how they wanted to connect with the community, the look and feel they wanted in a house, what functionality was needed and what wasn't. The same process you would go through with an architect as an individual, we did as a group," said Cotter.

The Shoalhaven participants developed a community design brief, exploring experiences of living in the Shoalhaven, what ‘home’ means and design styles and living preferences. Community design workshops ran from May 2021 to February 2022.

"While we couldn't design something to suit everyone, we were able to pick up on the common threads. The real challenge for us was how to provide technical resources, and clear instructions for homeowners, designers and building trades. We had to create a design that would suit individual sites and preferences, and exceed the building regulations."

"We kicked off a year-long consultation process. We had our engineers,

Despite these challenges, the team released the free FORTIS Resources

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022 less than a year after commencing the design brief—in April 2022. THE FORTIS PRINCIPLES

FORTIS applies research and engineering principles to provide households and the building industry with best-practice, practical solutions to achieve greater disaster resilience. "The FORTIS Principles are how we demonstrate best practice – they are about going beyond building regulations and adapting buildings to climate change over their lifecycle," said Cotter. "A key focus is the ability to shut down the home in the event of a disaster or extreme weather—homes that are self-defending. We want people to be able to evacuate the area when there is a disaster, without having to activate systems to protect their home. There should be no need for experienced people to protect property—it is too dangerous. The FORTIS Principles put people first. Let's get people safe, and ensure there is a built environment for them to come back to." "We also wanted to address materials and trade shortages. These are issues that are exacerbated after a disaster— let alone at the moment with ongoing

shortages. With people having to draw on their savings or insurance to live out of home, speed of construction was important. Prefabrication and the use of steel enables people to get back onsite quickly, speeding up the construction process, without cutting back the resilience of the building. The FORTIS design can be built or prefabricated entirely offsite, a hybrid approach can be used, or it can be built entirely onsite," said Cotter. The following Principles must be met to achieve FORTIS resilience. 1. Protective Outer Shell The FORTIS House protective outer layer of high performance steel mesh bi-fold screens protects glazing and decking, which are highly vulnerable to disasters. Glazing is set back from the screens to reduce radiant heat transfer, increase the likelihood that glazing survives extreme weather and disasters, providing a functioning home even if the screens are damaged. 2. Protected Sub-Floor The sub-floor structure is built from noncombustible materials and screened with a mix of steel mesh and concrete blocks. Services connections to the sub-floor are run underground, risers are protected.

3. Separate Resilient Shed Combustible services and stored items such as solar panels, batteries and vehicles are housed in a separate non-combustible, sealed shed/garage, away from the home. 4. Aerodynamic Roof Form The FORTIS four-panel hip roof form minimises debris accumulation, is aerodynamic and reduces uplift forces during high winds. The separate Resilient Shed reduces the roof area of the main home, further reducing wind forces. Cyclone-rated screws and washers are used. 5. Minimal Building Penetrations 100% electric home, self-sufficient water and power. Building penetrations are minimised, must be tight fitting, screened with steel ember mesh and sealed with fire rated silicone to improve energy efficiency and prevent embers, wind and water entry. 6. Multiple Exit Points and Visibility Non-combustible construction and managed landscaping provides safer escape pathways should the home become untenable in a disaster. Perforated mesh screens enable good visibility so occupants can observe outdoor conditions. Multiple door types provide contingency should one door system fail.

THE WEBB FAMILY STORY Greg Webb and his wife Alex’s home was the heart of their family for two generations, before it was lost during bushfires in Shoalhaven on New Year’s Eve, 2019. Lake Conjola was always their happy place, and there was never any doubt that they would find a way to rebuild and bring the family back together to continue to create special memories. “I saw a flash of flames across the lake and that’s when my whole life changed. 18 minutes later I was out there trying to save this house from a bushfire," said Webb. “Hollywood can’t ever portray what it smells, tastes and sounds like to experience a bushfire and fight to save your home, then watch it burn

down in a matter of minutes right in front of your eyes. And following that trauma, the recovery and rebuilding process is harder than anyone can possibly expect.. I felt utterly lost.. I’m 66 and I never imagined I would be building at my age.” “FORTIS House has been the first recovery project I’ve seen that was truly led by the community and has delivered something practical that will save homes, lives and prevent the heartache of rebuilding after the next bushfire. And we know, thanks to climate change, the next one is probably coming again in a matter of years." “This is still my home. It’s just that I’m building another house on it and

Greg Webb, Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley, and Shoalhaven Council Compliance Manager Colin Wood.

Greg Webb.

I’m going to live with the bush now and I’m going to be prepared this time. That’s all there’s to it. I can’t go through this again.” “The thing I love about FORTIS is that it’s practical, and it’s for anyone—you can build it in a modular concept, you can build it yourself if you’re an owner-builder — all the tools are there for you to pick up and run with. It’s not only resilient, but sustainable too. A house that burns down is not sustainable—our house is going to be around for at least 100 years, I’m sure of it.” “We need to be prepared, and build resilient homes with the help of experts. We just want to keep living in our happy place,” said Webb.

8. Optimised Siting Site FORTIS House with the living areas facing north. Optimal siting for resilience includes locating the house to enable emergency vehicle access and at the greatest distance from hazards such as bushland, flood prone areas of the property and neighbouring structures. 9. Building Ventilation FORTIS protective screens and the concealed roof ventilation system provide airflow to improve energy efficiency and protect the home from embers, wind driven rain, condensation and mould. THE ROLE OF STEEL

Steel features heavily in the FORTIS House design, from its frame, roof, gutters and balustrades, through to the steel mesh gutter guards and stainless steel mesh screened subfloors. There are even non-combustible steel rainwater tanks, for dedicated fire fighting and domestic water supplies, that are anchored to prevent loss in storms, floods and cyclones. "FORTIS House uses a steel frame for redundancy for bushfire. We have steel roofing, cladding and mesh to protect openings and the sub floor. In fact, FORTIS House is mostly a steel building. There are a lot of reasons for the use of steel." "In particular, steel is the perfect material for bushfire prone areas—

embers often make their way into the wall or roof cavities, and steel systems prevent these embers from igniting," said Cotter. "Steel also offers multi-hazard resistance. We wanted to use a material that not only protects against fire, but moisture, flooding and wind impacts. Steel stands up well in the face of all these hazards." "The other key reason for the use of steel is its longevity. We want to create buildings that last a long time. Steel enables this," said Cotter. HOW FORTIS WORKS

FORTIS is a flexible design and set of principles that when used with the FORTIS Technical Handbook, can be applied to any house to suit individual preferences, locations, budgets and lifestyles. FORTIS can be scaled up and down to suit needs and budget. The shape of the house can be altered to suit the site, and different materials, colours and interiors can be selected. FORTIS designs have been named after locations in the Shoalhaven, in recognition of the community contribution to this project. There are five designs in total. The Conjola features general resilience to extreme weather and disasters including bushfire sites up to BAL 40, suiting the majority of Australian locations. The Conjola can be upgraded where additional measures are required

for cyclone, flood and BAL FZ bushfire sites. Designed with flexibility in mind, the simple modular layout of FORTIS Conjola allows it to adapt to different sites and needs. Large openings to the North and East emphasise light, airflow and connection to nature.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

7. Non-Combustible, Robust Materials Non-combustible structural framing, insulation, external linings, decking, gutters, gutter guard, downpipes, landscaping and storage. This robust construction method ensures FORTIS is designed to last, has redundancy and is low-maintenance.

Approved prefabrication suppliers or your own builder can adapt the FORTIS Conjola design to two storeys and steep slopes, reduce or extend the floorplan and orientate it to suit your site and local environment. Tomerong is a long rectangular shape suited to hugging slopes. Tomerong features a skillion roof and extensive decking for indoor-outdoor living. The Budgong suits a larger sized property with its L-shaped design and courtyard. The Berrara is cabin-sized, designed to fit a single pod for speedy construction and easy relocation. The Berrara could be used for tourist accommodation, as a home studio or granny flat. Yerriyong includes insulated shutters and setback glazing. The Yerriyong is ‘see-through’ with glazing on two sides to maximise light and views through the house to the surrounding landscape. This design can be built in stages, the first stage is a self-contained recovery pod with a bedroom, ensuite and kitchenette. FORTIS House sets a new benchmark for better building to protect people, homes, communities and the environment – no matter where you live.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FORTIS HOUSE AND DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FORTIS RESOURCES >>>

STEELINE: SERVICE OVER AND ABOVE ESTABLISHED OVER 30 YEARS AGO IN 1991, STEELINE IS AUSTRALIA'S ONLY NATIONAL BUYING GROUP OF INDEPENDENTLY OWNED, METAL ROOFING AND STEEL BUILDING PRODUCT ROLLFORMING SPECIALISTS. WITH AROUND 50 BRANCHES ALL ACROSS AUSTRALIA—MOSTLY IN REGIONAL AREAS—STEELINE IS FAMILY OWNED, NIMBLE, LOCAL AND VERY SERVICE ORIENTED. THE PEOPLE WHO OWN THE STORES, RUN THE STORES.

ccording to Andrew Walsh (Chief Executive Officer, Steeline), "The Steeline Group was originally created by the Jones family (The Roofing Centre Albury-Wodonga) over 30 years ago in 1991, and in 2021 we celebrated 30 years together. Steeline’s three founding members also included The Roofing Centre Mildura and The Roofing Centre Tasmania. In the 30 years since, the Steeline Group has grown considerably, and now has around 30 members across all Australian states and territories.”

also offers a variety of complementary products including fasteners, insulation, skylights and fibreglass and polycarbonate sheeting. Some Steeline members also choose to specialise in a particular market segment, such as purlins and girts for the commercial and industrial sectors, steel panel fencing, sheds, garages, carports, patios or steel framing.

Steeline’s growth has not only been through the acquisition of new members, the Group has also grown through the addition of new branches, and through organic growth, with new roll forming machines, new market segments, new customers, and increased market size and share.”

"Steeline is quite unique in the steel industry, in that we are Australia's only buying group of steel roll-formers. At Steeline, we see ourselves as being very different to all the rest. We’re not 'big corporates' like the others; we’re family owned and operated, we’re nimble, local – and very service oriented. We look after our customers like nobody else can, and we pride ourselves on delivering service over and above," said Walsh.

Steeline’s members are all local manufacturers and suppliers of high quality roll-formed steel building products, from roofing and rainwater goods, to steel framing, fencing, sheds, purlins, top-hats and battens, and many other steel building products. Steeline

Steeline‘s roll-formed building products are made from well-known, Australian made brands such as COLORBOND® steel, ZINCALUME® steel, GALVASPAN® steel, TRUECORE® steel and AQUAPLATE® steel, giving their customers the confidence that the job will last.

Andrew Walsh (Chief Executive Officer, Steeline)

As a national buying group, Steeline uses its combined volume and purchasing power to leverage the best possible value from its key suppliers. The sheer volume of purchasing power aggregated by the size of the overall group provides each individual member with economies of scale that they would not have been able to achieve on their own. "Steeline has a strong regional focus, which isn’t to say that we're not in the capital cities, but rather, we have a stronger presence in regional areas than metropolitan. Some roll-formed or folded metal building products can be challenging to transport over long distances and unless they are handled carefully, they can sometimes be prone to transport or handling damage. By having Steeline branches close-by in regional areas, Steeline is well placed to minimise traveling distances and therefore avoid these problems,” said Walsh. Steeline currently operates in around 50 locations, from Darwin to Hobart, Perth, Cairns, Mount Gambier and Wagga Wagga, through to Shepparton, Mackay and Maroochydore. And, at Steeline, the people who own the stores, run the stores. “Being locally owned also means we have a significant interest in doing a great job for both our customers and the local community. It also means our customers can just walk in and discuss their needs with local people who really care," said Walsh. "Steeline also has really good relationships with our key suppliers. As a national Group, we are sufficiently sized that we are important customers and channel partners to large suppliers, such as BlueScope, Fletchers, CSR, Buildex, Ampelite and many others, but we also aim to be easy to do business with – partners looking to succeed together." For Steeline’s members, the benefits of Steeline membership are about more than just purchasing power. National Steeline Conferences are held twice per year, to maintain the close relationships between members, and to discuss and formulate a range of strategic initiatives. Conferences are an opportunity for

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH

"At Steeline, we believe steel is simply the best, most versatile, most sustainable and most beautiful building product there is. And yet steel's share of the overall building and construction market is substantially lower than it could be – lower than it should be," said Walsh. "The biggest opportunity for the Australian steel industry is to displace other building products (like timber, tiles, bricks and concrete) with strong, light weight, versatile, beautiful Australian made steel products—like those made in Australia by Steeline." "Over the last few years we have seen massive growth in the building sector, driven by a wide range of factors including economic stimulus. This ‘boom’ eventually led to all sorts of supply shortages in many common building materials, as well as labour shortages, and it also created a significant increase in the demand for steel building products.” “To some extent, Steeline was able to quickly adapt and grow to meet the sudden increase, but eventually, global supply chains started to run short,

including the global steel supply chain and Australian steelmakers. This limited Steeline’s ability to satisfy the total market opportunity, and in our part of the market, metallic coated and pre-painted steel capacity seemed to be the major bottlenecks.” “This could have been a great opportunity to showcase the flexibility of the whole steel industry, compared to other products, and this could have embedded long term intermaterial market share growth for the whole industry. However, supply shortages meant we were not able to capitalise on this boom as much as we would have liked.” “Looking to the future, BlueScope (the major manufacturer and supplier of metallic coated and pre-painted steel products in Australia) has recently shared a multi-stage evaluation process for new metal coating capacity in Australia, which is intended to be up and running in 2025. This additional capacity should set us up well to meet future demand,” said Walsh. Like most businesses, Steeline continues to look for opportunities to capitalise on this growth. "Steeline has traditionally had a very strong regional focus and our extensive regional footprint positions us well for growth, as Australia’s population continues to decentralise and migrate out of the capital cities," said Walsh.

“

At Steeline, we see ourselves as being very different to all the rest. We’re not 'big corporates' like the others; we’re family owned and operated, we’re nimble, local – and very service oriented. We look after our customers like nobody else can, and we pride ourselves on delivering service over and above."

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

the CEO and Board to present reports and strategic plans, and a time for rotating and electing members of various smaller focus groups such as those focused on areas like marketing and engineering. Importantly, Steeline also sees its national conferences as essential for the development and maintenance of great relationships with its national supplier networks.

"This process was supercharged during the recent COVID-19 lockdowns, as everyone suddenly had to learn to work from home. Interestingly, people realised they didn’t need to work so close to the capital cities. They could be just as productive (maybe even more so) when they worked from home, and many experienced a more favourable lifestyle and worklife balance after moving to the regions…which is where Steeline is located!" “We think the future is very bright for Steeline and we are looking forward to it," said Walsh.

Steeline Bathurst's purpose-built manufacturing facility in Kelso. Photo courtesy of Akura Industrial Developments Project Manager.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STEELINE AND THEIR COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF PRODUCTS >>>

FEATURE: VALUE-ADDED DISTRIBUTION & PROCESSING STEEL IS THE BACKBONE OF THE AUSTRALIAN CONSTRUCTION, RESOURCES, INFRASTRUCTURE AND MANUFACTURING SECTORS. THE INTEGRATED AUSTRALIAN STEEL CHAIN TYPICALLY HOLDS MORE THAN TWO MILLION TONNES OF INVENTORY, MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH DISTRIBUTORS LOCATED AT OVER 300 SITES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THIS MEANS THAT PROJECTS IN ANY LOCATION—EVEN REMOTE AREAS—CAN BE FLEXIBLY SUPPORTED WITH EFFICIENT LOGISTICS CAPABILITY. Australian steel is recognised around the world for its quality and product consistency. The crude steel production in Australia in 2020 was approximately 5.5 million tonnes of which nearly 70% is used for industrial, commercial and residential buildings, bridges, towers and masts, maritime structures, mining and materials handling projects. The integrated Australian steel channel typically holds in excess of two million tonnes of inventory, providing project proponents with confidence that the industry can promptly and effectively respond to a project’s steel requirements

when and where they need them. Local availability dramatically reduces the need for projects to maintain large inventories onsite and greatly reduces the schedule risk for a project. Not only do Australian distributors offer large stocks, but they also offer value-added steel processing capabilities. Australian distributors are located at over 300 sites across the country and offer a depth and breadth of range, coupled with logistics, supply chain, processing capability and expertise to facilitate fast, flexible and reliable delivery of product to all Australian steel users. Australian

steel distributors are accustomed to working closely with project designers, steel fabricators and other contractors to ensure that the optimal steel product, compliant with all relevant standards and fully traceable, is available where and when it is required. Consequently, unnecessary and costly delays can be avoided. Leading distributors include InfraBuild, BlueScope, Southern Steel Group, United Steel Group, Orrcon and Vulcan. Australia’s largest vertically-integrated,

BUSINESS FOR SALE Image courtesy of BlueScope, a global leader in premium branded coated and painted steel products.

STRUCTURAL STEEL FABRICATION & INSTALLATIONS : EOI above $3.1 Mil • A well known and trusted business established for 40 years. • Strong market share due to its excellent industry position, operating with CC3 certification in a niche market with very few competitors. • Clientele within civil transport infrastructure, agriculture and other private customers largely situated in NSW. • Impressive sales trajectory with fiscal year 2020 sales $7.1 million , 2021 - $7.8 mil and FY22 sales to reach $14 mil. • Strong sales pipeline with $12 mil already booked for FY23 and actively pursuing an additional $15 mil medium term. • Exceptional premises in North West Sydney & state of the art fit-out – 1350 sqm of workshop space , 4 x overhead cranes @ 10-ton capacity each, first-floor offices 175sqm and vast warehouse storage on the 2350 sqm block. Price does not include property. • New long term lease options can be negotiated to suit buyer requirements. Modest rental offered at $200K p.a + outgoings. • Highly competent and loyal staff plus 2 owner directors. • Directors will support the transition for up to 12 months if required.

Eddie Spurr Licensed Business Broker eddies@abbagroup.com.au 0417 251 015

Callthe us QR today and Scan let’s get started on code for further selling your>> business. information

FEATURE: DISTRIBUTION & PROCESSING | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022 electric arc furnace-based long steel manufacturer, InfraBuild has a production capacity of 1.5Mtpa and recycles 1.4 million tonnes of steel per annum. InfraBuild offers full processing capabilities across hot rolled structural and welded structural sections, merchant bar, tube, pipe and plate, distributed via a network of 150 locations. For further details, see page 50. BlueScope can fill customers’ material needs from its Australian network of more than 70 processing and distribution sites. Products stocked include steel plate, sheet and coil, reinforcing fabric, bar and building products, merchant bar, structural steel, tubular, engineering steel and aluminium products. It offers quality processing services which range from simple length-based cutting of bar and tube products to complex multiple precision processing on world standard CNC controlled beam line and plate line installations. For further details, see page 39. Southern Steel Group is proud of its rich history. Over the last 75 years, the company has grown its asset base to include 23 subsidiary steel supply, processing and distribution businesses under management. Today, the Group’s network covers

steel products, sheet and coil, steel processing and distribution. For further details, see page 46. Orrcon Steel's 600 person strong team leverages in-depth steel industry knowledge and experience to produce and supply reliable steel products such as RHS, SHS and CHS structural tubular steel, hot rolled structural steel and a variety of fencing, roofing and building accessories. For further details, see page 42. Since Vulcan was founded in 1995, they have become one of Australasia’s highest performing metals distributors and processors. From an ambitious start-up, Vulcan has become one of New Zealand’s largest privately held businesses, and successfully listed on both the Australian and New Zealand Stock Exchanges in 2021. For further details, see page 48. United Steel Group provides Australian businesses involved in manufacturing, fabrication, construction, infrastructure, mining, oil, gas and energy with the highquality steel products. The Group encompasses United Steel, Calibre Steel, Coil Steel and GAM Steel. For further details, see page 44.

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By leveraging these processing capabilities, customers within the Australian steel supply chain are able to substantially increase their productivity, allowing them to take on larger projects, and finish them faster and within budget. They also benefit from reduced handling, the elimination of mistakes and the reduction of waste."

BOOSTING SOVEREIGN CAPABILITIES FOR MAJOR PROJECTS WITH BLUESCOPE DISTRIBUTION’S NATIONAL PRODUCT, PROCESSING AND SOLUTIONS HUB EVENTS OF THE LAST 24 MONTHS HAVE HIGHLIGHTED THE VULNERABILITY OF GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS AND THE DIFFICULTIES THAT MANY INDUSTRIES HAVE FACED IN SECURING VITAL GOODS AND MATERIALS, INCLUDING BUILDING PRODUCTS. BLUESCOPE DISTRIBUTION'S NEWLY COMMISSIONED $6.9 MILLION NATIONAL PRODUCT, PROCESSING AND SOLUTIONS HUB (THEHUB) WAS CONCEPTUALISED WITH THE GOAL OF PROVIDING A UNIQUE AND DOMESTICALLY COORDINATED SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTION, ASSISTING IN THE DELIVERY OF LARGE-SCALE NATIONAL PROJECTS.

lans for BlueScope Distribution’s National Product, Processing and Solutions Hub started being made in 2017, long before the COVID-19 pandemic, and back then identified a growing number of major infrastructure, renewable energy and defence projects that were to begin across the country. The arrival of the pandemic only further cemented the viability and strategic importance of the facility. According to Mick McPhan (National Manager Operations and National Products, Processing and Solutions Hub, BlueScope Distribution), the facility is well-placed to provide customers within the defence, infrastructure, renewable energy, transport, mining, oil and gas and agriculture industries a holistic product and service offering that will help them deliver significant projects Australia-wide. "BlueScope Distribution’s National Product, Processing and Solutions Hub is a new and complimentary business. It is the 16th site for BlueScope Distribution in Australia and is designed to coordinate steel and aluminium

supply for significant projects nationally. The aim of this new capability is to help our Australian manufacturers grow and deliver more projects through a sovereign supply chain," said McPhan. "The company identified the need for sovereign capability to support customers with steel and aluminium products, processing of semi-finished components and project management solutions relating to surety of supply and a single point of contact for all material requirements. We’ve listened to our customers talk about the complexity of international supply chains associated with delivering some major projects in Australia and we’re delighted to be able to support them in this space." "We're offering local solutions, a domestically managed supply chain and working with well trusted partners; this value proposition has already been very warmly received by both new and existing customers - even though the facility was not officially opened until May 2022, we were already providing materials to some partners in December 2021."

"Australia has flagged significant investment in defence, infrastructure and renewable energy projects, and this new capability enables us to provide supply chain solutions to better meet the requirements of these major projects," said McPhan. "We have large, modern plate processing facilities, straight plasma cutting, complex variable bevelling and thermal cutting. We can handle all weld preparation work for downstream fabricators. We ink jet mark, drill, tap and counter sink." "The facility can also support mining, oil and gas projects along with projects for the transport sector, by offering solutions such as supplying material in kit form, ready for final assembly and installation by customers." “We can produce kits and shorten the supply chain for customers who are delivering large scale projects. We can deliver parts that are ready for fabrication – there is no need for customers to spend any time undertaking weld preparation."

“Many of our customers also tell us that floor space within their own operations is vital. Offering customers semi-finished components often saves them considerable floor space and frees up their own labour." "Customers have already reported that they have upwards of 25% additional capacity in their facilities by being able to take advantage of a kitted solution." BlueScope Distribution’s National Product, Processing and Solutions Hub offers 16,000m2 of undercover floor space, of which only 4,000m2 is currently being used by the facility's 20-strong team, providing ample infrastructure for future growth.

On 15 March 2022, the Australian Federal Government awarded a Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI) grant of $55.4 million to BlueScope, which triggered a further investment of $161.6 million by BlueScope and its Illawarra partners. This investment— which will create an Advanced Steel Manufacturing Precinct at the Port Kembla Steelworks—will see the building of a new fabrication facility to manufacture components for the renewable energy, defence and other sectors, as well as upgrades and modernisation of the Port Kembla Plate Mill. BlueScope Distribution is proud to announce that it has secured part of this funding under the MMI grant to support the next phase of capability investment to strengthen its service and capability offer supporting customers who will be manufacturing a range of assets. “With our customers front of mind, we are proud to be working on plans to deliver the next phase of investment in state-of-theart laser cutting technology. We have listened to our customers, particularly those servicing defence projects, and now adding to our existing plasma

capability with a first-class laser will support them grow,” said McPhan. A STRATEGIC LOCATION

Located in Unanderra, New South Wales, BlueScope Distribution’s National Product, Processing and Solutions Hub is ideally situated midway down the east coast of Australia, and within close proximity to key suppliers and materials' sources, including the Port Kembla Steelworks, Bisalloy Steels and Blast and Prime. It's also based within a wellestablished intermodal freight region, further adding to logistical efficiency.

FEATURE: DISTRIBUTION & PROCESSING | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

"We're geared to undertake all the work on customers' infeed materials, allowing them to concentrate on their core areas of business, and in doing so, providing added efficiencies. Offering customers an alternative, by providing them with semifinished components means they can concentrate more on what their business specialises in.”

"The team is strategically located in the Illawarra, in an area where BlueScope Distribution had not operated before. This gives us proximity to the feed source – whether that's Bisalloy, or the mill for products like Truspec or laser cut plate. The intent there is that we take the plate directly from the feed source, add value through processing and project management, and ship it directly to our customers. This provides the shortest possible supply chain and optimises lead times.

PROCESSING CAPABILITY AT THEHUB The BlueScope Distribution National Product, Processing and Solutions Hub provides customers with state of the art steel processing including: • Straight plasma cutting • Constant angle bevel • Complex variable bevel and K bevel • Power hole thermal cut • Drilling • Tapping • Etching • Laser or inkjet printing • Blast and prime available on request

BlueScope Distribution's National Products, Processing and Solutions Hub utilises a state of the art, MicroStep multi-functional processing line to deliver both Plasma and Oxyfuel cutting capability. This allows BlueScope Distribution to provide unique, optimal solutions across a range of thicknesses up to 150mm while maintaining cut tolerances to meet or exceed ISO 9013 standards. Our market leading integrated laser scanning and auto-calibration capability allows for this to be achieved

while maximising yield performance for customers. In addition to thermal cutting, BlueScope Distribution has an operational capability to deliver on a range of high-end product solutions, including complex variable bevels, drilling and tapping capabilities rounded off with a variety of marking functionalities including etching, laser and inkjet marking.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT THE BLUESCOPE DISTRIBUTION NATIONAL PRODUCT, PROCESSING & SOLUTIONS HUB>

Mick McPhan (National Manager Operations and National Products, Processing and Solutions Hub, BlueScope Distribution) and Irena Kupkovic (Sales Manager BlueScope Distribution Product, Processing and Solutions Hub)

We ship the cut part or yielded product to the customer. The waste remains on-site at BlueScope Distribution, and is fed back into the BOS. This drastically reduces costs, shipping and delivery timeframes. Based on our initial estimates, we anticipate this will result in a reduction of approximately 100 trucks per annum off our roads." "The site also has the capacity to handle surge capability to meet project timelines." "It's the combination of a dedicated facility, purpose-built to deliver largescale projects, supported by BlueScope Distribution's established national distribution network and broader service capabilities, that will allow us to maximise new opportunities." A DEDICATED TEAM

As well as offering the added capacity to handle significant projects and the convenience of dealing with a single provider for product, processing and service solutions, BlueScope Distribution’s National Product, Processing and Solutions Hub is home to a dedicated team who are well credentialled to offer complete and customised end-to-end solutions, depending on customer requirements. The team's industry expertise, technical know-how and local product and processing knowledge incorporates many skillsets, which customers can benefit from throughout their projects. BlueScope Distribution encourages customers to invite the team to become involved in each project early on, so that they can better assist at the design and specification stages, and provide a single point of contact throughout the lifespan of a project. A further benefit of the facility is its centralised project management

services, which help coordinate the complex supply chains that are typically associated with large steel intensive projects, providing supply chain certainty. “Our collaboration with our trusted partners is incredibly important. We are part of the broader BlueScope group and have a well established partnership with Bisalloy and blast and prime partners. We work together closely to ensure all aspects of a project’s requirements can be met and well co-ordinated to ensure we maintain a lean supply chain." McPhan said there had been great enthusiasm and support from both customers and employees for the facility. “We are incredibly fortunate to have such a strong national network across BlueScope Distribution. It’s a very experienced team who are incredibly dedicated to supporting the customers within their own region. It’s great to have their support and the enthusiasm of the employees working at the site.” "The culture on-site is fantastic. There's a realisation from the team that they are involved in something very special. The chance to contribute to major projects of national significance and the legacy of this is certainly exciting for all of us," said McPhan. "Already, we've seen an interest from prospective customers across many sectors who are wanting to partner with us, including renewables, infrastructure and defence. We already have many notable projects in the pipeline." A NATIONAL FOOTPRINT BlueScope Distribution is a leading steel and aluminium distributor and solutions

provider. With a national network of branches across metro locations and major regional towns, BlueScope Distribution can help coordinate a full suite of product, processing and project management requirements for customers’ needs. "BlueScope Distribution operates 16 sites across Australia, including THEHUB, ranging from locations in regional areas through to major metro facilities that undertake shearing, thermal cutting, plate profiling and aluminium routing cutting and shearing. At last count, we carried over 32,000 line items nationally and our customers value the ability to source all of their steel and aluminium products from one trusted and highly experienced supply partner," said McPhan. "The new capability enables us to support our existing business to flex up and down to cope with increased capacity and large-scale projects. With increasing government expenditure on infrastructure, renewables and defence projects, we estimate that there will be approximately 200,000 tonnes of additional plate and associated processing and fabrication requirements to deliver additional projects. BlueScope Distribution’s National Product, Processing and Solutions Hub will help support the Commonwealth government and Australian manufacturers to deliver on those big projects." "Our aim is to be the distributor of choice by carrying the specific products needed in the regions in which we operate. We support our customers to do what they do best in their region and continue to grow together."

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BLUESCOPE DISTRIBUTION AND ITS BROAD RANGE OF CAPABILITIES>>>

Keppel Prince Engineering specialises in the construction, fabrication and maintenance of industrial structures and equipment. With its head office in Portland, Victoria it has a strong history in Australia going back to 1968. Keppel Prince Engineering has successfully delivered some of Australia’s largest projects including many of the Victorian windfarms installed in recent years. Their extensive experience in fabrication, welding and machining of stainless steel, aluminium, copper and carbon steels has also seen them deliver bridge pylons and large steel structures, telecommunications towers as well as gas, oil, water piping and aluminium smelter maintenance. In 2001, Keppel Prince was among the first large steel fabricators to fully embrace renewable energy by taking on a major wind farm project. This was soon followed by more wind, solar, wave and hydro energy projects which have all been successfully delivered by over 350 engineers, project managers, technicians, tradespeople, apprentices and support staff working from the 206,400m2 Portland site. BlueScope Distribution has long been a proud supply partner of Keppel Prince. According to Travis Park (BlueScope Distribution Portland Branch Manager), “Supporting Australian manufacturing is very rewarding but providing quality, Australian made steel products, processing and solutions to Keppel who are largely focused on the clean energy and sustainability sector is something else."

chain or logistical solutions we provide are streamlined and simple,” said Park. Keppel Prince believes strongly in supporting fellow Australian manufacturers and has for more than 40 years turned to BlueScope manufactured quality steel products and technical support for its operations. According to Steve Garner (Executive Director, Keppel Price), it has been a long and unique relationship. “We’ve always believed in using Australian-made BlueScope product. I’m all about building our wind towers here using local steel.” “Sometimes technical challenges come up in relation to thicknesses or quality or standards – sometimes there may be a difference between a EU standard and an Australian one and that’s where BlueScope Distribution and the broader local BlueScope technical team provide the advice we need,” said Garner. “We really are in business together – we need BlueScope Distribution as much as they need us. BlueScope Distribution provide us with high quality products at the right price, with assured supply, on-time delivery and expert technical backup; the relationship we have with them suits our organisation and they have always been very supportive, which is vital to the nature of our business.” BUILDING WIND TOWERS

Jeff Wanliss (Engineering and Estimating Manager, Keppel Prince) says that Keppel Prince tries to include BlueScope manufactured

products wherever possible, including XLERPLATE® steel, a custom Special Grade 350 of XLERPLATE® steel, a variety of structural plate grades, boiler and pressure vessel products, and weathering steels. These products are used for applications as diverse as structural fabrication, laser profiling, bridges and infrastructure, storage tanks and transport. “When we are building wind towers, we have our production service running 24/7 in order to meet the delivery time frames of our projects,” said Wanliss. “We can absorb significant tonnes of steel plate each week and we need a reliable supply partner like BlueScope Distribution to work with us to help meet our customers production schedules.” “Our customers have onsite inspectors checking that we meet their standards and that’s where we depend on BlueScope Distribution to always provide product that meets and exceeds Australian Standards. That’s critically important for us because we are competing in a global market. Knowing that BlueScope quality material will meet customer and global requirements provides us the peace of mind we need.”

FEATURE: DISTRIBUTION & PROCESSING | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

BLUESCOPE DISTRIBUTION & KEPPEL PRINCE: WIND TOWERS FOR AUSTRALIANS

“Not only does BlueScope Distribution manage the end-to-end supply chain, they also process our steel plates which includes cutting the plate to shape and on occasion they have done bevelling for an innovative solution we required. This processing is a real value-add for our business and we appreciate their commitment to helping us with that,” said Wanliss.

"It’s one thing to partner with your customers to ensure projects are delivered on time and to specification but playing a part in bettering our communities for the future is something we’re so pleased we can be a part of”. LOCAL AND ALL AUSTRALIAN

BlueScope Distribution has partnered with Keppel Prince Engineering for many years. Being located in Portland, Victoria some 350km from Melbourne means supply chain solutions need to be both efficient and reliable. “We like to keep everything local. Keppel is very close to our Portland branch which enables us to stay in regular contact with one another. Any supply

ORRCON STEEL: GROWTH, EFFICIENCY, SERVICE AND SUSTAINABILITY ORRCON STEEL IS A LEADING AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTOR AND MANUFACTURER OF STEEL, TUBE AND PIPE. THEIR 600 PERSON STRONG TEAM LEVERAGES IN-DEPTH STEEL INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE TO PRODUCE AND SUPPLY A WIDE RANGE OF TUBULAR PRODUCTS. WITH THEIR OPERATIONS GUIDED BY THE PILLARS OF GROWTH, EFFICIENCY, SERVICE AND SUSTAINABILITY, ORRCON IS FOCUSED FIRMLY ON THE FUTURE

Originally formed as Welded Tube Mills in 1989, the company had less than 10 employees in its first year of operation, and produced 10,000 tonnes of tubular steel. Interestingly, Orrcon's Brisbane facility in Salisbury is one of the few sites in Queensland that has a private train spur line, enabling direct coil delivery from Port Kembla via train to the production site. According to Paul Day (National Manager, Orrcon Distribution), "Orrcon was established in October 2000 through the merger of Welded Tube Mills and

“

Orrcon is synonymous with quality, links to Australian-made manufacturing, providing flexibility, and a broad range of products. We pride ourselves on the service we deliver to all our customers in the markets we service."

Hills Industry—the owners of the iconic Hills Hoist clothesline. In February 2005, Hills Holdings acquired 100% of the Orrcon Steel company. BlueScope then bought Orrcon Steel in February 2014." "Over the years, the company has continued to evolve. The most notable development in the last year has been the growing distinction between the operations of Orrcon Steel Distribution and Orrcon Manufacturing. Previously, the two were under the same management structure. This is where my role as leader of the Distribution business comes in. My focus is to enable future growth opportunities to be realised for Orrcon Steel Distribution." "The business I now oversee has more than 300 employees and operates under two separate brands: Orrcon Steel Distribution and Metalcorp. We outlined the history of Orrcon Steel through Hills, but the Metalcorp business is iconic in the rural sector. It has been around for over 40 years, and is particularly strong in the eastern states. It's become known as the 'rural brand on the land' steel supplier. With the catchphrase of ‘Everything in Steel’, our customers know that if they need any steel products in the rural sector, we can help," said Day.

A DIVERSE PRODUCT RANGE

Orrcon Steel Distribution supplies tubular products that are used across a wide range of structural applications, from buildings, sporting arenas, and major mining and industry infrastructure, through to aesthetic structural uses such as in airports and shipping terminals. It sources these tubular products through two Australian manufacturing sites. The first site is Orrcon Manufacturing in Brisbane, which produces cold-formed steel hollow Sections in line with AS/NZS 1163, covering steel grades C250L0, C350L0 and C450L0. The second site is Orrcon's mill in Adelaide, which manufactures precision tube products that comply with AS 1450. Orrcon Steel Distribution also imports a range of larger tubular sizes that are outside the local manufacturing capability, ensuring the same high standards are adhered to. Orrcon Steel Distribution offers a range of hot rolled structural products including beams, columns, channels, angles and merchant bar, as well as a broad range of plate from 3mm up to 200mm. Orrcon also supplies fencing, roofing and building accessories.

With distribution centres strategically located in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, Orrcon Steel provides a reliable national distribution network. "Our clients and sectors of operation vary greatly: agriculture, residential and non-residential buildings, infrastructure, manufacturing, furniture, office equipment, automotive and transport. We touch a very wide range of market segments across the country," said Day. "Our clients are typically those who value an Australian made, high quality product. Orrcon prides itself on working collaboratively with its customers and we can deliver highly customised solutions. Individual customer solutions have been part of our DNA and will continue to be moving forward. We can deliver a variety of dimensions, grades and sizes for client needs. We have the assets and the mills to enable this, and our customers have leveraged our capabilities over the years," said Day.

WE'LL SEE IT THROUGH

"We'll see it through is more than a tag line next to our brand. It is a statement that says a lot about our business and the people who work for Orrcon Steel. It is a part of our culture and it reflects our relationships both internally and externally. We do what we say we're going to do," said Day. "Orrcon is synonymous with quality, links to Australian-made manufacturing, providing flexibility, and a broad range of products. We pride ourselves on the service we deliver to all our customers in the markets we service." "We don’t try to be something we’re not. We have 19 locations around the country. We understand where our key markets are, providing products the customers demand, and strive to be outstanding in delivering those." THE FUTURE

Orrcon Distribution is optimistic about the future of steel in Australia, and the role that it can play. "There are a number of opportunities for Australian steel on the horizon. Firstly, the disruption to global supply chains is helping with repatriation of material sourcing in Australia. It could also help encourage a resurgence in onshore manufacturing," said Day. "We are seeing significant opportunities in new infrastructure, not only through increased government spending, but with work associated

with the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, as well as significant civil and roadworks underway in most states." "However, the biggest opportunity for Australian steel is the renewable energy revolution that is taking place. The significant infrastructure that will be required for the move to renewables over many, many years represents an enormous opportunity for steel products and the steel industry to move with the times in terms of our carbon footprint."

FEATURE: DISTRIBUTION & PROCESSING | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

Orrcon's product lines extend to MECSPEC-GAL®, which is manufactured with quality BlueScope GALVABOND® coil. MECSPECGAL® offers a versatile alternative to imported galvanized products. Rolled to length and made with 300 grade steel, MECSPEC-GAL™ Pipe is hotdipped zinc coated with a spangled surface. Manufactured to AS 1450, MECSPEC-GAL™ Pipe is suitable for general purpose mechanical applications, including; bench frames, box trailers, playgrounds, gym equipment, handrails, agricultural applications and more.

"If you look back at the Australian steel industry 20 years ago, and compare it to what the industry looks like today, you would be staggered by the change. The industry has changed significantly in terms of the way we do business and the players within it. Fast forward 20 years – what does the consumer and the steel industry look like in the future?" "Will it look more like the Amazon model, with digitalisation and online sales? The steel industry is traditionally a slower adopter of these types of trends. So, a major opportunity for Orrcon Steel is to look at what the needs of the future will be and investigate ways to optimise our operations. With the backing of BlueScope, we can look at digital technology, energy initiatives, product development, and sales and marketing innovation. That’s where our focus has to be: on the needs of our customers and the business on a 10 to 20 year horizon," said Day.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ORRCON STEEL'S MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION CAPABILITIES >>>

UNITED STEEL GROUP AND COIL STEELS: INDEPENDENT. FOCUSED. BETTER. UNITED STEEL GROUP (INCORPORATING GAM STEEL, UNITED STEEL AND CALIBRE STEEL) AND COIL STEELS PROVIDE AUSTRALIAN BUSINESSES INVOLVED IN MANUFACTURING, FABRICATION, BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION, INFRASTRUCTURE, MINING, OIL, GAS AND ENERGY WITH HIGH-QUALITY STEEL PRODUCTS. According to Andrew Dickson (East Coast and Central Region - General Manager, United Steel Group), "Whether it's plate, long products or sheet and coil, we are well positioned to supply on a national basis to customers of large size and demand, right down to localised requirements that require local needs and customer service." UNITED STEEL

United Steel carries a full range of quality carbon steel and has a full complement of in-house processing capability. With over 40 years history in the Australian market, United Steel carries one of the most comprehensive ranges of structural steel products, welded sections, hot rolled sections, pipe, tube, merchant bar, and roll formed and plate products. Their processing capabilities encompass long product cutting (up to 1,200mm hot rolled sections), plate cutting, ES cut grooving and fabrication solutions. Importantly, United Steel boasts robust logistics locally and—with a presence in Kalgoorlie—into remote areas like Goldfields, Pilbara and Esperance.

The United Steel Group aligns itself with suppliers that comply to Australian Standards, and are Green Star and ACRS accredited.

provide our customers with immediate and transparent access to products and prices, along with direct access to test certificates and more," said Andrew.

CALIBRE STEEL

GAM STEEL

"Operating in Western Australia, Victoria and shortly in New South Wales, Calibre Steel represents our steel plate businesses, offering grade 250, 350, laser plate and Bisalloy, along with processing," said Andrew. Calibre's processing capabilities range from dual head steel plate kinetic plasma cutting with etching, through to four head oxy cutting with an additional single head plasma. Even more advanced and flexible processing equipment is about to be commissioned. This further investment will cement Calibre’s position in the Australian market. "Calibre's dedicated focus on plate steel products allows us to excel in the areas of quality control, product knowledge, and delivery efficiency. Our distribution facilities accommodate for all products to be warehoused under-roof and handled by overhead crane. In addition, with Calibre Steel’s tailored transport solutions, configured specifically for steel plate products, deliveries arrive on-time, in-full and in premium condition." "Calibre Steel seeks to provide a measurably better level of support to our customers than traditionally available in steel supply. Our systems have been purposely designed to

Throughout its 80 year history, GAM Steel has developed into one of the country's leading long products processing and distribution businesses. "GAM provides the most comprehensive range and depth of products in the long products steel distribution market, including structural steel, hollow sections, merchant bar, reinforcing bars, building products and steel plate. We have significant processing capability with investment that includes the latest state-of-the-art CNC machines. The business provides steel solutions right across Victoria, Southern New South Wales and Tasmania," said Andrew. "GAM was established in the 1940s by two families: the Gunnersens and the Allens. The GAM brand stands for Gunnersen Allen Metals, named after the founding families." "The business passed hands from family owned to the American corporate entity CMC (Commercial Metals Company) in 2011. In 2015, it was sold by CMC as part of their exit from the Australian market to the United Steel Group who have enabled the GAM team to take a very enviable position in both the Victorian and national steel distribution industry," said Andrew.

and programmers to ensure timely and accurate finished goods to meet customer demand."

"GAM operates from a purpose built 60,000m2 facility which future proofs the business’ offer regardless of supplier or supply chain change or challenge. GAM has four drive though driveways and 26 cranes to service the warehouse area. We have invested in the latest equipment and technology to see us positioned to continue to be a market leader, including roll-on roll-off weighbridges, facial recognition and security systems. The staff enjoy a modern office environment and the warehouse staff enjoy facilities that are far beyond what people expect," said Andrew.

"GAM provides the market the opportunity to work with an independent steel stockist and distributor that hold one of the largest inventory profiles on site in the market. This facilitates the Australian steel supply chain by having a wide and deep profile of steel products for immediate use in projects," said Andrew.

"GAM has invested significantly in ensuring that we have the latest processing equipment and technology, whether that be upgrading existing assets or purchasing new. Around six months ago we commissioned another fully automated Ficep Beam line including a coping robot. GAM can cut, drill, camber, stitch cut, mitre cut, notch, cope and slot steel sections. This is supported by a team of six estimators

"The business, unlike most other distributors, owns its fleet of more than 25 trucks."

When asked about the secret to their success, Andrew cited their team as the winning ingredient. "Great people, great support and a market leading stock profile is the secret to our success. We focus on looking after good people, empowering people to do their jobs, and providing an environment that makes people want to come to work. We get stuff done and avoid paralysis by analysis where possible." "United Steel has further footprint expansion plans in the very near future. This provides an opportunity to downstream users to get further choice," said Andrew.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNITED STEEL GROUP AND THEIR PROCESSING AND DISTRIBUTION CAPABILITIES >>>

“

Great people, great support and a market leading stock profile is the secret to our success. We focus on looking after good people, empowering people to do their jobs, and providing an environment that makes people want to come to work."

FEATURE: DISTRIBUTION & PROCESSING | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

Originally established in Port Melbourne, GAM's facility has moved westward five times, as growth made it necessary to seek larger premises. GAM relocated to Brooklyn in 1970, to Derrimut in 2003, and later moved to its current site in Altona North.

COIL STEELS

According to Neil Lobb (Executive General Manager, Coil Steels), "Coil Steels offers tailored, flexible supply of both bulk and processed sheet and coil requirements. We employ lean manufacturing principles to help reduce costs and improve efficiency to provide flexible, low-cost solutions to meet all of your sheet and coil product needs." Coil Steels stocks a full range of hot rolled, cold rolled, coated and painted BlueScope products, including GALVASPAN® steel, GALVABOND® steel, TRU-SPEC® steel, TRUECORE® steel, ZINCALUME® steel, COLORBOND® steel, ZINCANNEAL® steel, BRIGHTFORM® steel, AQUAPLATE® steel, and ZINC HI-TEN® steel in bulk coil and processed forms. With total capacity of 500,000 tonnes per annum, and the ability to handle coils up to 15 tonnes, Coil Steels has the capacity and flexibility to provide Just in Time (JIT) slitting and shearing of a wide range of products.

SOUTHERN STEEL: PROJECT READY STEEL, ON SITE WHEN YOU NEED IT ITS ROOTS FIRMLY ESTABLISHED IN THE AUSTRALIAN STEEL INDUSTRY, SOUTHERN STEEL GROUP HAS QUIETLY AND METHODICALLY GROWN INTO ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S LEADING BUSINESS GROUPS. DURING ITS LONG HISTORY, SOUTHERN STEEL GROUP HAS PARTNERED WITH, AND CONTRIBUTED TO, MUCH OF AUSTRALIA’S INDUSTRIAL JOURNEY IN MINING, AGRICULTURE, ARCHITECTURE, DEFENCE, CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS.

rom its humble beginnings in 1947 Wollongong, New South Wales, the Southern Steel Group is proud of its rich history. Over the last 75 years, the company has grown its asset base to include 23 subsidiary steel supply, processing and distribution businesses under management. Today, the Group’s network covers steel products, sheet and coil, steel processing and distribution. It continues to fortify its position through strategic acquisitions incorporating ethical governance and management oversight. With national reach, the Southern Steel Group’s network is represented in all Australian mainland states. The company’s long term client portfolio is extensive and features some of Australia’s most influential steel fabrication, engineering and construction companies. The Group’s network continues to service small, medium and large enterprises with flexibility, humility and excellence in customer service and communication. ADVANCED STEEL PROCESSING

Southern Steel's advanced steel processing services consistently deliver value-added steel solutions to all market segments, including fabrication, construction, agriculture, transport and mining.

HGG SPC 1200 pipe profiler.

According to Greg Peat (Processing Marketing Manager, Southern Steel Supplies), "We can process all materials. Our beam line cutting and drilling services include plasma and saw cutting, coping, notching and mitre cutting. We can provide full CNC plate profiling solutions for any project utilising oxy and plasma cutting techniques." "Our plate profiling service is efficient and fast. In addition to cutting, we offer hole drilling, countersinking, weld prep bevelling, and external rolling, pressing and bending services." SOPHISTICATED PIPE PROFILING

Southern Steel is the only distributor in Australia that boasts pipe cutting capabilities, having recently invested in two HGG SPC 1200s for their Sydney and Queensland facilities. A highly accurate pipe cutting machine, the SPC 1200 is engineered to process highly complex designs of a wide variety of sizes and wall thicknesses, saving time and resources on laying out cuts, manual cutting and grinding. Southern Steel can process pipe from 80mm to 1225mm in diameter, and up to 12m in length. "We supply fully processed material to fabrication workshops so that fabricators can concentrate on their core business. We speed up their process, making our customers more efficient and productive, and reducing their materials handling

and waste." "Our pipe machine is quite unique—it will scallop, put in transition points, and mark up to 1,200mm diameter pipe. It saves our customers more than just simple materials handling." "Traditionally, fabricators that work with pipe use cardboard templates in a very time consuming process. Our pipe processing capabilities eliminate all of that for fabrication shops. Some fabricators take one look at project drawings, see that there is pipe involved and say 'no way'—it's just too hard. Now, they can take on these projects, knowing that they can do it with our support." "At the moment, fabrication businesses are finding it almost impossible to get tradesmen like boilermakers and welders. With the processing capabilities that we offer, fabricators don’t need the manpower that they would normally," said Greg. Southern Steel's pipe processing capabilities are already proving beneficial for the Australian steel supply chain, having been instrumental in major projects such as CommBank Stadium and the roof trusses at the Centre of Excellence at Concord Oval (both located in western Sydney), Jubliee Hotel in Brisbane, Salesforce Tower in Circular Quay, and the Amazon Distribution Warehouse at Kemps Creek (profiled opposite).

Jubilee Hotel Development in Brisbane.

FEATURE: DISTRIBUTION & PROCESSING | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

SUPPLYING THE STEEL FOR AMAZON’S NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTRE

2,300 steel beams, 1,100 WB 215s at 15.m and 1,200 WB 455s at 18m cut to size weighing 9,000 tonnes. To put that into perspective, it is the equivalent of 50 full grown blue whales. These are big numbers for a big project, but the numbers alone don’t tell the full story. This project was of strategic significance to the client and a logistical jigsaw for Southern Steel Supplies. With many moving parts, including sourcing the material, processing and distribution to the site, the project required precision timing, high level attention to detail, expert planning and high performance communication and relationship skills. Some of the steel beams needed to be delivered to the fabrication site, others direct to the painting facility and then onto the construction site. Beams of this size and weight can only be transported five beams at time, and the builders required 280 beams delivered per month. That equates to 56 deliveries every month for the best part of nine months. The Tier 1 builder had committed to a very tight milestone schedule, requiring the steel beam components to be delivered within these milestones without fail. TIMING IS THE KEY TO DISTRIBUTION

Timing is everything, and with this project there were added timing considerations. The route the trucks needed to take was within a school zone. For two hours each morning and two hours each afternoon, delivery was not possible. A detailed running schedule was devised to ensure the deliveries could be made during the open time frame. This consideration permeated through the project, influencing processing, loading and staffing schedules, to ensure the team could maximise the narrow time window and deliver as promised. The logistical and distribution matrix involved in this project set new benchmarks for Southern Steel Supplies. The team worked tirelessly; the factory operated 24 hours a day with three active shifts. “It was the most dynamic project I have worked on. The timing milestones were significant. The builder required the steel beams at certain points each day to ensure the build schedule was adhered to. Our role was to ensure the steel arrived from the mill, was processed correctly and distributed to either the site, the fabrication facility or the painter,” said Scott Johnson (Processing Manager, Southern Steel Supplies). “This was one of those projects where teamwork and communication were put to the test. This project was additional to our other work. It all looks easy and smooth on a spreadsheet, however spreadsheets don’t always take into account daily variables like delays from the mill, road closures and other factors that are often out of our control." "A project of this size and duration will inevitably confront unforeseen challenges; however, it was our responsibility to overcome any hurdles and keep the steel supplied on time and on budget and to specification.”

OPEN AND TRANSPARENT COMMUNICATION WINS

The real key to the success of this project was in the communication. Open and helpful communication across each touchpoint, forecasting and communicating potential hazards, and robust relationships with the mill, the client, the fabricators and painters, transport and processing teams ensured the project was successfully completed on time and on budget. “We knew early on that the success of this project would be determined by open, clear and transparent communication. It is a pillar that Southern Steel moulds into our daily work life, and this project brought out the best in our effective communication techniques," said Scott. "At all stages, the communication with the mill, fabricators, painters, builders and within our own teams ensured that every stakeholder knew what was going on and when. It sounds like a simple thing; however, without effective communication strategies project like these can easily get out control."

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTHERN STEEL GROUP >>>

VULCAN: A KEY LINK IN THE STEEL VALUE CHAIN SINCE VULCAN WAS FOUNDED IN 1995, THEY HAVE BECOME ONE OF AUSTRALASIA’S HIGHEST PERFORMING METALS DISTRIBUTORS AND PROCESSORS. FROM AN AMBITIOUS START-UP, VULCAN BECAME ONE OF NEW ZEALAND’S LARGEST PRIVATELY HELD BUSINESSES, AND SUBSEQUENTLY SUCCESSFULLY LISTED ON BOTH THE AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND STOCK EXCHANGES IN 2021. THEIR SUSTAINED GROWTH CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THEIR UNWAVERING FOCUS ON CUSTOMER SERVICE AND QUALITY PRODUCTS THAT ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE .

Vulcan was founded in Auckland in 1995 by Peter Wells with a clear vision – to become the most customer focused and efficient metals distributor in Australasia, by delivering superior service. The company has grown consistently ever since. Vulcan began by distributing carbon steel and steadily widened their portfolio to include plate processing, coil processing, stainless steel and engineering steels. In 2002, Vulcan entered the Australian market, with distribution in Victoria. In 2007, the company expanded to Queensland with coil, and in 2010 added plate processing to its inventory. Several acquisitions followed over the next 10 years, culminating in Vulcan listing on the Australian and New Zealand Stock Exchanges in 2021. Today, the diversity of products Vulcan offers and the geographic spread of their operations means Vulcan has become a key supplier to the Australasian steel supply chain. The company has 29 warehousing, manufacturing, and processing facilities throughout Australia and New Zealand, employing over 800 people.

A HIGH PERFORMING INDUSTRIAL PRODUCT DISTRIBUTOR

According to Bradley Childs (Manager, Vulcan), "Vulcan is a high performing Australian and New Zealand industrial product distributor. We act as a key link in the steel value chain between steel mills and end users—this is an important role for our local customers who cannot meet the high order quantities of the mills." "Vulcan operates in three key sectors; steel, stainless steel and engineering steel." "Our steel business carries a comprehensive range of structural sections, merchant bar, hollow sections and plate and sheet. Our facilities also offer long-product processing including cutting, drilling and coping." "We offer a full range of precision steel plate cutting, including laser, plasma, oxy-fuel cutting. This includes plate drilling, tapping, countersinking, beveling and folding. Our coil business offers a full range of coil processing services; including precision cutting, cut to length and slitting. All of these valueadd processing steps are completed according to customer specifications."

"When it comes to stainless steel, we supply stainless sheet and plate in a wide range of grades and finishes, as well as Creusabro Wear Resistant plate. Additionally, we stock a full range of tube, pipe, hollow and bar products, together with large stocks of stainless steel fittings and flanges. Our stainless-steel processing capabilities include latest technology laser and plasma cutting of plate products and high precision saws for cut to length of long products." "Our Engineering Steels branches offer the most comprehensive range of engineering and specialty steels in the market. With a national footprint, our branches stock a wide range of high tensile, carbon steels in black and bright, hollow bar, case hardening steel, stainless steel, aluminium round bar, chrome bar and non-ferrous metals. Every order is supplied with the backing of full material traceability and certification. Each branch is equipped with the latest in cutting technology, with the capability of cutting up to diameters of 750mm," said Bradley. BEST SERVICE—BAR NONE

Vulcan prides itself on delivering the best service in Australasia—bar none. It is this exceptional customer service that has

"At Vulcan, we really pride ourselves on our service model—it is customer first. We work to understand our customers, their businesses, and how we can best meet their needs. Each branch is focused on delivering high quality steel and having excellent stock availability," said Bradley. "We have a minimum 98% DIFOT (Delivered In Full, On Time) record, which is exceptional for the steel industry," said Bradley. "Our bespoke IT system enables us to provide exceptional service to our customers. It gives us real time visibility of sales and stock levels. A crucial aspect of our business model is exceptional stock availability for key items in the market. Our system provides full transparency on this." This same bespoke IT system enables Vulcan to track all steel inventory. All their products can be traced through the production process to the origin material, including mill certificates and coil numbers. They store and index all material documentation using bespoke software so that highly accurate test certificates can be provided quickly. Vulcan's service model is supported by an in-house managed truck fleet that enables next day commitment for unprocessed material, and managed service levels to their customers' door. "We have our own vehicle fleet across the business that allows us to shorten the supply chain. Vulcan employees deliver the materials and interact with customers at the point of delivery. This helps us better understand customer

requirements. Plus, each vehicle is fitted with the latest GPS technology which allows us to plan and track our deliveries in real time. " said Bradley. A FOCUS ON THEIR TEAM

Since its inception, Vulcan has operated a flat structure model, devoid of hierarchy. According to Vulcan, this structure is based on the belief that everyone is equally as important to the company's success. As such, everyone should be an active decision maker and empowered with complete responsibility and autonomy within their role. It is this mentality that has kept Vulcan agile, efficient and effective and their employees feeling trusted, valued and fulfilled. "We have a very transparent and flat structure that allows for an easy flow of communication throughout the business. Each site can make decisions quickly. As we’ve grown into additional market segments, we now have a number of our internal business units working with the same client. Our flat structure facilitates collaboration, ensuring the best possible service for our customers," said Bradley.

“

Vulcan is a high performing Australian and New Zealand industrial product distributor. We act as a key link in the steel value chain between steel mills and end users—this is an important role for our local customers who cannot meet the high order quantities of the mills."

FEATURE: DISTRIBUTION & PROCESSING | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

stood the company in good stead over the last 25 years.

"We also have stable teams across the board, which feeds into our overall service model. Labour is one of the biggest challenges at the moment. The fact that we’ve maintained a stable team has allowed us to maintain our service offering to the market." To ensure the company continues to succeed, Vulcan remains focused on improving the things that really matter – inventory, quality, people, and, of course, service. With the management team, the motivated workforce, the infrastructure, and the ambition to remain at the forefront of the steel industry, Vulcan has its sights set on success for another 25 years—and beyond.

IMAGES Far Left: Plate processing. Left: Members of Vulcan's 800 person strong team.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT VULCAN AND THEIR PROCESSING AND DISTRIBUTION CAPABILITIES >>>

Above (Left): Bar cutting. Above (Right): One of Vulcan's distribution centres.

INFRABUILD: BUILDING FUTURES THROUGH SUSTAINABLE STEEL INFRABUILD HAS A RICH HISTORY SPANNING MORE THAN 100 YEARS AND HAS ENTERED AN EXCITING NEW CHAPTER, PLAYING AN INTEGRAL ROLE IN THE NATION BUILDING OF AUSTRALIA. AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST VERTICALLYINTEGRATED, ELECTRIC ARC FURNACE-BASED LONG STEEL MANUFACTURER, INFRABUILD HAS A PRODUCTION CAPACITY OF 1.5 MTPA AND RECYCLES 1.4 MILLION TONNES OF STEEL PER ANNUM. INFRABUILD OFFERS FULL PROCESSING CAPABILITIES ACROSS HOT ROLLED STRUCTURAL AND WELDED STRUCTURAL SECTIONS, MERCHANT BAR, TUBE, PIPE AND PLATE, DISTRIBUTED VIA A NETWORK OF 150 LOCATIONS NATIONALLY.

nfraBuild and its brands have been operating continuously in Australia for more than 100 years, providing materials for nation building projects including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, major infrastructure, and some of Australia’s most loved sports stadiums. This journey began with the opening of the Newcastle Steelworks, which operated for 84 years from 1915. InfraBuild's distribution business began in 1969 with the listing of Tubemakers of Australia Limited. Since then, InfraBuild has grown its regional footprint through acquisitions and expansion activities, increasing their proximity to customers across the country. In 2017, the company became part of LIBERTY Steel Group and soon after the business was rebranded as InfraBuild.

According to Lige Donald (Group General Manager Steel and Tube, InfraBuild), "We have been operating continuously for more than 100 years and have proud and longstanding connections with the communities we operate in." VERTICALLY INTEGRATED STEEL MANUFACTURER

"We are Australia’s only fully verticallyintegrated steel manufacturer in that we have recycling, manufacturing and distribution capabilities servicing largescale, nation-building non-residential construction and infrastructure projects, as well as the rural and mining and retail sectors," said Lige. Locally, InfraBuild has two electric arc furnaces – one in Laverton in Victoria and the other in Rooty Hill in Sydney,

as well as 26 recycling sites and eight product manufacturing sites including tube, wire and rod mills across the country. InfraBuild then processes and distributes these products through 52 locations nationally, which are part of a broader network of 150 distribution locations. "We have full processing capabilities of all Hot Rolled Structural and welded structural sections, as well as merchant bar, tube, pipe and plate. InfraBuild’s Steel and Tube brands have full HRS processing capability for these long product sections up to and including 1200WB," said Lige. "This processing ability includes sawing, drilling, threading, countersinking,

work schedules by being able to supply these high accuracy and good quality finished parts ready for fabrication."

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

"We use scrap sourced through our recycling centres to manufacture billets in the electric arc furnaces, which are then used to manufacture merchant bar taken to market through our retail and processing sites of which we have 150 nationwide," said Lige.

InfraBuild has recently invested significantly in their processing capability to remain a market leading processing agent for their customers. "We are continually investing in our facilities, machinery and continuous improvement capabilities to ensure InfraBuild remains the first choice for customers demanding the best quality, capability and processing speeds available in market," said Lige. "New machines are arriving for our Sydney and Brisbane sites during 2022, which will maintain and ensure our expertise in this area. In addition, the business is continuing to invest in long products processing by extending this capability into central Victoria, central and north Queensland later in 2022 and early 2023."

SUSTAINABILITY

InfraBuild's mission is to build futures through sustainable steel—their vertical integration is fundamental to the this.

"Since 2016, InfraBuild Steel Centre

also has an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) which covers the supply and processing of hot rolled structural steel and merchant bar sections to our customers." "This makes us the only structural steel distributor in Australia to have an EPD registered with EPD Australasia." InfraBuild’s EPDs were developed in conjunction with thinkstep-anz and independently verified by start2see. Both businesses are highly regarded in terms of Life Cycle Assessment, independent verification and knowledge of the measures

FEATURE: DISTRIBUTION & PROCESSING | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

scribing and coping as well as mechanical coping and slots. This advanced level of processing capability is available at each of our east coast steel distribution facilities as well as Tasmania, South Australia and Northern Territory, where we have mechanical coping capability," said Lige.

UNITED IN BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THROUGH STEEL As Lige explained, the secret to InfraBuild’s success is being committed to maintaining a full processing service offer, with market leading technology that makes dealing with the company easier.

"We have a proven capability to deliver against project timelines and work with customers to mitigate risk, understand their requirements and maximise profitability over the life of the project," said Lige. "Given the integrated nature of the InfraBuild business, we're able to provide greater levels of transparency and traceability and are able to demonstrate compliance to the relevant Australian standards and the project's sustainability requirements, ensuring what was designed, is what is procured and installed to the correct specifications." "Our people are united in our mission to build futures through sustainable steel. We take pride in our contributions to the projects which will shape the futures of communities across the country." "By being able to supply advanced processing, we provide a competitive advantage for our customers by reducing manual marking and prefabrication of long product sections ready for final fabrication. Project times can be reduced from our customers’

underpinning lifecycle thinking – all vital to environmental management systems. "Our EPD helps sustainability and design professionals, procurement specialists and constructors make informed project decisions using recognised and verified data. This can also assist projects to gain points in the Green Star and IS Ratings Tools," said Lige. EPDs quantify the environmental impacts of products, in a standardised and verified way, based on a consistent set of rules known as Product Category Rules (PCR). The results contained in each EPD represent the assessed product and offer customers confidence that the environmental data for products in each EPD is accurate and verified. INTRINSIC VALUE OF A SOVEREIGN SUPPLY CHAIN

When asked about the biggest opportunity for Australia's steel distribution and processing industry, Lige was optimistic, given the increased importance of a sovereign supply chain. There are, however, some critical factors that require long-term planning and investment to secure this supply chain. "Resulting from the global shocks caused by COVID-19, disrupted and constrained supply chains and the war in Ukraine, has come the increased recognition of the intrinsic value of a sovereign supply chain, with the need to support Australian made products and the full Australian value chain," said Lige.

"This reshaping of sentiment back towards a strong sovereign domestic supply chain provides the steel industry with an impetus to deploy new solutions and services." "This creates a great opportunity to adapt and respond to these global challenges and deliver a superior market offer and meet or even exceed the market expectations." "Sustainability is a must; our industry is one of the highest emitting industries in the world and we make essential materials that contribute to projects that will shape our nation in the future, but the impetus to significantly reduce our emissions is upon us." "So, it is incumbent on us all in the industry to explore new ways of doing things to contribute to a sustainable future." "Just as environmental sustainability is critical, so too is social and economic sustainability. We operate in hundreds of communities across the country, providing employment opportunities for local people and injecting money into local economies through our investments, while also supporting community initiatives."

“

Resulting from the global shocks caused by COVID-19, disrupted and constrained supply chains and the war in Ukraine, has come the increased recognition of the intrinsic value of a sovereign supply chain, with the need to support Australian made products and the full Australian value chain."

"It is why securing Australia’s steel supply chain is so critical; it enables us to continue investing in communities across the country, employing local people and providing opportunities for young people to pursue their chosen field through our high school STEM program, apprenticeships and graduate programs," said Lige.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INFRABUILD AND THEIR EXTENSIVE SERVICES AND CAPABILITIES >>>

Perth's Optus Stadium.

FEATURE: DISTRIBUTION & PROCESSING | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022 Flinders Link Rail Project.

NATION BUILDING PROJECTS FLINDERS LINK RAIL PROJECT

InfraBuild supplied the cut plate component for the Flinders Rail Link, which was jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments. The Flinders Rail project involved an extensive upgrade of the existing rail network, linking Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University to the passenger rail network. It included a 650-metre extension of the Tonsley rail line, including an elevated single track over Sturt Road, Laffers Triangle and Main South Road. YUNGGORENDI CULTURAL GATHERING SPACE

InfraBuild supplied approximately six tonnes of steel for the construction of the Yunggoorendi Cultural Gathering Space, a project for Flinders University. Yunggorendi is a name gifted by Kaurna Elders, which means to 'Impart Knowledge, To Communicate, and To Inform'. Providing a space for cultural, learning and ceremonial activities, the site consists of a range of amphitheater decks which frame a large, compacted sand ceremonial space.

PERTH’S OPTUS STADIUM

InfraBuild supplied almost 30,000 tonnes of welded steel beams, steel plate, large-diameter CHS and reinforcing bar for the construction of the award-winning OPTUS Stadium in Perth, The project involved the construction of a five-level 60,000 seat multi-purpose stadium and surrounding park, with the project awarding more than $463.5 million worth of construction contracts. The stadium has won a host of local and international awards, most recently the Venue of the Year at TheStadiumBusiness Awards which were announced in Manchester in July. 271 SPRING ST

InfraBuild supplied universal beams, columns, and channels sourced from InfraBuild's integrated supply chain for the construction of the eye-catching 16 story 271 Spring St building in Melbourne. The site has a significant historic overlay due to heritage buildings and the 2000 tonnes of steel provided by InfraBuild were essential to the cantilevering design, which maximises commercial floor space on the remainder of the site.

NEW ASI

Deery Consulting T: 03 9134 6863 E: admin@deeryconsulting.com W: deeryconsulting.com A: 1/54 Dixon Street, Inverloch Victoria

Apollo Fabrication Group T: 02 6382 6844 E: sales@apollofabrication.com.au W: apollofabrication.com.au A: 10-12 Telegraph Road, Young New South Wales

Engineering Design and Certifications T: 0451 464 591 E: info@engineeringcertifications.com.au W: engineeringcertifications.com.au A: 2 Com Crescent, Southport Queensland

Atex Steel T: 03 5248 2440 E: office@atexsteel.com.au W: atexsteel.com.au A: 9-13 Enterprise Drive, Corio Victoria B&B Steel NT T: 0447 478 077 A: 2/46 Marjorie Street, Pinelands Northern Territory

MANUFACTURER MEMBERS

Frost Engineers T: 07 4972 3577 E: admin@frostengineers.com.au W: frostengineers.com.au A: 16 Yarroon Street, Gladstone Queensland

Lai Group T: 08 8244 9022 E: sales@laiswitchboards.com.au W: laiswitchboards.com.au A: 120 Days Road, Ferryden Park South Australia

Griffiths Engineers Australia T: 02 9960 2524 E: info@griffithsengineers.com.au W: griffithsengineers.com.au A: 5 Kiora Avenue, Mosman New South Wales

Pandrol T: 02 9852 2500 E: SalesAus@pandrol.com W: pandrol.com A: 7 Bessemer Street, Blacktown New South Wales

Perranco Services T: 0423 683 405 A: U3 328 Walter Road, West Morley Western Australia

MEMBERS ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Oceanex Energy T: 0403 066 747 W: oceanexenergy.com A: Suite 103, 80 Elizabeth Street Sydney, New South Wales

Safe Direction T: 1300 063 220 E: sales@safedirection.com.au W: safedirection.com.au A: 5 Simpson Close, Smeaton Grange New South Wales PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS Barnson T: 1300 227 676 E: generalenquiry@barnson.com.au W: barnson.com.au A: Unit 1, 36 Darling Street, Dubbo New South Wales Cadmus Engineering T: 02 9098 6000 E: admin@cadmus.com.au W: cadmus.com.au A: Suite 209, Tower A, 11-13 Solent Circuit, Norwest, New South Wales ConceptDG Adelaide Structural Detailers T: 08 8368 3400 E: estimating@conceptdg.com.au W: conceptdg.com.au A: Unit 1, Office F, 40 Birraleee Road, Regency Park, South Australia Costin Roe Consulting T: 02 9251 7699 E: mail@costinroe.com.au W: costinroe.com.au A: Level 4, 8 Windmill Street, Walsh Bay New South Wales

Coslee Heavy Metal Fabricators T: 03 9357 2311 E: sales@coslee.com.au W: coslee.com.au A: 17-19 Industrial Avenue, Thomastown Victoria MaddisonWright Engineering T: 03 5814 5210 W: maddisonwright.com.au A: 1/130 Broderick Road, Corio Victoria

Steel Shop Detailing T: 07 3312 4659 W: steelshopdetailing.com.au A: 6 Rolls Royce Court, Joyner Queensland

Magena Fabrications T: 08 8295 2069 E: tom@magena.com.au W: magena.com.au A: Unit 4, 60-62 Kinkaid Avenue North Plympton, South Australia

Structerre Consulting Engineers T: 08 9205 4500 E: perth@structerre.com.au W: structerre.com.au A: 1 Erindale Road, Balcatta Western Australia

MiCAD Industries T: 0447 023 105 W: facebook.com/micadeng A: Shed 2/107 Ingleston Road, Wakerley Queensland

TOG Services T: 0414 880 035 E: info@togservices.com.au W: togservices.com.au A: 2/32 Burler Drive, Busselton Western Australia FABRICATOR MEMBERS Adcon Structural Group T: 02 4627 0060 E: daniels@structuralgrp.com.au W: adconstructuralgroup.com.au A: 9-13 Kialba Road, Campbelltown New South Walesd AKT Engineering T: 08 92496 9503 E: info@aktconstructions.com.au W: aktconstructions.com.au A: 16 Midas Road, Malaga Western Australia A-Line Building Systems T: 03 9792 0044 E: sales@alinebuildingsystems.com W: alinebuildingsystems.com.au A: 68 Logis Boulevard Dandenong South, Victoria

NWI Fabrication T: 1300 669 162 W: nwifabrication.com.au A: 1/88 Magowar Road, Girraween New South Wales PH Welding T: 0407 757 449 E: info@phwelding.com.au W: phwelding.com.au A: 7 Cochrane Road, East Arm Northern Territory Third Angle Engineering T: 03 9706 7311 E: thirdangle@thirdangle.com.au W: thirdangle.com.au A: 27- 29 Fowler Road Dandenong South, Victoria Towers Engineering and Fabrication T: 02 6800 2754 W: towersengineering.com.au A: 19 Johnson Street, Dubbo New South Wales

MULTI-USER EBOOK SETS NOW AVAILABLE

The Australian Steel Institute (ASI) is pleased to announce that our eBooks can now be purchased as multiuser subscriptions. These multi-user subscriptions can be accessed by all employees linked to an ASI account. This update means that you'll receive generous discounts when you purchase our sets of eBooks. In 2020, the Australian Steel Institute (ASI) launched its first eBooks. Since then, the ASI has rapidly expanded its suite of ebooks to over 30 titles, including: • Handbook 1: Design of Structural Steel Connections • Design Capacity Tables for Structural Steel (Volume 1): Open Sections • Design Capacity Tables for Structural Steel (Volume 3): Simple Connections - Open Sections • Design Capacity Tables for Structural Steel (Volume 4): Rigid Connections - Open Sections • Design Guide 1: Bolting in Structural Steel Connections • Design Guide 2: Welding in

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Structural Steel Connections Design Guide 3: Web Side Plate Connections Design Guide 4: Flexible End Plate Connections Design Guide 5: Angle Cleat Connections Design Guide 6: Seated Connections Design Guide 7: Pinned Base Plate Connections Design Guide 10: Bolted Moment End Plate Beam Splice Connections Design Guide 11: Welded Beam to Column Moment Connections Design Guide 12: Bolted End Plate to Column Moment Connections Design Guide 13: Splice Connections Steel Detailers Handbook Economical Structural Steelwork Worked Examples for Steel Structures Standardised Structural Connections Australian Steelwork Corrosion and Coatings Guide The complete set of eight books in the Structural Steel Tubular Connection Design Guide series

HOW DO ASI eBOOKS WORK? There are flexible options for access to ASI eBooks: • •

An individual user licence; or An annual, multi-user subscription that can be accessed by employees within your company via their ASI Dashboard.

ASI eBooks are accessed via your personal Dashboard, when logged into the ASI website, from a state of the art eBook reader called tekReader.

INSIDE THE ASI | STEEL AUSTRALIA | WINTER 2022

ASI LIBRARY & BOOKSHOP UPDATE

Navigation within the eBook is optimised with contents, tables, figures and references all linked. You can add notes to your publication and access it from any device. FURTHER INFORMATION For further information, or to purchase any of the ASI's eBooks, simply click here.

UPCOMING ASI EVENTS THE ASI HAS SEVERAL EXCITING EVENTS ON THE HORIZON, WITH SUBJECT MATTER RANGING FROM STRUCTURAL BOLTING THROUGH TO THE DESIGN OF STEEL BRIDGES, PORTAL FRAME BUILDINGS, AND ROLLER DOORS IN STEEL SHEDS. BOOKINGS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE AS SOON AS DATES ARE CONFIRMED. VISIT STEEL.ORG.AU FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. Event Title

Event Format

Introduction to Steel Detailing and Construction Modelling

Webcast Seminar

Corrosion Prevention of Steel Products

Webcast Seminar

Minimising Risk and Improving Safety in the Design of Heavy Crane Runway Girders and Supporting Steel Structures

Webcast Seminar

Design of Roller Doors and Supporting Structures

Webcast Seminar

Effective Design of Steel Bridges

Webcast Seminar

Design of Portal Frame Buildings

Webcast Seminar

2022 ASI Australian Steel Convention on 9 to 11 October 2022 in Sydney

2 day face-to-face conference

ASI Members: Are You Taking Advantage of Your Member Benefits?

Advocacy at the local, state and federal levels to advance the cause of Australian steel

Member discount on technical presentations, seminars, networking events and conventions

Regular industry news & steel Australia magazine and Steel Construction journal

For corporate members, promotion in the ASI Directory and use of the ASI logo

Member discounts on ASI bookshop publications and eLearning packages

Superior technical advisory services, delivered by experienced industry experts

Opportunities to participate in specialist committees and groups to address steel industry issues

Countless other benefits from joining and networking with a community of likeminded companies & people