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Message from the Chief Executive
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.
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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.
