CELEBRATING 40 YEARS
A legacy of dedication and growth
Celebrating 40 years of innovation and resilience, Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies has grown from a backyard operation into a trusted cornerstone of the community.
In November 1974, Kevin MacGibbon began his journey in the steel industry, working for a major engineering firm in Shepparton.
Ten years later, he took a bold step to branch out on his own, operating from his backyard in rural Victoria for the first eight years.
The fledgling business, known as Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies, quickly outgrew its modest start and by 1992, Kevin had secured a corner site previously occupied by a service station, marking the beginning of an era for the business at its current location.
“It was either expand or stop,” Kevin said.
“People always said to us, ‘What are you doing out there? You’re in the middle of nowhere.’ And I’d say, ‘We’re in the middle of everywhere’.”
This sentiment became the backbone of Nalinga Steel’s operations, which serve an area within a 300–400 km radius.
The first warehouse was built in 1992, with expansions following soon after to accommodate the company’s growth.
By the early 2000s, Nalinga Steel had invested in heavy-duty machinery, including a large capacity saw and plasma cutter, to meet increasing demand.
“At the time, I thought if we could get that saw working one day a week, I’d be happy,” Kevin said.
“But it was working five days a week from the moment it was installed and hasn’t stopped since.”
This investment allowed Nalinga Steel to take on significant projects, such as a jobs requiring over 700 tonnes of material, delivered over several years.
These advancements solidified the company’s reputation for quality and reliability.
Kevin credits the company’s success to its dedicated team and loyal customers.
“Everyone we’ve ever dealt with has become a permanent customer,” he said.
“There’s a way of treating people that creates long-term relationships.
“We pride ourselves on good oldfashioned service here, and we like to make things as easy as possible for people.”
The close-knit culture extends to the staff, many of whom have been with the company for decades.
One notable team member, Chris Payne-Croston, has been part of the business since the mid-1990s, today, he manages the business.
Another employee, Terry Bostancioglu, Kevin has known personally for many years.
“We are like a big family,” Kevin said.
“They are experienced staff who focus on long-term business relationships and I am really proud of them all.
“Some of our customers are part of that family too.”
Nalinga Steel’s customers, some of whom have been clients for 40 years, are often invited to the company’s Christmas celebrations,
further reinforcing the sense of community.
Over the years, the business has faced its share of challenges, including major floods in 1993 and subsequent years.
The office was rebuilt on higher ground to mitigate future risks, demonstrating Kevin’s resilience and foresight.
More recently, COVID-19 brought unexpected growth, and despite this boom, Kevin remained steadfast in his retirement, confident in the capable hands of his team.
Kevin retired around 10 years ago, marking the end of an era for the man who had dedicated nearly five decades to the steel industry.
Now, he spends his time pursuing other passions, including beekeeping — a hobby he’s maintained for nearly as long as his career in steel.
Reflecting on his journey, Kevin emphasised the importance of perseverance and believing in oneself.
“People said it couldn’t be done 40 years ago. But we backed ourselves, and it worked,” he said.
“We didn’t just build a business; we built a reputation, and that’s something no-one can take away.”
As Nalinga Steel celebrates 40 years, it stands as a testament to hard work, vision, and the enduring relationships that have made it a cornerstone of the community.
The company’s legacy is not just in steel and roofing supplies, but in the trust it has earned with it’s customers over four decades.
“None of it would have been possible without the incredible support of our staff, customers and the community,” Kevin said.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for being part of our story.”
Retired owner of Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies Kevin MacGibbon reflects on 40 years in business.
Kevin MacGibbon pictured in a newspaper feature in 1992 after his business expanded from his property in Nalinga to a corner block on the Midland Hwy.
Forged in steel
For four decades, Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies has been at the heart of building and innovation across rural Victoria and southern NSW.
Celebrating 40 years of Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies.
From humble beginnings in 1985, with what started out as a smallscale company today, stands as a trusted name in steel and roofing across two states.
Nestled on the Midland Hwy in Nalinga, the company started with a simple goal: to supply high-quality steel and roofing supplies to rural and regional areas.
Over the years, Nalinga Steel has grown into a cornerstone business, delivering not just products, but trust and reliability.
They pride themselves on their great prices with customer service being their number one priority.
Reaching a 40-year milestone is no small feat.
It speaks volumes about the company’s resilience and ability to adapt to changing markets and technologies, and is a testament
to their incredible team of employees.
With a focus on community connection and forming strong relationships with local contractors and industries, Nalinga Steel has become synonymous with reliability.
Whether you’re in need of shed building services, for a range of requirements, they have a variety of frame sizes to choose from.
If their sizes don’t meet your specifications, they can provide a tailor-made service to ensure your needs are met.
From pipes, plates or roofing, their team can work with you to ensure you get exactly what you need from a range of first and downgrade steels, cut to order and delivered to your door.
The company is proud to serve an extensive delivery network, ensuring that even the most
remote customers receive the materials they need and have made convenience a hallmark of their service.
Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies has been a driving force behind
countless structures, big and small over the past 40 years.
This milestone reflects their dedication, quality, and an unwavering commitment to the, communities they serve.
Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies manager Chris Payne-Croston and owner Kevin MacGibbon.
Dedicated team delivers
Discover the dedicated professionals who bring expertise, reliability and exceptional service to every project, ensuring a seamless experience for all customers.
BRENDAN BOOKER
Brendan has been an integral part of the team for seven years, taking on multiple roles with ease.
As both the storeman and the head saw and plasma operator, he’s always in action — cutting steel or working on the plasma.
Beyond these tasks, Brendan also lends a hand with unloading goods and assisting with deliveries, showcasing his versatility and dedication to keeping operations running smoothly.
DENIS (WOOFIE) BOWERMAN
Denis, a seasoned truck driver with over 12 years of experience, is a cornerstone of the delivery operations.
When not out on the road ensuring goods reach their destinations across two states, he shifts focus to the warehouse, preparing orders with precision and care.
STEVE THOMAS
Steve has been with the team for four years, managing the important task of preparing orders for truck deliveries and customer pickups. He also contributes by handling some cutting tasks for customer orders, ensuring everything is ready and on time.
TERRY BOSTANCIOGLU
Terry joined the team just a year ago, bringing with him over 40 years of expertise in metal fabrication.
As the company’s primary welder, his exceptional skills have quickly made him an invaluable asset to the team.
JOHN D’ALOIA
John is the number one salesman and often the first to pick up the phone, showing his commitment to customer service.
Despite not having a background in the steel industry, John has gained an impressive depth of knowledge during his time with the company.
This allows him to assist customers with confidence and professionalism, whether they are seeking advice on products, placing orders or exploring solutions to their needs.
His ability to connect with clients has made him an invaluable asset to the team.
JUSTIN O’KEEFFE
Justin has been with the company for around four years and plays a vital, multifaceted role.
As the warehouse manager, he is responsible for managing orders, unloading trucks and handling deliveries when needed.
Additionally, Justin is an integral part of the sales team, where he coordinates special offers for the website and marketplace, ensuring a smooth sales process.
MARLENE NIXON
With over 36 years of experience in the steel industry, Marlene brings a wealth of knowledge to the company.
Having been with Nalinga for six years, she oversees the accounts side of the business, a multifaceted role that she manages with expertise.
Additionally, Marlene steps into the sales department when needed, further showcasing her versatility and commitment to the team.
HARLEY IMLACH
Harley is a dedicated driver who works three-days-a-week, ensuring timely and secure delivery of client orders.
When he’s not on the road, Harley lends his expertise to the plasma, helping out in the warehouse.
His flexibility and commitment to the team make him a vital part of the operations.
What sets Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies apart?
With years of experience in the steel industry, the team at Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies takes pride in supporting projects of all sizes, offering personalised service and dedication to seeing every job through to completion.
As a smaller business, they stand out by genuinely caring about their customers’ needs, whether for the DIY handyman or larger enterprises.
Their in-house processing capabilities include:
• Behringer bandsaw: Capable of cutting full packs of RHS and mitre cuts on structural beams.
• Plasma cutter: Precision cuts various shapes using computeraided design, handling plates from 3 mm to 25 mm thick.
• Parkinson bandsaw: Perfect for small to medium steel fabrication needs.
• Cropper: Ideal for cutting short lengths of merchant bar or angles.
• Brobo cold saw: Specialises in cutting smaller steel items such as flats, RHS, and rounds.
Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies also offers steel cut to length and prepared for pick-up and delivery.
Their extensive stock includes downgraded steel options, with
regularly updated specials available on their website.
With over 100 years of combined staff experience, Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies is the trusted choice for all your steel requirements.
Keeping commitment alive
Chris Payne-Croston’s nearly 30-year journey at Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies reflects the company’s growth, strong community ties, and enduring commitment to quality service, as he continues the legacy of founder Kevin MacGibbon.
For Chris Payne-Croston, Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies has been more than just a workplace — it’s been a second home for nearly three decades.
Starting in 1996, fresh out of school, Chris joined the company in his hometown of Nalinga, filling a position that a friend had recommended.
“I was good mates with someone who worked here, and they needed someone,” Chris said.
“I thought, ‘That’ll do for a while,’ and here we are, nearly 30 years later.”
Chris began in a hands-on role, helping in the yard, but over time, his responsibilities grew.
“I never had an official title back then — ‘You’re this, now you’re this’ — it just gradually happened as Kevin took on less responsibility, and I stepped up,” he explained.
By the time Kevin fully retired in 2019, Chris was already managing most aspects of the business, from overseeing operations to handling customer relations.
“The last four or five years before Kevin actually retired, he didn’t do much anyway,” Chris joked.
“But that’s because we’ve always had good staff. The business runs itself, and Kevin had full faith in us to keep things going.”
Chris credits the company’s unique culture for its enduring success.
“Kevin’s a good boss — he doesn’t have targets or micromanage us. He just lets us get on with it,” he said.
“This trust has created a collaborative workplace where everyone pitches in.
“We all do everything anyway. I still get out in the truck when I can because I like to.
“The last thing you want to do is be stuck at a computer all day.”
Despite his managerial role, Chris remains hands-on, balancing tasks like purchasing and overseeing larger projects with time spent in the yard or on deliveries.
The company’s adaptability and commitment to service has earned it a loyal customer base.
“We’re different from the big chains — it’s a bit more personal. If someone wants something done, we just get it done. We’re not restricted by rigid schedules,” he said.
Long-term relationships are at the heart of Nalinga Steel’s operations.
Employees that have stayed for years and customers too.
“Some of our customers have also been with us for decades like a few of our staff members. We have a good relationship with them —they know they can count on us, and we always have a joke with them.”
Looking ahead, Chris acknowledges that the steel industry has slowed down after a COVID-19 boom, but said the company remains steady, with enough work to keep the team busy.
As for his own future, Chris isn’t looking too far ahead.
“People ask me where I see the business in 20 years. I honestly don’t know. Maybe I’ll be retired in six years,” he said.
“For now, we’re just ticking along nicely.”
Chris is proud of the team and the community that have made Nalinga Steel what it is today.
Under his leadership, Nalinga Steel continues to honour Kevin’s legacy of quality, reliability, and good old-fashioned service, ensuring
that the company remains a cornerstone of the community for years to come.
“We’ve got great staff who just do their job and customers who keep
“It’s like a big family here — workers, clients, everyone. We’re all in it together.”
coming back because they trust us,” Chris said.
Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies manager Chris Payne-Croston.
Comprehensive range of products and services
Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies offers an extensive selection of high-quality materials and products to meet diverse construction and building needs.
Some of these include:
• Merchant bars – flats, rounds, angles.
• Pipe in black and galvanised.
• Bright bar.
• Hot rolled and galvanised sheet. Steel plate and floor plates. Aluminium flat sheet and tread plate.
• Structural steels, Universal beams and columns.
• All roofing supplies, including iron, guttering and flashings.
• Fencing products, such as strainers, stays, star pickets, plain and barbed wire, chain mesh and gates.
Reliable delivery across two states
Did you know that Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies delivers across rural Victoria and southern NSW?
Located in the middle of ‘everywhere’, Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies delivers to a wide range of areas within a 150 km radius of Nalinga.
Some of these areas include Shepparton, Benalla, Wangaratta, Wodonga, Deniliquin, Jerilderie, Cobram, Yarrawonga, Wagga Wagga, Kyabram, Echuca, Rochester, Bendigo, Kilmore, Kerang, Mansfield, Bright and Seymour, and many more rural towns in between.
Their fleet includes a semi truck capable of delivering steel lengths up to 18 metres and two tray trucks designed for lengths up to 9 metres.
These trucks handle the majority of deliveries, operating daily to ensure consistent and efficient service.
Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies provides timely and reliable front-door delivery services, all-year-round.
The next generation of farm gates
McPherson Media Group would like to congratulate Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies on celebrating 40 years in business, and thank them for the opportunity to produce this publication.
If the McPherson Media can help you celebrate your business or event, please call us on 5820 3157.
Bicknell’s Freight would like to congratulate Nalinga Steel on their 40 year milestone. They are a great example of what successful small businesses are all about –knowing their customers and care about providing exceptional service.
SHEPPARTON IS OUR HUB
Predominantly our work is business-to-business with customers ranging from the local mechanic to major manufactures and industry suppliers throughout our service area. For more information, visit our website at www.bicknells.net.au
MELBOURNE
A journey through time
1985
Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies was established by owner Kevin MacGibbon on his property in Nalinga.
2000
1993
One year after opening at the new location, the business was met with a flood that saw two metres of water go through its new building.
2005
Nalinga Steel purchased its first semi. Allowing for delivery of longer lengths.
2015
The installation of plasma plate cutting facilities alongside a further shed expansion and warehouse manufacturing division allowed the business to service a larger range of customers.
2018
A new computer system was implemented into the daily running of the business.
2019
Owner Kev MacGibbon retired and handed over the manager’s role to long-time employee Chris Payne-Croston.
As the business continued to grow further extensions were made to the shed.
A second overhead crane was installed.
1992
The business expanded and moved to its current location. This meant the construction of a purpose-built warehouse, with an overhead crane to handle the growing list of first-grade stock.
Processing equipment was also installed, including a bandsaw, punch and shear.
2022
Floods once again struck the business.
2025
Nalinga Steel & Roofing Supplies celebrates 40 years in the industry.
