Orrcon Steel News

Australian Steel suitable for Australia’s unique environment

The harsh Australian environment wreaks havoc on the construction industry with an estimated $75 billion in damage each year due to corrosion*. A significant portion of this is preventable. Corrosion is a natural process and understanding the factors that cause corrosion allows a fit for purpose approach to design and material selection. Corrosion can compromise the aesthetics and integrity of a structure. If left unchecked corrosion may consume large areas resulting in pitting, scale and loss of wall thickness.

As a loyal customer of Orrcon Steel / Metalcorp Toowoomba, MFE is focused on utilising local product and support services wherever they can.

“We only exist in Chinchilla thanks to the community. We have to do our part to make sure the town remains viable. If we don’t support it, it’ll die out and our business won’t exist” said Louise McMahon, Business Services Manager MFE. 

Steel is the backbone of Australia’s construction, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors. It’s shaped the image of this great nation in the form of bridges, motorways and stadiums - where we play, where we work and where we live.

The health and well-being of our people and our community is a priority to BlueScope. We have taken steps to minimise the potential spread and impact of COVID-19 on our employees and you as a valued contractor, customer or other guest to our site.
Please help us do our bit to keep everyone healthy:

We continue to see the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus and impact this pandemic is having on our way of life and the health and well-being of people in our communities and workplaces. These are extraordinary times and I would like to update you on the steps our business has taken to be proactive in trying to limit the further spread of this virus and how we seek to interact with our customers.

The Coronavirus outbreak is a great concern for communities throughout the world. Whilst health authorities and all forms of Government are working to care for those affected and to prevent further spread of the virus, there are also commercial concerns being expressed with regards to the security of local and international supply chains.

We, at Orrcon Steel and Metalcorp Distribution, are following all publicly advised health, safety and wellbeing procedures to minimize risk to our employees, contractors, service providers, suppliers and customers.

Our communities are our homes. We have been shocked and saddened by the devastation and loss of life caused by the horrendous bushfires which continue to threaten many regions and communities across Australia.

Orrcon Steel’s parent company BlueScope recognise their social responsibility to reduce their environmental impact. 

“Caring for the environment is the cornerstone statement in our bond, which guides the decisions we make at BlueScope each day,” BlueScope CEO Mark Vassella said. 

This is further evidenced by BlueScope holding both the WorldSteel Climate Action Program certificate and the ‘ISO14001 Environmental Management System’ certificate.  

Orrcon Steel’s parent company BlueScope recognise their social responsibility to reduce their environmental impact. 

“Caring for the environment is the cornerstone statement in our bond, which guides the decisions we make at BlueScope each day,” BlueScope CEO Mark Vassella said. 

This is further evidenced by BlueScope holding both the WorldSteel Climate Action Program certificate and the ‘ISO14001 Environmental Management System’ certificate.  

When Richard Whipp owner of Wip Construction was first notified that he had won the Upgrade Your Work Life Balance monthly prize he thought it was a practical joke.

“Once it had sunk in of course it made me feel very lucky,” he said.

As the May winner of Orrcon Steel and Metalcorp’s Upgrade Your Work Life Balance promotion, Mr Whipp was given the choice of five monthly prizes, valued at up to $1,500.

He chose the DJI Mavic Pro Drone, which he intends to use for both business and recreational purposes.

When it comes to manufacturing furniture for the education sector Woods Furniture top the class.

Providing classroom seating, security lockers and student desks for around 3,500 schools around Australia, Woods Furniture has been creating flexible learning environments since 1953.

A long-term customer of Orrcon Steel, the Victorian based business sources a variety of steel sections from the Orrcon Steel Westall Distribution Centre.

Woods Furniture Director Tony Rogers said, “Working with Orrcon Steel allows us to develop our own steel profiles easily.

Travis Sayers, owner of TJ Sheds has been a customer of Orrcon Steel for over five years.

Recently he became April’s monthly winner of the Upgrade Your Work Life Balance promotion, taking home an iPad Pro with Pen, which was valued at $1400.

“I have a keen interest in astrophotography and the iPad will allow me to remotely control my telescope. This will assist with my exploration, making my time away from work even more enjoyable,” he said.

When it comes to manufacturing Australian made gym equipment, Roysen Engineering and Australian Barbell Company are doing the heavy lifting.

Roysen Engineering has been a loyal customer of Orrcon Steel for many years and manufactures a vast range of premium quality fitness gym equipment for its sister business, Australian Barbell Company.

Australian Barbell Company is a main player for some of Australia’s most elite sporting teams.

Geelong Farmer Geoff Rees was “stoked” he bought some Australian made Cattleyards last month.

It was a day just like any other for the busy farmer. “I was in a hurry and went into Metalcorp to pick up some Cattleyards.

I entered the competition and never thought too much about it,” he said.

A month later Geoff Rees’ name was drawn from random in the national promotion and he had become the first monthly prize winner.

Metalcorp and Orrcon Steel are advocating for a greater work life balance within the rural and manufacturing sectors.

In their latest promotion ‘Upgrade Your Work Life Balance,’ customers have the chance to win thousands of dollars of prizes.

There are three options for the grand prize and they are all valued at $10,000 each.

These options include a Quintrex Tinny, a $10,000 travel voucher, or a Cross Fire UTV.

Discovery Horse Floats (DHF) aren’t a one trick pony when it comes to manufacturing custom-built horse trailers.

Using quality Australian made Orrcon Steel, DHF work closely with leading race trainers, equine professionals and equestrian riders.

Owner Jeff Figgins says DHF takes pride in the fundamental values of safety first and premium quality.

“Working with Australian steel allows us to pioneer leading edge options such as adjustable horse bay tracking systems, taller interior heights for heavier horses and up front living concepts,” he said.

Just 24 hours after announcing Orrcon Steel and Metalcorp are continuing links with Mark Winterbottom for the 2019 Supercars season, there has been an overwhelming show of support across social media.

Jason C said, “glad they stuck by you mate you've been a great ambassador for them and good to see loyalty in this day and age.”

A look inside Laser Central’s new facility in Richlands, Queensland is a sneak peek into the future of the steel industry.

Laser Central are at the forefront of technology, where laser cutting machines can cut, etch, engrave, bevel and shape with total precision, even when using alloy or high tensile steel.

Laser processing is efficient, there’s minimal waste and the variety of shapes can create new ways to manufacture steel products.

Seeing the ‘Tru Laser Tube 7000’ machine in action was something to marvel at.

Since 1984 Paulger Engineering has built a reputation within the Australian transport industry for manufacturing quality custom built truck bodies.

Paulger Engineering’s truck bodies adhere tightly to Australian Design Rules (ADR) and sources Australian made steel to ensure truck frames are made for Australian conditions.

Owner Robert Paulger has been a loyal customer of Orrcon Steel, dating back to when the business was known as Welded Tube Mills.

“Because of what we build, we need to use quality structural steel,” Mr Paulger said.