As many people know, Australian land has been blessed with rich iron deposits, meaning that our nation’s steel industry is one of the strongest and most successful across the whole world.
While today, we celebrate an affluent steel industry, it is important to look back at what got us to where we are today. Let’s take a closer look at the rich history of Australian steel.
Early days
In 1940, many huge iron deposits were discovered in Iron Knob, a town in the state of South Australia on the Eyre Peninsula. And this is where Australia’s steel industry was born. However, things didn’t pick up straight away, because Australians needed to learn exactly how steel could be used, as there was a clear lack in knowledge, tools or facilities. As the industrial revolution came in to play, about sixty years later, an increased demand for steel and metal materials brought a significant advancement in expertise surrounding steel manufacturing. The year of 1901 saw Australia open their first blast furnace, which worked to really set fire to the beginning of a successful steel manufacturing industry. Steel was used extensively in a huge range of projects including railway lines, which helped to develop infrastructure and expand the nation. Furthermore, steel was being made for use in machinery and manufacturing.
Growth and development
A nation-wide demand for steel continued to billow from the 1960s into the 1980s and with the war far over, Australia, was focused on rebuilding the nation and bringing it to larger heights. As a result, demand for steel production went from 4.6 million tonnes to 10 million tonnes in less than twenty years. Despite this rapid growth and impressive development, it was only natural for global competition to increase, leading Australia to face significant industry competition, particularly from Asia. In an effort to improve competitiveness and boost the Australian industry over the edge, the Australian steel industry leaders began re-strategising, bringing new technologies and organisational structures to create an industry which is more efficient, sustainable and profitable in the long-term.
Steel today
Overcoming significant challenges along the way, the Australian steel industry has grown into a reliable and profitable industry, which is relied on 6to deliver transport, infrastructure, manufacturing and much more. Currently, most of the steel that Australia’s steel is manufactured overseas before being sent here to be processed and fabricated by local companies just like ours. Furthermore, modern influences are seeing the steel industry shift to a far more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach, meaning that the industry should continue to thrive for many years to come.
The history of the Australian steel fabrication and manufacturing industry shows just how far hard work can take us. If you need quality steel that is fabricated to suit your unique needs, contact Steel Fabrication Services today. Our team of expert structural steel fabricators have the experience and knowledge to answer any of your questions and will ensure that you find the best solution to suit your needs. To contact us today, simply call, fax, email or drop by our Brookvale location.
