Spreading the Steel Fabrication Boom to all parts of Australia

If you’re involved in steel fabrication or structural steel in Australia, chances are you think of the current economic cycle as “the good times.” There is no question – none whatsoever – that the Australian steel fabrication industry is in the midst of a boom period.

Yes … there’s lots of construction taking place … lots of business contracts to be won … lots of money to be made, but….the “boom” is not taking place everywhere in the country.

Alarmingly, and according to a newly-released study done for the Australian Steel Institute (ASI) by the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NEIR), most of the current construction (and there are many new buildings rising skyward) is occurring in just 5% of Australia … just 5%.

That means the steel fabrication boom is being enjoyed by a handful of lucky professionals, steel fabricators and shop detailers. For everybody else – it may be “hard times.” And that is, of course, very bad news.

Here’s more shocking news: The NEIR study also found that Australian fabricated or structural steel is being used in only 10% to 12% of all new construction projects. Where is the remaining 88%-90% of the fabricated steel coming from? If you guessed foreign suppliers, you are right.

The great steel fabrication “boom” currently taking place in Australia is real … but it’s benefitting foreign companies and workers more than it is Australians.

The question is: can anything be done to alter the course of economic activity in the fabricated steel industry? And the answer to that very important question is an emphatic YES!

Among the findings released in the study by NEIR were the following conclusions: (1) the steel fabricating industry – in Australia – has been operating well below capacity; (2) skilled workers in the Australian steel fabricating industry are seriously underemployed; (3) apprenticeships – the development of new workers – is at an all-time low; and (4) employment in the Australian steel fabricating industry is falling … rapidly.

Consider the finding from the NEIR study. It hardly sounds as if there is a “boom” enriching workers and companies in the Australian steel fabricating industry. Quite the contrary … the study gives the impression that the industry – and its workers and employers – are in the midst of “difficult times.”

So, what can be done to reverse this negative trend? The NEIR study produced a single, important conclusion. It was as follows: in order to spread the “boom” to all areas of Australia so that everyone involved in steel fabricating and/or structural steel benefits … Offer Tax Relief to any contractor or business that employs local workers and utilizes local plants.

If that solution seems simple … you’re right. But, it is also sensible and likely to work. Tax relief always serves as a strong incentive to spur business activity and growth.

Hopefully, the Australian government will give careful thought to that recommendation and act on it … positively. If that happens, steel fabricating construction – and jobs – will become available in every corner of the country.

If you’re a steel fabricator, you need to take steps now to find the help you’ll need when business perks up. The same is true for you if you’re a shop detailer. You’re going to want to find work … fast.

And you’ll be able to do it if you utilize a new website that is dedicated to bringing together contractors and detailers for business engagements.

The website is called e-fab.com.au and it is easily accessible if you have a desktop pc or a laptop. The site is filled with news and information about your industry and offers you an ideal way to stay up-to-date and informed on events that may affect you.

Importantly, there is No Charge for “visiting” e-fab.com.au … no charge for viewing its pages and reading the information it provides.

And remember: E-fab.com.au is a great “go-to” site for buyers and sellers of jobs. If you’re a fabricator looking to hire a shop detailer, this is the website to “advertise” the job opening. If you’re a shop detailer looking for work, e-fab.com.au will provide you with a variety of job opportunities you’re not likely to find in the classified section on your local newspaper.

And while there is a very modest fee for this activity, you’ll quickly discover that it’s well worth the small cost. So, don’t waste another minute.

Visit e-fab.com.au today. Go there right now.