Weld Australia blog

Wind and Transmission Towers a Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity for Australian Manufacturing - Weld Australia News

Sally Wood — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 06:55:26 GMT

Weld Australia says renewable infrastructure build-out can unlock jobs, capability and regional industrial growth

Weld Australia has welcomed growing momentum behind domestic wind and transmission tower manufacturing, describing it as one of the most significant industrial opportunities available to Australia’s fabrication, steel and manufacturing sectors.

The Federal Government’s most recent Capacity Investment Scheme results demonstrate the scale of the opportunity. Announced in late May, Tender 7 selected 19 projects and exceeded the original 5GW target by more than 50%. The projects will deliver 7.8GW of generation capacity, which is enough to power four million households across the National Electricity Market, with associated hybrid projects adding a further 7.9GWh of storage capacity.

According to Weld Australia CEO Geoff Crittenden, the scale of this build-out presents a direct opportunity for Australian industry.

“This is not an abstract future opportunity. It is happening now,” Crittenden said. “Every wind farm needs towers. Every transmission project needs steel. Every major energy project requires fabrication, welding, logistics, engineering and skilled workers. These are exactly the capabilities Australian industry already has.”

The Federal Government has already recognised the potential, with the Department of Industry, Science and Resources recently consulting on domestic manufacturing of wind and transmission infrastructure. The Department stated that Australia has a “unique opportunity to build a competitive, viable and resilient domestic manufacturing industry for wind and transmission towers.”

Weld Australia is now calling for practical policy settings that convert opportunity into long-term industrial capability.

“Australia has a choice,” Crittenden said. “We can import the majority of the fabricated steel components needed for the energy build-out, or we can use this pipeline of work to rebuild manufacturing capability, create skilled jobs, support regional communities and strengthen supply chains.”

The opportunity is already being demonstrated on the ground. At Squadron Energy’s Uungula Wind Farm in NSW, Western Sydney-based Precision Oxycut fabricated the steel plates for 69 wind turbine anchor cages using 100% Australian steel supplied by BlueScope from Port Kembla. Allthread Industries manufactured the bolts, with assembly completed at Oxycut’s Newcastle warehouse. The project created six new jobs at Precision Oxycut and helped re-establish apprenticeship pathways that had not existed in the factory for decades.

“Uungula shows what is possible when Australian steel, Australian fabrication and Australian project developers work together,” Crittenden said.

“The anchor cages are only part of the opportunity. The real prize is wind towers and transmission towers—the large-scale fabricated steel components that can sustain workshops, apprenticeships, engineering teams and regional industrial communities for decades.”

Weld Australia has been leading an industry working group involving organisations across the steel, fabrication and wind supply chains, including BlueScope, Goldwind Australia, Oxycut, Prince Engineering, Tilt Renewables, Acciona, Nordex and Vestas. The group has developed a four-pillar policy framework designed to unlock competitive local manufacturing capability.

The framework proposes:

Stable demand: domestic wind quota ramping up to ~4.3GW per year, matching 2035 emissions target, creating known wind power demand via CIS or equivalent. This would give manufacturers the pipeline certainty required to invest.
Local content mandate: A clear 20% local content mandate for wind tower sections in Australian wind projects, to drive local demand, underpinned by a local wind tower certificate scheme.
Incentives: Manufacturing Production Credit ($/tonne) to offset local towers cost and maintain wind competitiveness.
Capability investment: capital grants to uplift and establish greenfield manufacturing capability in regional locations, with opportunities for the Australian and state governments to drive regional outcomes.

Weld Australia understands that the framework is now being favourably reviewed through Cabinet processes.

“Minister for Industry and Innovation, Tim Ayres, has provided strong support for the scheme and is doing everything possible to see it implemented,” Crittenden said.

“Minister Ayres understand that this is exactly the type of practical, industry-led policy Australia needs. It is not about slogans. It is about demand certainty, investment confidence and creating a market that allows Australian manufacturers to compete.”

Modelling for a regional NSW facility indicates the potential to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs and generate up to $2.7 billion in additional economic activity across NSW between 2027 and 2040.

“The numbers show this can be done sensibly,” Crittenden said. “With the right scale, the right policy settings and the right pipeline, Australia can manufacture wind and transmission towers competitively. The benefit is not just the tower itself. It is the supply chain, the skills, the apprenticeships, the engineering capability and the confidence for businesses to invest.”

Crittenden said the policy framework could also be extended beyond wind towers to transmission infrastructure and other large-scale steel-intensive energy assets. “This is about rebuilding industrial capability,” Crittenden said. “Wind towers are the starting point, but the same skills, plant and supply chains can support transmission towers and other major fabricated infrastructure.”

Weld Australia is urging the Federal Government to move quickly. “Industry is ready. The project pipeline is emerging. Cabinet is engaged. Now we need policy certainty,” Crittenden said. “If we get this right, Australia can build a competitive domestic wind and transmission tower industry. If we delay, the work will go offshore and the opportunity will be lost.”

Wind and Transmission Towers a Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity for Australian Manufacturing - Weld Australia

Sally Wood — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:36:06 GMT

Weld Australia Calls for End to “Tick-and-Flick” Compliance Culture

The alarming rise of non-compliant e-bikes on Australian roads should serve as a wake-up call for governments, regulators and industry alike, according to Weld Australia.

Commenting on recent reporting by the ABC that linked rising injuries and fatalities to the proliferation of high-powered, non-compliant e-bikes, Weld Australia CEO Geoff Crittenden said the issue extends far beyond e-bikes.

According to the ABC, Australia has experienced a surge in high-powered e-bike products that are legal to import and sell, but not legal to use. The result has been a significant increase in injuries, fatalities and enforcement challenges.

Crittenden said the same systemic compliance failures are occurring across multiple sectors of the Australian economy, including construction, manufacturing, energy, transport and critical infrastructure.

“The e-bike story is not really about e-bikes,” said Crittenden. “It’s about what happens when compliance becomes a paperwork exercise rather than a verification process.”

“Australia has developed a dangerous habit of assuming compliance rather than verifying it. Products arrive in the country, documentation is provided, boxes are ticked, and everyone assumes the product complies with Australian requirements. Too often, nobody actually checks.”

According to the ABC, the Federal Government removed key import requirements for e-bikes in 2021 as part of a regulatory reform process designed to reduce red tape. Industry representatives argue that the changes contributed to a flood of high-powered products entering the Australian market, many of which fail to comply with existing road rules.

Crittenden said the lesson for policymakers is clear.

“When governments focus exclusively on reducing red tape without considering verification and enforcement, the result is often more risk, more remediation, more enforcement costs and, in some cases, more injuries and deaths.”

“Compliance is not red tape. Compliance is the mechanism that protects consumers, workers, taxpayers and businesses.”

Weld Australia has repeatedly warned governments that similar compliance gaps exist in relation to imported fabricated steel, pressure equipment, manufactured products and infrastructure components.

The organisation says Australian businesses are required to invest heavily in quality systems, certified personnel, inspection regimes and compliance processes, while imported products are often subjected to far less scrutiny before entering the market.

“What we’re seeing with e-bikes is exactly the same issue we’ve been raising in fabrication, manufacturing and construction for years,” said Crittenden.

“We have regulations. We have Standards. We have compliance pathways. What we don’t have is a robust system that independently verifies that products actually comply before they’re sold, installed or put into service. The problem isn’t that Australia lacks regulations. The problem is that these regulations aren’t enforced.”

The ongoing use of imported fabricated steel and manufactured products that do not comply with Australian Standards is raising serious questions about public safety, asset durability, value for money, and the viability of local manufacturing. High-profile cases that have drawn attention include GMHBA Stadium in Geelong, road gantries in Melbourne, and WIN Stadium in Wollongong. These examples reinforce a broader pattern: too often, imported fabricated steel is entering the Australian market without robust, independent verification that it meets the same standards required of local manufacturers and fabricators.

“Infrastructure, pressure equipment, fabricated steel, renewable energy assets, water heating systems—these products don’t become safe simply because someone signs a declaration. Real compliance requires independent verification.”

Weld Australia has been working with industry partners to establish the Australian Fabrication Authority, an independent, not-for-profit body designed to verify compliance with Australian Standards for fabricated steel products, whether manufactured locally or overseas.

The organisation believes the same principle should be applied more broadly across high-risk product categories.

“If the e-bike story tells us anything, it’s that self-declaration and paperwork are not enough,” said Crittenden. “We need systems that verify compliance before products reach consumers, not investigations after people have been injured. The cost of verification is tiny compared with the cost of failure.”

Crittenden said Australia must move away from what he describes as a “tick-and-flick” culture and towards a verification-based approach to compliance.

“Every major accident, every product recall, every remediation project and every enforcement campaign ultimately costs far more than getting compliance right in the first place.”

Wind and Transmission Towers a Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity for Australian Manufacturing - Weld Australia

Sally Wood — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:00:07 GMT

A Model for Sovereign Capability and Workforce Innovation

Weld Australia executives were recently invited to a briefing at Cairncross Dockyard in Brisbane, together with Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles MP and the Member for Griffith, Renee Coffee MP, to discuss reactivation of the shipyard as a model for sovereign capability and workforce innovation.

Weld Australia has thrown its full support behind the project, describing it as a strategically significant initiative that could help reshape how Australia delivers Defence, maritime and major industrial projects.

Weld Australia praised the project’s new ownership and leadership team, led by Managing Director of Cairncross Dockyard Brisbane Pty Ltd, Ben Quin, for implementing a practical and forward-thinking operational model that tightly integrates engineering, production methodology, automation and workforce development.

The $2.5 billion privately funded Cairncross Dockyard Brisbane Project has been declared a ‘prescribed project’ by the Queensland Government. It is expected to create more than 1,000 direct shipyard jobs, with thousands more supported indirectly across advanced manufacturing, steel fabrication and logistics. The redevelopment is intended to re-establish the historic Morningside site as a world-class ship sustainment hub with the potential to support Defence maritime activities in Queensland.

According to Weld Australia CEO Geoff Crittenden, the Cairncross approach reflects exactly the kind of industrial thinking Australia needs to strengthen sovereign manufacturing capability and respond to ongoing skills shortages.

“What is being developed at Cairncross is a practical blueprint for how Australia should approach complex industrial delivery,” said Crittenden. “The alignment between engineering design, weld execution, automation and workforce capability is smart, scalable and exactly what is needed to support national infrastructure, maritime sustainment and Defence-aligned work.”

Crittenden said one of the most significant aspects of the Cairncross model is its direct connection between engineering requirements and workforce training outcomes.

The project identifies the specific welding procedures required for production and then supports structured training and certification of production welders to ISO 9606-1, creating an accelerated pathway for workers to become job-ready in months rather than years. This model also establishes a clear pathway toward more advanced welding procedures needed for long-term sustainment and visiting vessel work.

“Australia’s welding and fabrication workforce challenges are well known. Cairncross is demonstrating a practical solution,” Crittenden said. “By linking procedure qualification directly to welder training and certification, the project is creating a workforce model that is faster, more targeted and better aligned to real production needs.”

Weld Australia believes this structured approach has national relevance, particularly across Defence, maritime and heavy industry sectors where labour shortages and capability gaps continue to constrain growth.

“The Cairncross project demonstrates that when engineering, production planning and workforce development are connected from the outset, you can build capability in a way that is both commercially realistic and strategically valuable.”

Crittenden said the broader public context around Cairncross also matters. “This is a major industrial project with real scale, real private investment and real workforce potential,” he said. “When you combine that with the project’s focus on ship sustainment, advanced manufacturing and structured skills development, it becomes highly relevant as a model for future industrial development in Australia.”

The Cairncross Dockyard project should be viewed as a highly relevant case study for future industrial development in Australia, particularly as the country seeks to expand sovereign capability in Defence and maritime sectors.

“This is the kind of initiative Australia should be backing,” Crittenden said. “It is practical, it is aligned to real industrial demand, and it strengthens the sovereign skills base we are going to need for decades to come.”

The Cairncross Dockyard project will include the construction of a large-scale graving dock, a 12,000-tonne hydraulic chain jack vertical ship lift, a 1,200-tonne crawler crane, new and expanded wharves, and critical power and water infrastructure. Once complete, the facility will be equipped to perform on-water and out-of-water vessel maintenance, ensuring vessels are ready to meet operational challenges.

Wind and Transmission Towers a Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity for Australian Manufacturing - Weld Australia News

Sally Wood — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:00:53 GMT

Lissel Pilcher (General Manager, ASSDA) and Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia)

Strengthening Industry Collaboration and Supporting Sovereign Capability

Weld Australia and the Australian Stainless Steel Development Association (ASSDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise a new partnership aimed at strengthening collaboration across Australia’s welding, fabrication and stainless steel sectors. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to supporting members, championing local procurement, and building sovereign industrial capability.

Signed by Ben Mitchell, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Weld Australia, and Lissel Pilcher, General Manager of ASSDA, the MoU establishes a reciprocal membership arrangement that will expand access to events, technical resources, education and networking opportunities for members of both organisations.

Ben Mitchell said the partnership brings together two organisations with complementary strengths and a common interest in lifting capability across Australian industry.

“This partnership is about bringing more of Australian industry together around the things that matter most: capability, standards, skills and sovereign manufacturing,” said Mitchell. “Weld Australia and ASSDA both play an important role in supporting high-quality, technically capable industries, and this agreement creates practical value for members while strengthening our shared voice.”

According to Lissel Pilcher, “We’re excited to be working more closely with Weld Australia to support their advocacy efforts, which align with our collective focus on Members, local manufacturing and the stainless steel industry – a vital sector that delivers critical infrastructure and hygienic applications, underpinning the safety and quality of life Australians rely on.”

Under the agreement, members of both organisations will gain access to a broader range of benefits, including discounted events, professional development opportunities, technical resources, industry publications, and expanded networking opportunities. The partnership will also improve access to training, certification, and other services designed to support capability development across the stainless steel, welding and fabrication sectors.

Mitchell said the agreement is deliberately practical in its focus. “This partnership is designed to deliver real benefits to members on both sides,” he said. “It will make technical knowledge, professional development and industry engagement more accessible, and help both organisations support businesses that are operating in a highly competitive environment.”

“There is enormous value in aligned industry bodies working together rather than in isolation,” said Mitchell. “When we pool knowledge, broaden access and reinforce each other’s efforts, the ultimate beneficiaries are our members and the wider Australian manufacturing sector.”

The MoU also reflects a broader alignment between the two organisations on the importance of local capability and resilient supply chains. The signed agreement states that both parties aim to strengthen their respective industries, support their members, and champion local procurement and sovereign capability.

“Australia needs stronger industrial collaboration if we are serious about building sovereign capability,” Mitchell said. “Partnerships like this help connect expertise, expand networks and improve access to the tools, training and resources that industry needs to grow.”

Wind and Transmission Towers a Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity for Australian Manufacturing - Weld Australia News

Sally Wood — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 08:11:56 GMT

Weld Australia has welcomed the Albanese and Malinauskas Governments’ announcement of a $3.9 billion investment into the Submarine Construction Yard at Osborne, describing it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Australia’s advanced manufacturing industry.

The investment forms part of a projected $30 billion infrastructure program over coming decades and will support the construction of Australia’s conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS, creating nearly 10,000 jobs across South Australia alone.

For Weld Australia, the peak body representing the nation’s welding industry, the announcement signals not just economic stimulus, but a defining moment for sovereign industrial capability.

“This is nation-building at its most strategic,” said Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia. “The scale of what’s planned for Osborne is extraordinary; 126,000 tonnes of structural steel, 66 million construction man hours, fabrication halls stretching 420 metres. Welding and fabrication sit at the heart of every single element of that delivery.”

The new Submarine Construction Yard will include fabrication, outfitting, consolidation, testing and commissioning facilities, alongside a world-class Skills and Training Academy capable of supporting up to 1,000 learners per year.

Weld Australia says welding capability will be critical not only in the construction of the yard itself, but in the decades-long build and sustainment of the submarine fleet.

“Welding isn’t just part of the construction phase. It underpins the entire submarine lifecycle,” Crittenden said. “From high-integrity structural steelwork to precision nuclear-class fabrication and long-term sustainment, certified welders and welding supervisors are fundamental to sovereign defence capability.”

Weld Australia says the opportunity must now be matched with a coordinated national workforce strategy. “We’re looking at a pipeline of work that will span decades. That’s incredibly positive, but it also demands long-term planning,” Crittenden said. “If we want to fully capitalise on AUKUS, we must align training, certification and industry capability now.”

Weld Australia is actively working with industry, training providers and government agencies to strengthen certification pathways, improve welder productivity, and ensure quality systems meet the exacting standards required for defence projects.

“This is not just about building submarines. It’s about lifting Australia’s industrial capability across the board, in defence, energy, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing,” Crittenden said. “When we invest in welding skills, we invest in productivity, safety and sovereign resilience.”

Weld Australia will further this national conversation at the National Manufacturing Summit, to be held in Adelaide on 29 and 30 July. The Summit will bring together defence primes, SMEs, policymakers and training providers to address workforce development, supply chain readiness and quality compliance in defence manufacturing.

“The Summit provides a timely opportunity for industry to come together and tackle the practical issues — skills, standards, productivity and workforce planning — that will determine whether we fully realise this opportunity,” Crittenden said. “This is about collaboration, not competition. If we get this right, Australia will strengthen its defence capability and its broader manufacturing base for generations to come.”

Weld Australia reaffirmed its strong support for the AUKUS initiative and the strategic investment in South Australia.

“We are right behind this initiative,” Crittenden said. “Australia has the capability, the engineering expertise and the industrial know-how to deliver. Now is the time for coordinated action to ensure we have the certified welders, supervisors and inspection professionals required to meet the challenge.”

Wind and Transmission Towers a Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity for Australian Manufacturing - Weld Australia

Sally Wood — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:22:00 GMT

Weld Australia has welcomed the Australian Government’s decision to open national consultation on domestic manufacturing of wind and transmission towers and related infrastructure, applauding the initiative as a significant step toward strengthening sovereign industrial capacity and boosting local manufacturing jobs across clean energy supply chains.

The consultation, announced on 9 February 2026 by Minister for Industry and Innovation, Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, and Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen, invites input from businesses across the clean energy manufacturing supply chain to inform policy development and potential future support measures.

“Wind and transmission tower infrastructure is vital to Australia’s energy transition and future industrial resilience, and we’re encouraged by the Australian Government’s proactive approach to understanding how local manufacturing can contribute,” said Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia.

“Australia has set an ambitious target of sourcing 82 per cent of our electricity from renewables by 2030 as a critical step toward net zero by 2050, and that will require billions of dollars in new renewable generation and grid infrastructure. According to AEMO, we’ll need to build around 10,000 kilometres of new transmission lines by 2050, and wind towers—which are up to 90 per cent steel by weight—are exactly the kind of heavy, high-value infrastructure Australia is well suited to manufacture locally.”

“If we fail to build that capability here, we risk exporting not just projects, but jobs, skills and economic value offshore. Every dollar invested in manufacturing generates up to $2.70 in the broader economy, and local production delivers more secure, higher-skilled regional jobs while reducing supply chain risk. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to align Australia’s clean energy transition with sovereign manufacturing capability, and we can’t afford to miss it.”

“This consultation process is an important opportunity for Australian manufacturers to shape how policy and support mechanisms can enable competitive, resilient domestic supply chains for clean energy infrastructure. We strongly advise all stakeholders with an interest in wind and transmission tower manufacture to participate and make a submission,” said Crittenden.

The Government consultation aims to gather insights on existing capabilities, barriers to growth, and policy settings that would support long-term investment and job creation in this emerging sector. The Government has signalled that submissions will help inform advice on manufacturing capability and capacity for wind and transmission towers, including opportunities for steel manufacturers, metal fabricators, and associated industries. It will also shape potential future policy settings under the Future Made in Australia agenda, including the Renewable Energy Technology Manufacturing stream of the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund.

“Local manufacturing of complex infrastructure like wind towers will not only create quality jobs, it will reinforce long-term energy security and supply chain resilience, both of which are critical to Australia’s economic future,” Crittenden added.

Weld Australia’s advocacy through the Wind Tower Manufacturing Group has been instrumental in elevating the conversation around the need for domestic capability in wind and transmission infrastructure. The Group’s submissions and industry engagement helped inform the Government’s decision to open this formal consultation.

“Our members understand the potential of a locally based wind tower manufacturing sector, from regional employment to supply chain innovation,” Crittenden said. “Now we have a platform to articulate that capability, highlight barriers, and ensure policy supports local industry participation at scale.”

Have Your Say

Weld Australia encourages all interested organisations and individuals involved in steel, fabrication, welding and clean energy infrastructure supply chains to make a submission to the Department of Industry before the consultation process closes on 6 March 2026.

Submissions can be made online via the Department of Industry consultation hub: https://consult.industry.gov.au/domestic-manufacturing-of-wind-and-transmission-infrastructure

Wind and Transmission Towers a Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity for Australian Manufacturing - Weld Australia News

Sally Wood — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:22:02 GMT

Weld Australia has announced a new major statewide training initiative in partnership with Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ), delivering Welding Supervisor training (AS 1796 Certificate 10 and AS 2214) and ISO 9606 welder certification across Queensland throughout 2026.

The program will see MSQ subsidise 50% of training costs for eligible participants, providing a significant opportunity to strengthen workforce capability and lift welding compliance outcomes across the Queensland manufacturing sector.

The initiative responds to ongoing industry demand, with employers consistently reporting shortages of certified welders and welding supervisors, particularly in regional manufacturing centres supporting defence, energy, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing supply chains.

Training will be delivered across multiple Queensland locations, including Maryborough, Gladstone, Cairns, Brisbane, Townsville, Mackay and Bundaberg.

Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia, said the program is a practical solution to a challenge facing manufacturers across the state. “Queensland manufacturers are telling us the same thing again and again: they need more qualified welders and welding supervisors, and they need better access to nationally and internationally recognised certification pathways,” Crittenden said.

“This partnership with Manufacturing Skills Queensland to subsidise 50% of training costs will remove a major barrier for employers and workers — especially in regional areas — and help build the skilled workforce Queensland needs for future growth.”

According to Kris McCue, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Manufacturing Skills Queensland, there is a clear, ongoing and growing need for qualified welders and certified welding supervisors.

“Certified welding skills are essential for maintaining safety, quality, and compliance in manufacturing.”

“MSQ’s investment in this subsidised training program reflects our commitment to helping manufacturers build a capable and certified workforce that meets today’s demands and tomorrow’s challenges.”

“Partnering with Weld Australia to halve the cost of welding training is a step towards closing critical skills gaps. It’s about empowering Queensland manufacturers with the talent and certifications they need to innovate and lead on a global stage,” McCue said.

The program includes training pathways aligned to key industry requirements:

AS 1796 Certificate 10 Welding Supervisor – for professionals supervising welding on pressure equipment and high-risk applications, where safety, compliance and quality assurance are critical
AS 2214 Welding Supervisor – for those overseeing welding in structural steel fabrication, supporting compliance with AS/NZS 1554 requirements for steel structures
ISO 9606 Welder Certification – the internationally recognised standard verifying a welder’s ability to produce consistent, compliant welds to defined procedures, materials and conditions

The MSQ-funded program is available to eligible Queensland manufacturing businesses and participants. Participant eligibility includes being employed by a Queensland manufacturing business, residing in Queensland, and meeting training prerequisites. Business eligibility includes being a Queensland manufacturing business with fewer than 200 employees.

“This is a rare opportunity for both individuals and employers to access high-value welding training and certification at half the cost,” Crittenden said. “We encourage Queensland manufacturers to take advantage of the MSQ funding and secure places early.”

Enrolments are now open.

For further details, visit: https://weldaustralia.com.au/weld-australia-and-manufacturing-skills-queensland-training-program/

Learn More

Wind and Transmission Towers a Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity for Australian Manufacturing - Weld Australia

Sally Wood — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:01:39 GMT

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a product recall for PROSAFE Weldtec TIG welding gloves.

If you have any PROSAFE Weldtec TIG welding gloves purchased from Blackwoods between May 2024 and November 2025, please remove the gloves from use and follow the instructions in the product recall below.

The hook and loop closure on affected gloves may smoulder or ignite when TIG welding.

Product Description

PROSAFE Weldtec TIG welding gloves

goatskin palm
gauntlet
red/black/white
sizes M, L, XL

See a list of details to help identify the product

Reason the product is recalled

The hook and loop closure on affected gloves may smoulder or ignite when TIG welding.

The hazards to consumers

Risk of burn injury when using the affected gloves for TIG welding.

What consumers should do

Stop using the affected gloves immediately and contact Blackwoods via email on how to return them.
Blackwoods will provide the option of replacement gloves, a full refund or credit, upon receipt of the affected gloves.

Contact

Blackwoods

Call: 02 8633 7414 quoting QM2991 Weltec Gloves
Email: QualityEnquiries@blackwoods.com.au
Visit: https://www.blackwoods.com.au/

Wind and Transmission Towers a Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity for Australian Manufacturing - Weld Australia News

Sally Wood — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 09:34:55 GMT

Innovation, precision and local pride were on full display in Adelaide last night as the 2025 South Australia Welding Excellence Awards recognised the state’s standout fabricators, welders and educators.

Hosted by Weld Australia, the annual Awards honour the people and projects driving excellence across the welding and fabrication industry. From large-scale infrastructure builds to advanced manufacturing and defence supply chains, the Awards highlight how South Australian expertise continues to underpin national capability.

Weld Australia CEO, Geoff Crittenden, said this year’s winners demonstrate why South Australia is fast becoming a hub for high-value manufacturing. “The strength of South Australia’s welding community lies in its innovation and collaboration. The individuals and companies recognised this year are setting new benchmarks for quality, safety and training, and proving that world-class fabrication happens right here at home,” said Crittenden.

“These Awards celebrate more than technical excellence. They celebrate the people shaping the future of Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capability. From apprentices to established industry leaders, each winner plays a role in ensuring our industry remains competitive, resilient and future-ready.”

The evening brought together representatives from industry, government and education, with recognition across categories celebrating outstanding workmanship, workplace safety, project delivery and training excellence.

Lai Group was the winner of the 2025 Company of the Year Award – Fabrication. Founded in 1969, Lai Group has rapidly established itself as one of Australia’s leading structural steel fabricators, delivering high quality, standards-compliant solutions across the electrical, maritime and mining sectors. Backed by over 100 years of combined management experience, the company continues to expand its capabilities through cutting-edge automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 integration. With certification to ISO 3834.2 and a commitment to continual improvement, Lai Group is completing a purpose-built fabrication facility that will double its production capacity to 8,000 tonnes per year. Their recent portfolio includes major projects such as the Mordialloc Level Crossing Removal, Ardrossan Ship Loader Remediation, and Wallaroo Trestle Refurbishment, each reflecting their unwavering focus on innovation, safety, and quality.

MTE was the winner of the Project of the Year Award for the Acid Plant Tail Gas Stack, delivering a 90m tall structure that exemplifies precision engineering and innovation. The project involved fabricating, welding, testing, coating and transporting the stack in seven sections, replacing the original structure with a stronger, longer-lasting design. By incorporating a stainless-steel liner and false floor within the lower section, MTE addressed severe corrosion issues caused by acidic condensation, significantly extending service life and improving safety. Executed under MTE’s integrated ISO-certified management system, the project showcased advanced fabrication techniques, in-house welding procedure development, and a commitment to sustainability, from waste reduction and solar energy use to environmental monitoring. The result is a world-class example of Australian manufacturing capability built to thrive in one of the harshest service environments.

Diverseco and W.E.S.S. were joint winners of the 2025 Company of the Year Award – Supplier. An Australian-owned provider of turnkey robotic welding and automation solutions, Diverseco helps manufacturers boost productivity, safety, and quality through precision-engineered systems that deliver consistent, standards-compliant welds. Its robotic welding solution addresses critical national challenges, from labour shortages to safety risks, by improving weld speed by up to 50% while removing operators from hazardous environments. Backed by a national service network, OEM-trained engineers, and a strong focus on workforce development, Diverseco continues to set the benchmark for innovation, reliability, and sustainable growth in Australian manufacturing. Celebrating over 40 years in business, Welding Equipment Sales & Service (W.E.S.S.) has grown from a small local service provider into one of Australia’s largest independent welding distributors. The 100% Australian-owned company supplies, services and supports leading global welding and cutting technologies from its expansive Wingfield headquarters — a “Welding Supercentre” complete with showroom, warehouse, workshops and a soon-to-open training facility. W.E.S.S. leads the way in driving Industry 4.0 adoption, with investments in robotics, cobots and advanced systems that boost safety, productivity and quality for clients across defence, mining, construction and fabrication. Backed by a dedicated local team and a reputation for expert advice, W.E.S.S. continues to strengthen the Australian welding industry through innovation, education and outstanding customer service.

Adelaide Training and Employment Centre won the Training and Education Award for an Organisation. ATEC was recognised for its outstanding contribution to skills training, workforce development and community engagement across South Australia. ATEC has delivered high-quality vocational education for over 35 years, training more than 2,000 students annually across fabrication, mechanical, electrical and carpentry trades. Renowned for its flexible, industry-led training model and strong partnerships with employers and industry bodies, ATEC ensures graduates are job-ready and equipped with skills that meet real-world needs. With advanced facilities, tailored learning pathways, and dedicated coaches, ATEC continues to set the benchmark for excellence in vocational education.

Iman Farshadi from Century Engineering won the 2025 Welding Professional of the Year Award – Welding Coordinator category. Iman was recognised for his exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and dedication to advancing welding innovation in Australia. With more than 20 years’ experience across oil and gas, petrochemical, and manufacturing sectors, Iman has transformed welding quality and productivity at Century through the development of over 300 welding procedures and the introduction of advanced traceability, robotic welding, and additive manufacturing systems. A recent graduate of the IIW International Welding Engineer program, he combines world-class technical knowledge with a strong mentoring focus, training young welders, guiding defence and infrastructure projects, and promoting excellence through his role on Weld Australia’s South Australia Committee. The Runner Up for the Training and Education Award for Welding Professional of the Year Award – Welding Coordinator category was Barry Smith from BAE Systems Australia.

Nick Argent from BAE Systems won the 2025 Welding Professional of the Year Award – Welding Inspector category. As the Welding Leading Hand at BAE Systems, Nick was recognised for his outstanding skill, leadership, and commitment to quality in one of Australia’s most demanding fabrication environments — naval shipbuilding. A qualified IIW International Welding Inspector – Basic (IWI-B), Nick combines technical precision with a strong mentoring ethos, ensuring every weld meets the highest safety and compliance standards. Renowned for his attention to detail, he plays a key role in inspecting and coordinating complex fabrication projects, training apprentices, and fostering a positive, high-performance culture on the workshop floor. His dedication to continuous learning and passion for developing others make him an invaluable contributor to both BAE Systems and the wider Australian welding community.

Craig Pearson from Lai Group won the 2025 Welding Professional of the Year Award – Welding Supervisor category. As Quality Coordinator and Welding Supervisor at Lai Group, Craig was recognised for his outstanding leadership, technical precision, and dedication to continuous improvement in structural steel fabrication. With over 18 years of trade experience and nine years in supervisory roles, Craig has played a central role in developing Lai Group’s weld quality management system, a foundation that enabled the company’s ISO 3834.2 certification. Known for his sharp problem-solving ability, Craig has introduced innovative solutions such as a custom weld preparation gauge now used by TAFE instructors, and led major projects including the Wallaroo Trestle Refurbishment and Ardrossan Ship Loader Repair. His commitment to mentoring apprentices, sharing knowledge with industry peers, and contributing to Standards Australia revisions exemplifies his passion for welding excellence and his lasting impact on the profession.

Enrico Mazzacano from Century Engineering was named the winner of the 2025 Young Trades Person of the Year. Having completed his Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication in 2024, Enrico has already contributed to major defence, mining, and water infrastructure projects, including the Hunter Class Frigates for BAE Systems, and demonstrated outstanding craftsmanship across diverse materials and complex welds. A WorldSkills competitor and natural leader, he has served as a temporary leading hand, mentoring peers and guiding small teams with maturity beyond his years. Enrico is an advocate for young tradespeople and a role model for resilience, excellence, and passion in Australian manufacturing. The Runner Up in the Young Trades Person of the Year Award was Thomas Mosey from Pipe Weld Australia.

Josh Watson from ASC was named the 2025 Trades Person of the Year. With over a decade of experience fabricating and maintaining submarines, Josh combines deep technical knowledge with genuine passion for hands-on work. Having risen through roles including Leading Hand, Supervisor and Detailed Designer, he brings a rare blend of practical skill and design insight to every project. A natural mentor, Josh takes pride in guiding apprentices, fostering teamwork, and upholding ASC’s culture of safety and excellence. His recent achievements (from winning ASC’s Safety Champion of the Year to contributing to BAE’s Manufacturing, Engineering and Technical Excellence Award) reflect his commitment to continuous improvement and his drive to pass on the expertise of Australia’s world-class shipbuilding workforce to the next generation. The Runner Up for the 2025 Tradesperson of the Year Award was Jayson Malarayap from Century Engineering.

Chris Henderson from the Outsource Institute won the 2025 Training and Education – Individual Teacher Award. With over 40 years of industry experience, Chris brings exceptional technical expertise and a deep passion for teaching to his role, specialising in welding and fabrication. A qualified AS 2214 Welding Supervisor and holder of a Certificate IV in Engineering, he is known for translating complex technical concepts into engaging, real-world lessons that inspire confidence in his students. Beyond technical instruction, Chris fosters a positive and respectful learning culture, mentoring countless apprentices who have gone on to lead successful engineering careers. His unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement makes him a role model for both educators and tradespeople across the industry.

Andrew Sherman from BAE Systems and Findon Technical College won the VET in Schools Student of the Year Award. Andrew is a standout Year 12 school-based apprentice with BAE Systems. In 2025, he excelled not only in his workplace, where he reliably completes complex tasks independently and to a high standard, but also on a national platform—winning gold in the AR Welding category at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships. This accomplishment, in a cutting-edge augmented reality welding competition, speaks volumes about his precision, expertise, and adaptability. At Findon Technical College, Andrew embraces leadership: he mentors Year 11 students, engaging them in vocational pathways and attending school events to encourage informed career choices. He even donates his RDOs to support skill-building workshops for students aspiring to work in defence industries. The Runner Up for the VET in Schools Student of the Year Award was Jedison Knight.

Paul Colegrove from Colbotic Automation won the Ken Travena Award. Dr Colegrove has undertaken pioneering work in welding automation, additive manufacturing, and applied welding research. With a PhD from the University of Cambridge and more than two decades of academic and industrial leadership, Dr Colegrove has made a lasting impact on both the science and practice of welding. His innovations span friction stir welding, wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM), and robotic process control, helping bridge the gap between advanced research and real-world application. At Colbotic Automation, he continues to drive accessibility and sustainability in automated welding, developing collaborative robotic systems and intelligent thermal management techniques that enhance safety, productivity and quality. His recent work on the Amber Kinetics Flywheel program (combining robotic welding, finite element analysis and localised heat treatment to eliminate cold cracking) exemplifies his commitment to innovation, excellence, and advancing Australia’s manufacturing capability.

Colbotic Automation received a CEO’s Award. Founded in 2021, Colbotic Automation is making welding automation accessible to small-to-medium batch production. Colbotic Automation specialises in collaborative welding robots, simplified robot programming software, dual-workstation operation for higher throughput, and integrated sensing for improved weld quality and reduced rework. The company has developed bespoke hardware and software solutions that provide reliable, repeatable manufacturing for challenging parts.

Weld Australia’s 2025 Western Australia Welding Excellence Awards Honour Industry Leadership and Innovation - Weld Australia

Sally Wood — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 08:22:20 GMT

Welding professionals, educators, and manufacturers from across Western Australia gathered in Perth last night for the 2025 Western Australia Welding Excellence Awards. The evening recognised the people, projects, and organisations driving progress, safety, and technical excellence across the state’s fabrication and manufacturing industries.

Hosted annually by Weld Australia, the Welding Excellence Awards shine a spotlight on the talent and innovation shaping Australia’s industrial future. This year’s winners demonstrated outstanding contributions across key areas including automation, quality assurance, education, and workforce development, each playing a vital role in building a stronger, more sustainable local capability.

Weld Australia CEO, Geoff Crittenden, said the Awards celebrate the best of Western Australia’s welding community. “Our WA winners represent the cutting edge of Australian industry. They’re delivering world-class outcomes, embedding safety and quality into every process, and investing in the skills that will define the next generation of trades and technicians,” he said.

“The innovation, collaboration and professionalism on display this year highlight a state that’s not just keeping pace with change, it’s leading it. These Awards recognise the exceptional individuals and organisations who continue to set new benchmarks for excellence, resilience, and pride in Australian manufacturing,” Crittenden said.

Bossong Engineering was the winner of the 2025 Company of the Year Award – Fabrication Established in 1988, Bossong Engineering is a proudly family-owned company that has grown into one of the state’s leading providers of heavy fabrication, welding, precision machining, and engineering solutions. With workshops in Welshpool, Broome and Karratha, Bossong provides services across the mining, oil and gas, infrastructure, and renewable energy sectors. Their facilities include advanced high-deposition robotic welding systems, CNC machining centres and custom-built workshops designed to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality outcomes. Bossong is are trusted by major clients such as BHP, Chevron, Woodside, and numerous tier-one contractors.

The Runner-Up of the 2025 Company of the Year Award – Fabrication was Callidus Welding Solutions.

WPF Duratec was the winner of the Project of the Year Award for the Darwin Pipeline Duplication for Santos’ LNG Facility. Tasked with fabricating and installing over 250 tonnes of large bore, heavy wall carbon and stainless-steel pipe spooling and 50 tonnes of structural steel under an accelerated schedule, WPF demonstrated extraordinary coordination, innovation, and technical excellence. Operating dual fabrication sites in Perth and Darwin, WPF utilised in-house robotic welding to halve welding times and achieve a <1% failure rate, completing the project two weeks ahead of schedule and with zero lost-time incidents. Backed by strong supplier relationships, detailed quality control, and a seamless site mobilisation of 80 personnel, WPF’s execution of this critical energy infrastructure project set a new benchmark for safety, precision, and performance.

The Runner-Up of the Project of the Year Award was RCR Mining Technologies for the Sealed Pan Feeders for Fortescue’s Port Tul Project.

Lighthouse Engineering won the 2025 Health and Safety in Welding Award. Lighthouse Engineering is a leading structural steel fabrication firm based in Wangara. Their health and safety programs prioritise employee wellbeing, regulatory compliance, and cutting-edge methodologies, ensuring a safe workplace while advancing industry standards. Lighthouse Engineering was the first firm in WA to install the Lincoln Electric Welding Fume Ventilation System, a state-of-the-art LEV solution capturing carcinogenic fumes at the source. They also equip all their welders with PAPRs, ensuring filtered airflow, comfort, and safety with regular maintenance training.

OneGas won the 2025 Company of the Year Award – Supplier. In just nine years, OneGas has become Western Australia’s largest independent no-rent gas supplier, delivering high-purity gases, equipment, and consumables through a vast regional network. The company’s commitment to transparency, quality, and safety is matched by its investment in technology, sustainability, and community, streamlining operations through automation, supporting regional training programs, and championing local engagement across WA’s industrial sectors.

The Runner-Up of the 2025 Company of the Year Award – Supplier was SPW.

North Metropolitan TAFE won the Training and Education Award for an Organisation. As Western Australia’s largest TAFE, North Metropolitan delivers high-quality training across 350 courses, including advanced fabrication programs that integrate cutting-edge technologies such as CNC systems, cobotic welding, and augmented reality simulators. Through strong partnerships with industry leaders like BHP, extensive community outreach, and initiatives such as the Women in Non-Traditional Trades program, North Metropolitan TAFE continues to set the benchmark for workforce development, diversity, and technical excellence across the state.

The Runner Up for the Training and Education Award for an Organisation was South Regional TAFE.

Andrew Cain from Callidus Welding Solutions won the 2025 Welding Professional of the Year Award – Welding Coordinator category. Andrew’s career embodies technical excellence, leadership, and passion for his craft. From coded welder to Responsible Welding Coordinator, he has become a driving force in the governance and quality assurance of complex projects across Australia and abroad. Known for his expertise in exotic materials and pressure vessel repair, Andrew combines deep procedural knowledge with practical insight, delivering zero-defect results and client confidence even under the most demanding shutdown conditions. His mentorship, professionalism, and pursuit of continuous learning, including his ongoing IWT qualification, reflect a dedication that strengthens not only Callidus Welding Solutions but the broader welding community.

The Runner Up of the Welding Professional of the Year – Welding Coordinator category was: Sandeep Kumar from Lighthouse Engineering.

Paul Thariyan from Aerison won the 2025 Welding Professional of the Year Award – Welding Inspector category. Paul’s career is defined by passion, precision, and perseverance, from his early fascination with welding sparks in India to becoming a highly respected Senior Welding Inspector in Australia. Holding multiple international qualifications, including CSWIP 3.2.1, AWS Certified Welding Inspector, and NACE Level 2, Paul brings exceptional technical knowledge and integrity to every project. His practical experience across fabrication, inspection, and quality assurance is matched by his commitment to mentoring others and fostering a positive workplace culture through initiatives like Aerison’s “Lunch and Learn” program. Continuously advancing his skills through IWT training, Paul exemplifies excellence, leadership, and lifelong learning in the welding inspection profession.

Paul Court from Maxcon Industries and Robart Jacob from Melco Engineering were joint winners of the 2023 Welding Professional of the Year Award – Welding Inspector. Paul Court has over 25 years of experience in the industry, progressing from an apprentice boilermaker to a skilled welder, before becoming a Welding Supervisor and Inspector. His extensive career spans various sectors such as cryogenics, defence, and mining, including significant work in liquid gas transport and vacuum insulated piping systems. Committed to excellence and safety in welding, Paul has enhanced his expertise with multiple qualifications, including diplomas in WHS, Business, Project Management, and Building and Construction. He regularly mentoring apprentices and advocates for best practice safety in welding. Robart Jacob is a multifaceted Mechanical Engineer and Welding Coordinator based in Mackay. He is currently the Welding & QAQC Manager for three of Melco Engineering’s branches. His career began in India and flourished over seven years in Singapore, where he gained extensive experience as a Welding Inspector and Coordinator in the shipbuilding industry, acquiring additional certifications such as CSWIP 3.1 and API 570. After migrating to Australia, Robart played a key role in Melco Engineering’s recent ISO accreditations. Robart continues to advance his expertise, recently obtaining his IIW International Welding Specialist qualification.

Kyle Gourlay from Bossong Engineering and Matthew Rowbottom from Callidus Welding Solutions were named joint winners of the 2025 Young Trades Person of the Year.

Now in the final year of his boilermaking apprenticeship, Kyle Gourlay has already demonstrated the skill, initiative, and leadership of a seasoned tradesman. From fabricating Alcoa Filter Barrels with millimetre precision to leading a team on the BHP TLO Liner Project, his technical mastery and ability to optimise workflows have earned him a reputation for excellence. Kyle’s proactive mindset—whether developing new tooling systems, improving safety setups, or mentoring peers—shows a rare combination of innovation and reliability. With his apprenticeship soon complete, Kyle’s commitment to continuous improvement and advanced welding training marks him as one of the industry’s most promising emerging professionals.

From apprentice to specialist tradesperson, Matthew Rowbottom has achieved mastery in one of the most complex areas of fabrication: welding exotic materials like titanium, super duplex, and tantalum. His 6G GTAW and PED qualifications, combined with his precision and dedication, have made him one of only a few welders in Australia trusted to work on high-end acid spargers for the HPAL process. Known for his professionalism, skill, and positive influence within the Callidus team, Matthew exemplifies the future of Australian welding: technically brilliant, humble, and committed to continuous improvement.

The Runner Up of the Young Tradesperson of the Year was Camillus Johnston from Weld East Fabricators.

Huspicio Villamor from Austal Ships was named the 2025 Trades Person of the Year. With over 15 years of experience, Huspicio is renowned for his precision, professionalism, and commitment to quality. A master of the Bug-O semi-automatic system, he has led the approval of key Welding Procedure Specifications and completed more than 300 flawless welds on the Cape Class project, an extraordinary achievement in weld integrity. Beyond his technical excellence, Huspicio is helping shape the future of automated welding at Austal, mentoring younger welders. His dedication, skill, and leadership make him an outstanding representative of Australia’s world-class welding workforce.

The Runners Up for the Trades Person of the Year category were Caleb Pascoe from WPF Duratec, and Charlito Suquib from Austal Ships.

Allan Albrey from North Metro TAFE won the 2025 Training and Education – Individual Teacher Award. With a remarkable career spanning more than 60 years in the welding and fabrication industry—and over 40 years in vocational training—Allan has inspired generations of tradespeople through his dedication, skill, and mentorship. Beginning his teaching journey in 1981, Allan has taught across multiple TAFE campuses, mentored hundreds of apprentices through the AS 1796 qualification, and played a pivotal role in shaping industry standards for excellence. Even now, teaching part-time, Allan continues to guide new lecturers, refine training resources, and foster strong relationships with students through his trademark passion and humility.

The Runner Up in the Training and Education Award for an Individual Teacher was Graeme Hay from South Regional TAFE.

Lee Oakley from Monadelphous won the Mick Cudmore Award. With more than 30 years of national and international experience, Lee has made an extraordinary contribution to welding engineering, education, and industry advancement. From his early days as an apprentice to his current role as Welding Engineering Manager, Lee has shaped projects across sectors including oil and gas, mining, aerospace, marine, and renewable energy. Holding multiple IIW qualifications himself, Lee has trained and mentored hundreds of engineers and apprentices, championed ISO 9606-1 adoption across Australia, and led cutting-edge research into advanced welding processes in collaboration with the University of Western Australia. Through his leadership on the Weld Australia WA Committee and his lifelong commitment to raising professional standards, Lee has had a lasting impact on the industry and its future.