ARC has supplied the steel used to build many iconic structures in Australia including the Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Australian Reinforcing Company (ARC), responsible for supplying steel used to construct international landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, celebrated a century of continuous manufacturing in Australia, at the end of last month.

Dak Patel, InfraBuild CEO, ARC’s parent company, said: “This is an exciting achievement for both ARC and Australian manufacturing, and I could not be prouder of its rich history in providing quality Australian steel for Australian businesses and projects.

“What many people wouldn’t know is that ARC steel surrounds us – it’s in the roads we drive on, the houses we live in, the buildings we work in, the schools our kids learn in and the iconic landmarks that symbolise Australia to the rest of the world.

“Over the years ARC has supplied the steel used to build many Australian icons such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, the Opera House, the MCG and Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, the Sydney and Melbourne Airports, Victoria Bridge in Brisbane and Parliament House in Canberra.”

Quality steel products
ARC was formed from the British Reinforced Concrete Engineering Co Ltd and in 1920, purchased land along Ballarat Road in Sunshine where it became the first Australian manufacturer to produce fabricated steel mesh (where the manufacture of quality steel products continues to this day).

ARC was also heavily involved in the Second World War, with 98% of the company’s output dedicated to the war effort. Australian, British and American forces were using steel mesh and reinforcing on suspension bridges, water tanks, aircraft runways, ground cover and boats.

Mr Patel added: “The smooth transition of ARC to InfraBuild, as the custodian of this great brand, has been well assisted by having former CEO Ray Horsburgh as a director on the InfraBuild Board. I want to congratulate the ARC team both past and present for this incredible milestone of reaching 100 years and wish them all the best for the next 100 years.”

Despite the recent challenges imposed by Covid-19, all ARC facilities nation-wide have remained open, continuing to supply essential steel for construction. This year, the company has continued its heavy involvement in Australia’s biggest public transport project, the Sydney Metro Rail Tunnel, along with providing reinforcing steel to bridge replacement works following last summer’s devastating Australian bushfires.

Mr Patel said ARC’s continued operation during this challenging time highlighted the importance of a strong and thriving domestic steel industry as Australia looks to emerge from the economic impact of the Coronavirus.

He continued: “ARC is well placed to play a significant role in the months and years ahead as the Government looks to construction and building as a lever to repair the economy and get people in jobs.”

“The steel industry employs more than 110,000 Australians, and we know it has a significant multiplier effect on jobs growth and economic sustainability broadly – without it, there can be no nation building.”

Today, all ARC steel products remain 100% Australian-made and in compliance with Australian standards.

Sean Mannering, ARC general manager, said: “Along with its parent company InfraBuild, ARC remains committed to delivering a modern approach to customer service, outstanding product quality and safety as always. With our recent investment and market repositioning, we are expanding our service and partnering with our customers to build homes and communities into the future.”