Wagga Wagga steel reinforcing company, Absolute Mesh and Steel, has leveraged almost 30 years of industry experience, as well as strategic investments in technology, to transform from two-person startup in 2016 to a thriving regional contractor.
Over the past decade, the company expanded to eight full-time staff and has moved from local residential jobs to major infrastructure projects across multiple states. More recently, it received a significant boost through engaging with ICN NSW to land a significant package of works with the Hume Link Project.
"We would not have had direct contact to the buyers without ICN," Director Wayne Green said, adding that ICN’s Murray Riverina Regional Manager, Geoff Reardon, played a critical role in introducing Absolute Mesh and Steel to the HumeLink project.
“We went to a lot of those meet the buyer meetings, pushing to get on the tender list. And just got completely overlooked. We didn’t even get the opportunity to tender for the first round of works.”
Geoff’s persistent advocacy, however, led to an on-site meeting with HumeLink’s construction manager.
“He came and checked our capabilities – he didn’t actually realise there was anybody local that could supply the works they required.”
The company’s only real local competitor in the Wagga Wagga region is a satellite operation of a national business, not set up to do the level of work that Absolute Mesh and Steel can handle.
Apart from Humelink, Geoff introduced Absolute Mesh and Steel to a piling contractor that led to subcontracting on the Transport for New South Wales bridge replacement projects, and the company is also in the running for Defence infrastructure upgrades in the Wagga Wagga region.
The company's growth strategy focuses on leveraging technology and building strategic relationships. Their automated processes allow them to compete effectively against larger metropolitan competitors, while maintaining the agility of a local business.
Its geographical reach extends well beyond Wagga Wagga, with current projects in Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. And it has plans for continued expansion.
Projects range from the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital car park and biomedical centre, to critical infrastructure, such as substations for the HumeLink transmission lines.
According to Wayne, the company’s ICN subscription has delivered exponential returns. By providing introductions, facilitating networking and offering platform access, ICN has helped Absolute Mesh and Steel transition from local contractor to multi-state infrastructure provider. And Geoff has been pivotal in this journey.
"He's been a real advocate for us being a local business," Wayne said, highlighting the importance of personalised business support.
Before ICN, Absolute Mesh and Steel relied primarily on local word of mouth. Now it is well on the way to building a solid reputation with major project owners across the country.
Looking forward, the company has plans to further develop its brand in the Australian infrastructure industry. Its success demonstrates how targeted networking, technological investment and local business support can create significant growth opportunities.
Visit the company website for more information on Absolute Mesh and Steel.