Tell us about the business.
Solid Engineering works primarily in the mining and infrastructure sectors. We design, engineer, manufacture, install and repair mining equipment and infrastructure.
How long have you been doing business?
Solid Engineering was founded in March 2013 so this year we celebrated our 10th birthday. However, the majority of our team have been working in the industry for most of their careers and brought with them a wealth of experience when they joined our team.
How many people work for the business?
We have grown from humble beginnings, starting with a team of just 4 when we opened to a team of approximately 34 employees across a wide range of roles today.
Describe a typical day at ‘The office’.
A typical day for Solid Engineering would include 7 or 8 people in the office and 3 separate site crews working on local mine sites. Boilermakers, fitters and industrial painters in our workshop on day shift. Truck drivers on the road doing deliveries and pickups and then afternoon shift with a team of boilermakers in the workshop.
What’s the best thing about the business?
I would have to say our team is the best thing about Solid Engineering. We have a great culture and some very skilled and dedicated people that work together to get the job done. Our 4 day per week lifestyle roster would come a close second though. Our team get to complete their normal working hours Monday to Thursday so they can either enjoy a 3 day weekend or come in on Friday to earn some extra dollars on overtime.
What are the biggest challenges facing your business?
There are two main challenges we are facing right now. One is the rising cost of almost all materials and overheads. The other is a shortage of skilled labour.
What is the biggest opportunity for your business right now?
Right now, there is an opportunity to grow the business as there is plenty of work available, particularly in the mining sector. The other comes from the challenge of rising costs and that is forcing us to improve our efficiency.
What is the business most proud of?
Our team, the culture, and the quality work we continue to produce.
Community or other causes close to its heart and values?
Our local community is very important to Solid Engineering. We live in the local area, as do most of our employees and as a business we believe it’s our duty to support local community groups and initiatives. We are long term sponsors of many local sporting clubs, plus we support many local schools and charities.
Any funny or heartwarming stories to share?
We have many funny stories but most we couldn’t share in this publication! Lol… But a heartwarming story would be more along the lines of how our business has formed lifelong friendships with many of our clients and suppliers. Many of these clients and suppliers regularly tell us they love coming to our business to work with our team and as business owners that makes us very proud.
Any employees that deserve a shout out?
We couldn’t single out just one employee as so many of our employees have gone above and beyond their normal duties this year. We have been busier than we have ever been and with a skills shortage sometimes its hard to meet the client’s deadlines, however our people always step up and work extra hours to get the job done.
