Tell us about the business.
Weldtech Engineering is a locally owned and operated maintenance and repairs business based in Mt Thorley NSW, with an additional workshop opening in Newcastle on February 6. We supply a range of different services across NSW, including: Boilermaking / Fabrication, Machine Overhauls, Light Vehicle Maintenance, Locomotive Maintenance and Labour Hire both onsite and offsite within our own facilities and across a range of different industries.
How long have you been doing business?
Weldtech Engineering (formally Award Plant Repairs) was started in May 2017 by Andrew Ward. In July 2020 Justin Arkley and Andrew Ward joined forces to merge successful fabrication and mechanical businesses and form Weldtech Engineering Pty Ltd.
How many people work for the business?
Currently we employ just over 50 people across the Hunter for a range of different roles.
Describe a typical day at ‘The office’.
Days in the office vary greatly, emails, customer and employee relations, chasing more work and managing the workflow.
What’s the best thing about the business?
Not only building a business but building a brand, a name people can call upon. We take great pride in what we are doing here at Weldtech. And of course, our team. Surrounding yourself with likeminded people both in and out of the office is critical.
The worst thing?
Keeping the business grounded. There are many great opportunities currently, however making sure you build a sustainable business and not taking on too much risk whilst allowing for growth can be a juggling act.
What are the biggest challenges facing your business?
Labour shortages and competing against larger organisations. Industry is ever changing at the moment, having our finger on the pulse to adapt.
What is the biggest opportunity for your business right now?
We have just moved into a larger facility within Mt Thorley and opening another branch in Newcastle to support new and existing customers. Previously our services were predominantly site based, however now we are also focusing on building our offsite capabilities and customer base.
What is the business most proud of?
Our team, we have an excellent team both onsite and offsite.
Community or other causes close to its heart and values?
Weldtech Engineering (grp of companies) support the Ronald McDonald House through sponsorship and regularly hosting a ‘Meals from the Heart’ program where we cook and prepare meals down at their facility at JHH so families have a nice home cooked meal to come back to whilst they are in the Ronald McDonald House.
Any employees that deserve a shout out?
All of our employees deserve a shoutout for not only believing in us but for being apart of our team. We are grateful for everything our team has achieved and thank them for keeping the show running!