FBA State Representative, Laura Suarez, spoke with FBA member, Des Watkins Jr., to learn more about the family business and the rich history behind the steel fabrication company spanning over five decades.
Tell us about your business?
Watkins Steel is a thriving Queensland-based family business established in 1968 by Des Watkins Sr. With a rich history spanning over five decades, the company has evolved from its traditional roots in Brisbane's northern suburbs to now operate from two locations in Banyo and Northgate.
In 2017, Watkins Steel took a bold step towards the future by forming Holovision, a digital business dedicated to supporting their core operations. While now operating as a separate entity with offices in Melbourne and Darwin, Holovision continues to be a valuable partner, providing crucial laser scanning services across Australia.
Des Watkins Jr. assumed the helm of The Watkins Group in 2004, leading the company through a period of significant growth. Today, Watkins Steel boasts a team of approximately 120 skilled professionals, encompassing fabrication, drafting, Holovision, processing, and administrative staff.
Beyond their traditional expertise in supplying and installing metalwork and structural steel, Watkins Steel has embraced the power of digitalisation and automation. By incorporating cutting-edge technologies like robotics, the company has achieved remarkable success, sustaining an impressive 20% annual growth rate since 2014.
Watkins Steel's Greatest Success
Des Jr. attributes their greatest success to their unwavering commitment to innovation. "Embracing new technologies has been instrumental in our growth and has allowed us to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving construction industry," he said.
Joining Family Business Association
Joining FBA has proven to be another key factor in their success. "Being part of the FBA community has provided us with invaluable connections to other family-owned businesses," Des Jr. explains. "Sharing experiences and learning from each other's experiences has been incredibly enriching and has helped us navigate the unique challenges and opportunities that come with running a family business."
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