Network Steel and Aluminium brings new jobs to Sunshine Coast

Network Steel and Aluminium has chosen the Sunshine Coast as the location to expand its operations, with plans for at least 12 additional jobs in the short term and ambitions to increase this figure to duplicate its Brisbane factory of 80 full-time employees.

In operation for the past 26 years, Network Steel and Aluminium supplies to an average of 160 new homes each week and will use its new base at Kunda Park as a distribution hub to capitalise on the Sunshine Coast’s growing economy and building industry.

Mayor Mark Jamieson, who opened the new facility today (April 18), said the expansion of Network Steel and Aluminium’s operations was expected to contribute more than $8 million to the local economy and was another sign of continued rising business confidence in the Sunshine Coast.

“Our Sunshine Coast has become one of the strongest regional economies in Queensland and is enjoying some of the highest levels of business confidence seen in the state,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“We are also seeing increasing interest from businesses outside our area who are looking at the great investment opportunities on offer here on in our region.

“With access to a skilled labour force, affordable leasing costs, $12.5 billion in private and public investment underway and an enviable lifestyle, it’s no wonder smart businesses like Network Steel and Aluminium are choosing to set up on the Sunshine Coast.

“Network Steel and Aluminium’s commitment to our region represents a real win-win.

“It’s a great opportunity for the company in a fantastic part of the world but also a great opportunity to further support our local building and construction industry into the future.

“As well as today’s opening, we’ve recently opened Youi’s global headquarters and celebrated the expansion of others such as Country Chef, Lang’s Building Supplies and Bizfurn who have deliberately chosen the Sunshine Coast over other regions.

“We are the smart place to do business.”

Network Steel and Aluminium’s expansion to the region came as a result of a Sunshine Coast Council campaign in Brisbane last year which promoted the benefits of opening new facilities on the Sunshine Coast.

The company’s investment is supported under the Regional Economic Development Strategy, a clear 20-year economic plan to bring higher value employment and career opportunities to the region.

Network Steel and Aluminium co-founder and managing director Peter McConnell said the Sunshine Coast was a great destination choice for their business as it offered a growing economy, access to talented staff and a great place to live and work.

“We’ve wasted no time in forming some great relationships in both the business world and the local community in only a few months,” McConnell said.

“We’re already working with Lang’s Building Supplies, Murphy’s Homes and Vantage Homes among other local subcontractors, and we’ve even started sponsoring the local Brothers Rugby Club.

“We feel strongly about being an active contributor and supporter of locals and we’re looking forward to what the future holds for us here.”

For more information about Network Steel and Aluminium, visit https://networksteel.com.au/.

Image (L-R) Network Steel co-founder and Managing Director Peter McConnell, Mayor Mark Jamieson, co-founder and Operations Manager Wayne Buchanan and co-founder and Light Metalwork Administrator Glenn Hitchcock.