Our story
56 Years of Quality Steel Fabrication in Brisbane
Founded in 1968 previously known as D.M & S.A Watkins Steel Fabricators, specialised in the delivery of metalwork for residential and construction industries during its early growth and was established through quality workmanship and a can-do attitude.
Every 10 years the business doubled in size and because of this moved into larger facilities. In 2004 the D.M & S.A Watkins Steel Fabricators name changed to Watkins Steel and the growth was amplified by major investments in latest technology of Automation, digital optimisation to deliver high quality projects repeatedly.
![Experience Banner](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/4193d8cc7782c0ba18d2edb71518a741.png?time=1725357639)
56+
Years of experience
Watkins Steel proudly offers 56 years of unparalleled expertise in quality steel fabrication, serving Brisbane and beyond.
The Evolution of Watkins Steel
![evolution image](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Picture1.jpg?time=1725357639)
1968
1968 –
Where it all began
In April 1968, Des Senior founded Watkins Steel (previously known as D.M & S.A Watkins Steel Fabricators)
![evolution image](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Story-2-scaled.jpg?time=1725357639)
1972
1972 –
The next step
Des Senior rented floor space from Modern Foundry on the corner of Flower Street and Ryans Road in Nundah, Brisbane
![evolution image](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Picture3-scaled.jpg?time=1725357639)
1978
The first Watkins Steel factory
In 1978 the first Watkins Steel factory was built in Northgate at 57 Toombul Rd
![evolution image](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Eagle-Farm-2.jpg?time=1725357639)
1988
1988 –
Eagle Farm
In 1988, Watkins Steel progressed to a larger site at Eagle Farm on Kingsford Smith Drive
![evolution image](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Story-5-scaled.jpg?time=1725357639)
1996
1996 –
Northlink Place
8 years later Des Senior and Des Junior bought a block of land at Northlink Place
![evolution image](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/001_01088A-2.jpg?time=1725357639)
1998
Month – Month
Steel Legacy
In 1998, Watkins Steel built a 1502 square metre factory in Northgate
![evolution image](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Story-6.jpg?time=1725357639)
2008
Shifting Horizons
In 2008 Watkins Steel relocated to 3500m2 on Depot Street in Banyo
![evolution image](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Story-7.jpg?time=1725357639)
2014
2014 –
The Voortman
The first Voortman was the V808 commissioned in November 2014
![evolution image](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Story-8-scaled.jpg?time=1725357639)
2015
Innovation Journey
In 2015 Watkins Steel scanned our first job and took delivery of the scanner. This was the start of our Innovation journey.
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2016
2016 –
Robotic Revolution
One year later we commissioned our Voortman Beamline
![evolution image](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DSC04728-scaled.jpg?time=1725357639)
2017
2017 –
Integrated Drill & Saw
![evolution image](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Story-10.png?time=1725357639)
2017
2017 –
Holovision
To stay ahead of the curve and provide a full-service offering Des Junior created Holovision in 2017
![evolution image](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Picture2-scaled.jpg?time=1725357639)
2018
2018
Watkins Steel Turns 50
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2019
2019 – 2020
Raubers Road Venture
In 2019 Watkins Steel occupied half of Raubers Rd & in 2020 created drive through access allowing for 2 street access
![evolution image](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20211022_213109-scaled.jpg?time=1725357639)
2021
2021 –
Milestone Achievement
In 2021 Watkins Steel won the Lord Mayor’s Business Award
![evolution image](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Story-11.jpg?time=1725357639)
2022
2022 –
Redefining Raubers
In 2022 Watkins Steel took over 8000sqm worth of factory space on Raubers Road in addition to the existing space at Depot Street in Banyo
![evolution image](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_5840-scaled.jpg?time=1725357639)
2023
2023
55 Years
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2023
2023 –
Automated Excellence
2023 saw the Robotic Welder, Tube Laser and Plasma Flatbed being added to the Watkins Steel Processing Capability
![evolution image](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DSC01744-scaled.jpg?time=1725357639)
2024
Month – Month
Aluminum & Stainless Steel
2024, Watkins Steel expanded it capabilities to include welding aluminium and stainless steel. This enabled integrated workshop construction & ensures our clients receive the same high standards of quality & commitment associated with our structural steel work.
![evolution image](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/CC3-Compliance.png?time=1725357639)
2024
2024
CC3
2024, Watkins Steel achieved CC3 certification!
This achievement emphasizes our team’s dedication to upholding exceptional quality standards.