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.
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
1968
1968 –
Where it all began
In April 1968, Des Senior founded Watkins Steel (previously known as D.M & S.A Watkins Steel Fabricators)
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
1978
The first Watkins Steel factory
In 1978 the first Watkins Steel factory was built in Northgate at 57 Toombul Rd
1988
1988 –
Eagle Farm
In 1988, Watkins Steel progressed to a larger site at Eagle Farm on Kingsford Smith Drive
1996
1996 –
Northlink Place
8 years later Des Senior and Des Junior bought a block of land at Northlink Place
1998
Month – Month
Steel Legacy
In 1998, Watkins Steel built a 1502 square metre factory in Northgate
2008
Shifting Horizons
In 2008 Watkins Steel relocated to 3500m2 on Depot Street in Banyo
2014
2014 –
The Voortman
The first Voortman was the V808 commissioned in November 2014
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.
2016
2016 –
Robotic Revolution
One year later we commissioned our Voortman Beamline
2017
2017 –
Integrated Drill & Saw
2017
2017 –
Holovision
To stay ahead of the curve and provide a full-service offering Des Junior created Holovision in 2017
2018
2018
Watkins Steel Turns 50
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
2021
2021 –
Milestone Achievement
In 2021 Watkins Steel won the Lord Mayor’s Business Award
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
2023
2023
55 Years
2023
2023 –
Automated Excellence
2023 saw the Robotic Welder, Tube Laser and Plasma Flatbed being added to the Watkins Steel Processing Capability
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.
2024
2024
CC3
2024, Watkins Steel achieved CC3 certification!
This achievement emphasizes our team’s dedication to upholding exceptional quality standards.
