Our story
55 Years of Quality Steel Fabrication in Brisbane
The Evolution of Watkins Steel
1968
![](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Picture1.jpg?time=1725357639)
1968 –
Where it all began
In April 1968, Des Senior founded Watkins Steel (previously known as D.M & S.A Watkins Steel Fabricators)
1972
![](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Story-2-scaled.jpg?time=1725357639)
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
![](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Picture3-scaled.jpg?time=1725357639)
The first Watkins Steel factory
In 1978 the first Watkins Steel factory was built in Northgate at 57 Toombul Rd
1988
![](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Eagle-Farm-2.jpg?time=1725357639)
1988 –
Eagle Farm
In 1988, Watkins Steel progressed to a larger site at Eagle Farm on Kingsford Smith Drive
1996
![](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Story-5-scaled.jpg?time=1725357639)
1996 –
Northlink Place
8 years later Des Senior and Des Junior bought a block of land at Northlink Place
1998
![](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/001_01088A-2.jpg?time=1725357639)
Month – Month
Steel Legacy
In 1998, Watkins Steel built a 1502 square metre factory in Northgate
2008
![](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Story-6.jpg?time=1725357639)
Shifting Horizons
In 2008 Watkins Steel relocated to 3500m2 on Depot Street in Banyo
2014
![](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Story-7.jpg?time=1725357639)
2014 –
The Voortman
The first Voortman was the V808 commissioned in November 2014
2015
![](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Story-8-scaled.jpg?time=1725357639)
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
![](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Story-9-scaled.jpg?time=1725357639)
2016 –
Robotic Revolution
One year later we commissioned our Voortman Beamline
2017
![](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DSC04728-scaled.jpg?time=1725357639)
2017 –
Integrated Drill & Saw
2017 –
Holovision
To stay ahead of the curve and provide a full-service offering Des Junior created Holovision in 2017
2018
![](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Picture2-scaled.jpg?time=1725357639)
2018
Watkins Steel Turns 50
2019
![](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2024-07-02-120548.png?time=1725357639)
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
![](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/20211022_213109-scaled.jpg?time=1725357639)
2021 –
Milestone Achievement
In 2021 Watkins Steel won the Lord Mayor’s Business Award
2022
![](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Story-11.jpg?time=1725357639)
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
![](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Story-12.jpg?time=1725357639)
2023 –
Automated Excellence
2023 saw the Robotic Welder, Tube Laser and Plasma Flatbed being added to the Watkins Steel Processing Capability
2023
55 Years
![](https://czu7f9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DSC01744-scaled.jpg?time=1725357639)
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
CC3
2024, Watkins Steel achieved CC3 certification!
This achievement emphasizes our team’s dedication to upholding exceptional quality standards.