STEEL-LINE

With a total workforce of about 420, of which around 140 are involved in the manufacturing process, Steel-Line is one of the largest garage door companies in Australia. The business boasts a wide product mix that sees it make and supply a range of steel, aluminium and timber garage doors as well as shed roller doors and industrial shutters to residential, commercial and industrial customers, nation-wide.

According to Steel-Line General Manager, Aaron Dillaway, the company’s growth has been achieved as a result of focusing on a couple of key areas: supplying an innovative range of high quality products and servicing and supporting customers to the highest levels possible.

“Steel-Line’s competitive advantage can be traced back to our dedication to customers, the calibre of our products, the quality of our staff and the business partners we engage with,” Aaron said.

The Steel Efficiency Review® Continues To Pave The Way For SuccessLeading Australian garage door manufacturer, Steel-Line has continued to grow and prosper thanks in part to the findings of an earlier Steel Efficiency Review® (SER™), and close working relationship with BlueScope Sheet Metal Supplies.CATEGORY:

Building & Construction

LOCATION:Brisbane

PRODUCT:COLORBOND® steel

“One important area in which BlueScope Sheet Metal Supplies helps our business is in management of our stock - inventory is provided to us on a just-in-time basis which delivers many benfi ts for us.

“Firstly, it means we can better utilise every available square inch of our warehouses rather than holding large amounts of stock – we receive it when we need it. It’s also beneficial in that the company doesn’t have capital tied up in stock that’s just sitting, this allows us to release cash back into the business to develop new products and continue to properly service customers.”

BlueScope Sheet Metal Supplies’ Brisbane Sales Manager, Stuart Dawson, says that prior to becoming responsible for all the steel coil and aluminium stock for Steel-Line’s Brisbane and Perth-based businesses, the company had been dealing directly with the mills.

“In some instances a direct relationship could work very well, but it might not be the best process for everyone. In the case of Steel-Line there were minimum stock orders to consider which required extra capital outlay. There was also the issue of warehousing stock that may not be needed for months. Additionally, resources are taken up in managing the process, resources that could be better allocated to focusing on the company’s core business activities.

“It was logical for Steel-Line to entrust manufacturing product supply to BlueScope SMS – we control the supply of the stock and ensure there are no ‘stock-outs’. The cash flow advantages we can offer over and above a direct supply model are significant.”

Aside from assistance with inventory management, Aaron says that Steel-Line also works closely with BlueScope Sheet Metal Supplies to introduce new lines to the mix, most recently the COLORBOND® Metallic steel range and before that the GALVABOND® steel range.

“BlueScope Sheet Metal Supplies are very receptive to our ideas and also come to us with their own thoughts on new products or different ways of doing things – there’s a very close and strong relationship between our companies,” Aaron said.

“We pride ourselves on being an innovative company and we’re currently working on a suite of new products and changes to our existing lines – watch this space. And we’re looking to continue partnering with BlueScope for many years to come to help us achieve our goal of staying number one.”

For more information visitwww.steel-line.com.au

“BlueScope Sheet Metal Supplies are very receptive to our ideas... there’s a very close and strong relationship between our companies”

www.impactsteel.com.au

Phone: 1800 010 247www.sheetmetalsupplies.com.auThis case study has been prepared for information purposes only. BlueScope makes no representation or warranty as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained in this document. You must make your own assessment of the information contained in this document and rely on it wholly at your own risk. Published by BlueScope Steel Limited. ® are registered trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited. TM are trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited. © 2015 BlueScope Steel Limited ABN 16 000 011 058