We were pleased to see while browsing through the October edition on the SA Defence Business Magazine that Smart Fabrication was listed as one of the TOP 20 SEM DEFENCE SUPPLIERS for South Australia. SA Defence Business Magazine is a monthly magazine issued by the Defence Teaming Centre (DTC). This is an honour that cements great confidence in the offices and workshops of Smart Fabrication because this is the direction we have been working towards for the last few years.

In the past 12 months Smart Fabrication has gained certification to ISO 9001 for Quality as well as becoming a Defence Recognised Supplier and a member of the Defence Teaming Centre. We emphasise quality and practise a high standard of work with all jobs we work on. We aim to increase our work for the defence industry over the next few year.

Smart Fabrication was primarily recognised for the custom designed

aluminium access ladders and platforms we fabricated for the Air Warfare Destroyers (AWD) Ships. Other factors / projects that contributed to Smart Fab being named as a top 20 supplier were the speed, quality and design input on the water passivation unit for the Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC) and stainless curing ovens also for the ASC.
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Commendations have to go to NWBDC and Craig Williams from Williams Laser Cutting & Fabrication who offered advice from the start and recommend Smart Fabrication peruse Quality accreditation.

Also to Derek Ruse whose proactive attitude and dedication to the goal that started Smart Fab documenting all there process, procedures and writing up SOP’s (amongst implementing systems and offering advice to all employees as a clinical psychologist). And then Steve Eccles who came and took over from Derek and finished off all the systems that passed flawlessly. And finally all the staff who has taken on board and followed all the new “extra paperwork” involved with a quality system without too many complaints.

This will mean Smart Fabrication will be eligible to quote and tender for much larger quality jobs with companies that appreciate a eye for detail and well documented paper tail.

This comes exactly one month before the final audit is scheduled for certification as a Quality Endorsed Company ISO9001:2008 for Smart Fabrication. Congratulation to Smart Fab on being recognised as a Defence Supplier and good luck with the ISO audit next month!

To Nik McDonald for his recent success at the 2009 World Cup 5 Tournament for Go Kan Ryu Karate. Nik picked up 1st place & a gold medal for his brilliant efforts in his 3rd Kyu and above ages 18-34 category for point sparring. This competition was held in Melbourne recently. Nik also picked up a 4th place in his Kata Competition as well at the same tournament. Not only has Nik made his club proud but he has made everyone at Smart Fabrication proud as well. Well done Nik.

A CHALLENGING economic climate presents numerous opportunities for growth, an enterprising Port business says.

Smart Fabrication managing director Simon Kennedy said he expected his family business, which grew from a single person operation in 1999 to employing 23 staff with a multi-million dollar annual turnover, would continue to prosper in the downturn.

“When I first started all I had was a 6x4m enclosed trailer behind my car,” he said.

“Our goal was to turn over $1 million in the first five years but we did that in under three years. Now we operate out of a 1000sq m premises, the company is debt-free and we have just achieved total business of $10 million.”

Mr Kennedy was upbeat about the prospects for his business, which specialises in the design, construction and installation of a range of steel fabrication products. “A recession can allow you to grow. Businesses should be looking out for the openings which get missed when people are too busy during better times.”

He would use the slowdown to continue to develop new products, ensuring his workforce remained busy to avoid staff lay-offs, while also focusing on offering a high level of customer service. Working with the North West Business Development Centre Business (NWBDC) had provided support and confirmation that his business was on track

(An extract from The Portside Messenger April 29th 2009| by Heather Kennett)

Monday the 20th April 2009 the Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd addressed 120 of South Australia ‘s VIP’s at an Adelaide Jobs Forum at the Mawson Lakes University . The topic of the day was the current crisis with global recession and what needs to be done to help Australia out of it. The PM and Simon discussed the positives and opportunities that can be taken advantage of during this seemingly negative economic downturn, before grabbing a business card and racing off the next conference at the Edinburgh RAAF Base.