kr-fabrications

South32 Westcliff Trestle Replacement

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 12:26:37 GMT

The overall objective of the West Cliff Coal Preparation Plant Raw Coal and Reliability Improvement Project (RC&RIP) is to replace thirty year old process elements and increase the reliability of the operating plant to meet operational demands. The project involved upgrading the existing plant through implementation of carefully planned additional structures and replacing dated process elements.

This particular project involved all supply, fabrication and erection of all steelwork for the Westcliff Coal Preparation Plant to replace all the 1-47 Coal Distribution stackout conveyor trestle legs.

Bluescope Steel #5 Blast Furnace Stave Exchange

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 12:26:36 GMT

K&R Fabrications was the first contracting company in Australia to change a Blast Furnace Stave over the top of the bath of molten iron and coke in January 2014.

Working closely with Bluescope Steel on exchanging ideas to complete the job in the most timely but safest way possible. the scope. K&R prepared all of the new staves as well as developed and executed some of the crew training.

The work was done over five one week shutdowns with eight staves changed in the first

shutdown and 46 staves changed in the last. K&R Fabrication had a crew of up to 224 people on the project – whilst still crewing up for key customers outside the blast furnace project.

During the August 2014 shutdown there were high winds and heavy horizontal driven rain.

The normal method of using a large mobile crane to lift staves up and down could not be used. K&R successfully implemented BlueScope’s plan to use trolleys, monorails, a winch system and the personnel lift to get the staves up and down. Client representatives made the comment that they had never before seen people continue to work as our crews did in such poor weather conditions. K&R’s Furnace Top crew continued to work in the driving rain whilst soaked to the skin for their full 12 hour shift.

The # 5 Blast Furnace Stave exchange project involved removing the worn out staves (water cooled copper blocks) from inside the hot furnace and replacing them with new ones above the bath of molten iron and coke. The job is unique in Australia and involves the staves being lowered in through the furnace top on winches and then being transferred to supporting wire ropes to allow them to swing close to their point of installation. The crews then use long gaffs poked through the furnace shell to capture small wire ropes attached to the staves. These ropes are pulled through the shell and allow the stave to be winched to position.

Project unique characteristics include:

High level concise radio communication was required as crews were in three different areas and couldn’t see each other but coordinated the lifting and positioning of the staves.
Specialised training to achieve the gaffing, pushing and winching home of the staves.
Extremely hot, humid and confined working space where the gaffing, gouging, bolting and welding activities take place.
Subtle differences from one stave to the next which complicates the work.
High quality welding is required because the 55mm thick shell of the furnace is a pressure vessel.
K&R deve loped scale models for training and – together with BlueScope – set up a full scale t

K&R developed several major initiatives during this project including developing scale models for training and – together with BlueScope – set up a full scale training plant which used two mobile cranes, a trial stave and a full sized segment of furnace shell.

We were extremely fortunate to have a client who appreciated the significant gains from these initiatives and was happy to let us develop them. K&R assisted BlueScope with many technical changes and engineering improvements during the project. This included a strong collaborative effort to work out the best removal and installation sequences.

Omya Conveyor Removal

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 12:26:35 GMT

Omya is a global producer of calcium carbonate with 175 plants in over 50 countries. Omya Australasia operates 4 quarries and 5 mineral processing plants in Australia and New Zealand to extract, process and supply Calcium Carbonate to a wide range of applications and customers.

The Moss Vale operation in the NSW Southern Highlands operates a range of mineral processing equipment to supply various construction and agriculture markets throughout NSW.

The stockpile conveyor was previously used to unload raw material feed from rail operations. With the cessation of rail deliveries, and aging structure, K&R Fabrications project scope was to remove the Stockpile Conveyor from the Moss Vale Site and relocate to an unused location onsite for dismantle.

The project took three weeks to complete, and involved prework, isolations, careful alignment of the Crane for removal and cleanup onsite.

2012 Australian Industry Group Annual Dinner

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 12:30:56 GMT

K&R Fabrications was once again recognised as an industry leader at the Illawarra Regional Australian Industry Group Annual Dinner in both areas of safety and training.

2012 was the sixth year the Ai Group's Illawarra Industry Council has presented its Safety Recognition awards and K&R was a recipient for its safety performance.

Companies were assessed on lag indicators, such as Lost Time and Medical Treated Injury Frequency Rates, as well as the ratio of incidents/near miss to reported injuries. Criteria also included a look at the organisation's safety systems, comprising factors such as responsibility for safety, employee engagement, hazard identification and incident investigation and management.

K&R Fabrications’ high standard of training was acknowledged throughout the evening. Broden Condran, 4th year apprentice in Engineering Fabrication Trade was a finalist in the Appreciate of the Years. Broden successfully completed in the Illawarra Regional WorldSkills, and continued on to participate in the National WorldSkills, this along with his active involvement in the Surf Lifesaving Movement were also highlighted during the event.

K&R Fabrications continued to be one of the only local companies to directly employee their own apprentices.

K&R Fabrications Supports the Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:48:44 GMT

Nicole Fitzsimons was tragically taken in a motorbike accident whilst holidaying in Thailand, October 2012, with her partner Jamie Keith. The Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation has been established in her honour to continue Nicole’s legacy of helping others to fulfil their life aspirations. The Foundation is helping to raise travel safety awareness for Australians overseas and to assist passionate performing artists and sports people to achieve their full potential.

K&R Fabrications has supported the Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation through the donation of a trophy for a Rugby League match between Wests Illawarra and Shellharbour Sharks in the Illawarra Coal League on 5th April at Parish Park. Jamie Keith , played for both teams previously which was why this match was selected.

The Foundation sold merchandise and raffle tickets during the night, raising over $1,600. Jamie spoke about the tragedy and the Nicole Fitzsimons Foundation assisting young gifted and talented performing artists and sportspeople as well as travel safety awareness. Brett Morris and Trent Merrin drew the raffle prizes.

Wests had a successful night winning all three grades: 1st Grade defeated Shellharbour 32-0, Reserve Grade won 36-12 and U 18′s won 30 – 6.

K&R Fabrications Supports the Bandage Bear Benefit Night

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:48:42 GMT

K&R Fabrications will continue to support the Bandage Bear Benefit Night on Saturday 22nd June 2013. K&R has been an inaugural supporter since 1999 and assisted in raising almost $3 million for The Disability Trust, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and the Southern Children’s Fund.

Guy Brooks wins National Young Tradesperson of the Year

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:48:41 GMT

K&R Fabrications employee Guy Brooks has been selected as the Welding Technology Institute of Australia (WTIA) National Young Tradesperson of the Year Award winner for 2011.

Guy went through a detailed two stage selection process that included writing a detailed essay and interview that highlighted his achievements. Guy's essay was based on his on the job experience in Welding High Grade Stainless Steel at the Oxygen Plant of Coregas, one of K&R clients. Guy's other achievement in 2011 was claiming a silver medal in welding at the 41st WorldSkills International Competition London, UK held from October 5 — 8 2011.

Guy was presented with this award at the WTIA Annual Awards Dinner held Wednesday 9 May 2012 at Sydney Olympic Park during National Manufacturing Week, which was sponsored by Coregas Pty Ltd. Guy spoke in details of his experiences, challenges and support mechanisms he had in place during his challenges.

As part of his award Guy will attend the International Institute of Welding Annual Assembly and International Conference in Denver, Colorado, USA 7 — 14 July 2012.

2011 Illawarra Coal - Surface Supplier of the Year

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:48:37 GMT

K&R Fabrications is proud to announce that they have received the inaugural Illawarra Coal Surface Supplier of the year. K&R received this award at the Illawarra Coal Recognition Evening held at the WIN Entertainment Centre on 24th June 2011.

K&R has been being performing tasks for Illawarra Coal for over twenty five years, in particularly the West Cliff Coal Preparation Plant. K&R major role at the plant is on-site and preventive maintenance, and is regularly seen on site.

Illawarra Coal and K&R Fabrications support Kids Fund

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:48:35 GMT

Illawarra Coal and K&R Fabrications will help local charity Kids Fund continue to support children with special needs with a joint donation of $2,000.The impetus for the donation came with K&R Fabrications being named as Illawarra Coal's Surface Supplier of the Year for 2011. As part of the annual award, Illawarra Coal provided K&R Fabrications with $1,000 to donate to a not-for-profit organisation of their choice. K&R Fabrications chose Kids Fund and decided to match Illawarra Coal's donation.

Head of External Affairs John Brannon said K&R Fabrications was selected as Illawarra Coal's Surface Supplier of the Year in 2011 for its excellence in performance with the Company in areas including commitment to health and safety.

"Illawarra Coal is proud that K&R's high performance in FY11 has also been able to reward and support a great local charity, and we impressed that they have decided to match the Illawarra Coal award funds," John said.

"We hope that this donation will help the charity continue its instrumental role in providing support and services for local children with special needs and significant disabilities and their families."

K&R Fabrications General Manager Mark Carberry said K&R has been working with Illawarra Coal for over 25 years and was delighted that the Company's employees' hard work in FY11 has been recognised.

"K&R is extremely proud to be recognised by Illawarra Coal as Surface Supplier of the Year and are able to support a local charity as important as Kids Fund - K&R has seen firsthand the special work Kids Fund does and we are honoured to present this cheque to another Illawarra regional organisation," Mark said.Kids Fund is managed by The Disability Trust and aims to enhance the lives of children with special needs and significant disabilities in the Illawarra through the provision of essential aids and equipment to the ongoing health and wellbeing and quality of life of a child with special needs and their family.

K&R Employees Perform on World Stage

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:48:34 GMT

K&R Fabrications, employees Guy Brooks and Michael Ashton, have competed in the 41st WorldSkills International Competition London, UK held from October 5 - 8 2011. Guy and Michael were part of the 28 person team representing Australia that managed to finish eighth overall in the competition.

Guy claimed a silver medal in Welding after the four day competition, in a performance that exceeded all expectations. Guy's training and practice in various competitions in the lead up to Competition helped him immensely and prepared him for the challenges of the competition.

Michael finished just outside the medals and was awarded a medallion for excellence in Construction Metal Work after finishing in fourth place. Michael also benefited from the experience of competing in trial competitions prior to the event.

2010 WTIA Medium Fabricator of the Year

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:24:54 GMT

K&R Fabrications (W'gong) Pty Ltd was named as WTIA MEDIUM FABRICATOR OF THE YEAR 2010. K&R commenced business in 1968 as a light steel fabrication company. Today the company, located in Unanderra NSW is recognised throughout the Illawarra and surrounding area as a progressive well managed supplier, fabricator and installer of structural steelwork, and a major provider of maintenance services to a diverse customer base.

Their core business and core competency is heavy industry maintenance contracting, with the goal to assist industry increase efficiency, competitiveness and effectiveness of operations by providing unique "full production support services" and state-of-the-art technologies.

K&R provides general fabrication work for a range of customers including Blue-Scope Steel, BHP Billiton, Continental Carbon, Boral, Caltex, Coregas and BOC and is recognised for their quality workman-ship and ability to deliver on time.

With a long history of directly employing apprentices in steel fabrication, K&R Fabrications has been able to maintain this regardless of the external challenges faced in today's economic climate. The company sees the need and value of employing apprentices and remains one of the very few companies in the Illawarra to remain independent and indenture their own apprentices.

The company is particularly proud of its young employees' achievements through the WorldSkills Australia competition. Shane Ashton, the regional gold medallist in construction steelwork in 2007 went on to represent Australia in the international competition in 2009 in Calgary, Canada - the first Australian in this category in 25 years. In 2009, Guy Brooks won the regional welding category, and Shane's brother Michael Ashton the construction steelwork - and both went on to be gold medallists in the national competition and will represent Australia in the international competitions in London later this year.

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K&R's Guy Brooks takes on WorldSkills International

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:24:53 GMT

WorldSkills Australia is a national, not-for-profit organisation, established since 1981, that provides young Australians aged 23 and under the opportunity to gain new skills, compete against their peers in their chosen trade and fast track their skills and career development. The organisation's purpose is to promote and build a skills respect culture by celebrating skills excellence, inspiring young people and providing them with an opportunity to showcase their trade and skill talent.

The WTIA, through the National Divisional Committee and Council, and many WTIA members including Cigweld and BOC, support the welding category of the WorldSkills Competitions at Regional, National and International levels.

Guy Brooks - Welding Gold Medallist

WTIA recently presented a cheque for $5,000 to support the welding category national winner, Guy Brooks, to attend the 41st WorldSkills international skills competition in London from 5-8 October 2011.

During the four days of competition 150,000 expected visitors will see 1,000 competitors from 54 countries/regions competing in 45 skill areas over four exciting days of competiion. Australia is currently ranked 5th in the world and the 2011 Team Australia Skillaroos is hoping to bring back gold.

At the WorldSkills Australia National Competition held in Brisbane in May 2010, Guy won the first place in welding and the right to represent Australia in London. Guy hails from the Illawarra, NSW region and works for K&R Fabrications, the WTIA 2010 Medium Fabricator of the Year winner. He trained at TAFE NSW Illawarra Institute Wollongong Campus and Paul Condran, also an award winner this year, is again supporting his training.

US competition and international relations

WTIA also financially supported Guy to attend the US Open Welding Competition, coordinated by the American Welding Society (AWS), which was held in Atlanta in November 2010. Six American Competitors were vying for the final three places available at the final selection that will determine the US team going to the competition in London. This was an excellent preparation for GUY as it was structured in the same format as the international competition, with the duration a little over 22 hours.

WTIA, as the Australian Member Society of the 54-member country International Institute of Welding (IIW), works with the AWS and other Member Societies to support WorldSkills around the world. IIW has a memorandum of Understanding with WorldSkills and has worked with organisers of international events in Japan and Canada, and now the United Kingdom, to make the welding competitions as high profile and accessible to visitors as possible.

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2010 Australian Industry Group Annual Dinner

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:24:51 GMT

K&R Fabrications was once again recognised as an industry leader at the Illawarra Regional Australian Industry Group Annual Dinner in both areas of safety and training.

2010 was the fourth year the Ai Group's Illawarra Industry Council has presented its Safety Recognition awards and K&R was a recipient for its safety performance.

This award comes after being the only company to receive Highly Commended in Recognition of Excellence in Safety Performance in 2009 and one of only two in 2008.

K&R Fabrications’ high standard of training was acknowledged a number of times throughout the evening, these include the following:

Chris Onley, finalist of the Apprentice of the Year and K&R as the only company that directly employs apprentices.

Guy Brooks, National Champion at World Skills, Welding
Michael Ashton, National Champion at World Skills, Steel Work Fabrication
Both Guy and Michael are representing Australia at the World Skills Olympics in London in 2011. To assist with the costs both were presented with cheques to assist with expenses, and enlighten the audience with the selection procedure for the team and their excitement in representing Australia.

2010 Living Safety Awards (BlueScope Steel)

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:24:49 GMT

K&R Fabrications has again been recognised for its outstanding safety performance at the BlueScope Steel 2010 Living Safety Awards. K&R Fabrications was honored to receive two highly commended awards:

Most Improved Group
Best Performing Business.

These awards are outstanding given the number of nominations for each of the categories and to be recognised by our peers highlights the performance of K&R Fabrications.

These awards continue the success that K&R have had over the years when they won two categories and a highly commended in last year’s awards.

Some of the major achievements made by K&R Fabrications at the Port Kembla Steelworks include:

6 years and 6 months Lost Time Injury Free
3 years and 3 months Medically Treated Injury Free
12 months All Injury Free from August 2008 – July 2009

From Regional Gold to National Gold

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:24:48 GMT

Following their success in the 2009 regional competition K&R Employees Guy Brooks and Michael Ashton recently attended the National competition where they competed against the best under 23 year old trades people in Australia. In an outstanding effort and after some extensive training both of these fine young men produced "Gold Medal" performances in winning their respective categories. Their success follows in the footsteps of the 2008 competitions' National "Gold Medalist" Shane Ashton. Such an outstanding performance from our employees only confirms K&R's commitment to training and the caliber of tradesman placed in mentor roles. In winning the Welding category Guy became the 1st Illawarra "Gold Medalist" since 1985 and his winning margin was 4 full marks clear of second place. After a bad day one the result is even more outstanding for Guy and his remarkable composure and self confidence along with the long training hours in the lead up to competition paid the ultimate dividend. Michael had the advantage of having seen his brother Shane compete and even though he lost 6 weeks training time through the unfortunate need of eye surgery he went in to the competition very confident. Once the nerves subsided he even found time for interviews and the end result was an unprecedented 93/100 and 11 marks clear of second place. In the same category the second placed competitor from West Sydney also was invited to train alongside Michael at K&R's workshop for 2 full days leading into the competition. He was extremely grateful and went out of his way to thank Shane, Michael and Ray for the help stating that he could not have done it without the help of K&R. With the Australian Team yet to be named hopes are high that we will have produced two more "Skillaroos" to take on the worlds' best in London October 2011. The management and staff of K&R would like to offer our congratulations to Michael and Guy and thank both of these fine young men for helping to raise the awareness of our dedication and commitment to training the future of Illawarras' tradesmen. Their manner in competition and pride shown wearing the K&R emblem was a credit to them both and a credit to the company.

K&R Fabrications represented in the World Skill Olympics

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:07:04 GMT

In the recent World Skill Olympics held in Calgary Canada our own Shane Ashton competed in the Construction Steelwork Category representing Australia and K&R Fabrications where he did his country and company proud. In a competition where Australia has not represented in over 20 years Shane was well in the competition and in clear 3rd place nearing the end of day 3. Unfortunately a technical point in the competition with only 1 minute to go on the 3rd day cost Shane any chance of medaling. He plummeted from clear 3rd to 8th position and with only one day to go it was not possible to make up the penalty. The technical point had nothing to do with his skills and related to the insertion of a free issue pin. The penalty was extremely harsh to say the least and at the end of competition it was obvious to the experts that he should in fact have placed much higher in the standings than the results showed. It was a heartbreaking penalty for Shane after having worked s hard for months in the lead up to competition but one he took with dignity and extreme maturity. Shane is a credit to K&R's training supervisors and the caliber of tradesman employed by our company. Shane will always have incredible memories of the competition and gratitude to K&R for their relentless support. Pictured above is Shane in his Australian uniform in the centre with another 2 of K&R's employees, his younger brother Michael and Guy Brooks. After having witnessed the incredible journey Shane had with the World Skills Olympic Team they too proved to be the best in the Illawarra at the recent "Regional World skills competition". Both of these employees winning GOLD in their respective categories. Michael following in his brothers footsteps and Guy winning the first ever welding gold medal for the company. We wish them both luck and offer our support for the upcoming "National Competition" to be held in Brisbane in May 2010.

Expressions of Interest

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:54:38 GMT

Expressions of Interest

Are you looking to secure your future employment and remain based in the Illawarra. We are seeking suitably qualified personnel to join our companies for upcoming work Interstate on a fly in fly out basis.

We are currently completing work interstate and are seeking more work in the area and need to secure the services of competent, highly motivated and experience employees.

A strong working knowledge of both construction and maintenance work in mining sites will be seen as highly desirable.
All roles will require you to possess excellent communication skills, a strong team focus and a personal commitment to safety.
In return we offer a highly competitive remuneration package in line with your skills and experience.
You will be required to pass a pre employment medical and drug & alcohol screen.
Please forward copies of licences, certificates, cover letter and detailed resume showing your experience.
You must be able to provide 2 current contactable references including telephone and email details in your application.

Download your Expression of Interest form (PDF 186kb)

K&R Fabrications Recognised by Australian Industry Group

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:54:36 GMT

2009 was the third year that the Ai Group's Illawarra Industry Council has presented its Safety Recognition awards.

Companies were assessed on lag indicators, such as Lost Time Frequency Rates and Medical Treatment Injury Frequency Rates, as well as the ratio of incidents/near misses to reported injuries. Criteria also included a look at the organisation's safety systems, comprising factors such as responsibility for safety, employee engagement, hazard identification and incident investigation and management.

K&R Fabrications was the only company to receive a Highly Commended in Recognition of Excellence in Safety Performance at the Annual Australian Industry Group Illawarra Dinner, this is following on from receiving the same award in 2008. K&R major achievement was approximately 250,000 man hours without an injury.

Australian Industry Group recognised the major contribution that BlueScope Steel had on the region due to the major projects undertaken during the tough economic climate. K&R Fabrications was one of a number of members who were recognised for their outstanding safety performance on the No 5 Blast Furnace Reline Project at Port Kembla Steelworks.

K&R employees were individually recognised during the dinner:

Shane Ashton achievements as the Australian Representative at the World Skills Games in Calgary, Canada
Guy Brooks, regional winner at Work Skills, welding
Michael Ashton, regional winner at Work Skills, steel work fabrication
Both Guy and Michael were presented and interview at the dinner

2009 Living Safety Awards (BlueScope Steel)

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:54:35 GMT

K&R Fabrications has again been recognised for its outstanding safety performance during the 2009 Living Safety Awards. K&R Fabrications was honored to win two categories and receive a highly commended in a third:

Mark Carberry, General Manager, was awarded Winner for Leadership and Engagement for a Group
Craig Hajwan, Safety Co-Ordinator, was awarded Winner for Leadership and Engagement for a Team, whilst being seconded to KJ Industrial Scaffolding during the No.5 Blast Furnace Reline.
Highly Commended, Most Improved Group.

These awards are outstanding given the number of nominations for each of the categories and to be recognised by our peers highlights the performance of K&R Fabrications.

Some of the major achievements made by K&R Fabrications at the Port Kembla Steelworks include:

5 years and 7 months LTI free
2 years and 4 months MTI free
1 year All Injury free

These awards were presented at the Contractors Safety meeting and Mark Carberry was invited to present at the quarterly BlueScope Safety Conference.

K&R Apprentice wins 2008 WorldSkills Competition

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:35:11 GMT

K&R Fabrications would like to congratulate Shane Ashton for winning the 2008 Worldskills Australia National Competition in the field of Construction Steelwork. The competition brings together the best young tradespeople from across Australia to pit their skills against each other. Shane since winning this title has been named in the Skillaroos team to represent Australia at the WorldSkills championships to be held in Calgary Canada in September 2009. The last few months have seen Shane busy refining his skills and practicing his trade for a mock competition to be held over a week in Newcastle during May which will help him prepare for the type of scenarios he is likely to face in Canada during the Worldskills championship.

K&R would like to wish Shane all the best in his preparation for the competition and will continue to keep up to date on his progress.

K&R Fabrications - Highly Commended for Safety by AIG

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:35:10 GMT

2008 was the second year that the Ai Group's Illawarra Industry Council has presented its Safety Recognition awards. Companies were assessed on lag indicators, such as Lost Time Frequency Rates and Medical Treatment Injury Frequency Rates, as well as the ratio of incidents/near misses to reported injuries.

Criteria also included a look at the organisation's safety systems, comprising factors such as responsibility for safety, employee engagement, hazard identification and incident investigation and management.

Two companies submitted particularly outstanding nominations and were acknowledged with Highly Commended Awards, one of those companies being K&R Fabrications. This was a great achievement for the company as we pride ourselves on our commitment to safety and continual improvement.

2008 Living Safety Awards (BlueScope Steel)

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:15:52 GMT

BlueScope Steel introduced Living Safety Awards in 2008, recognizing outstanding safety performance on its sites by both their own employees and contractors.

These awards are divided into three divisions: Plant (>150 employees), Group (150 – 20 employees) and Team (<20 employees).

K&R Fabrications is proud to announce they have been awarded Highly Commended in the Most Improved Group. Given the number of nominations this is an outstanding achievement and was presented to Mark Carberry during the BlueScope Steel Safety Conference.