The privately owned Westview Group is planning to build a $750 million steel mill in Brisbane to shore up future supply of reinforcing steel rods as it becomes increasingly concerned about a reliance on Chinese imports.

Westview operates one of Australia’s largest steel businesses, with annual revenues of $800 million. It sells steel bars and thick wire used to reinforce concrete slabs in the construction industry, and major players including Lendlease, John Holland and CPB Contractors are among its customers.