Steel company takes on more employees for projects for West­Connex and SydneyMetro

FAMILY-OWNED Western Sydney steel fabricators S&L Steel was looking to lay off staff as the mining boom ended.

S&L Steel owner Pablo Santos and Apprentice Welder Jarrod Johnston. Picture: Tim Hunter.

FAMILY-OWNED Western Sydney steel fabricators S&L Steel was looking to lay off staff as the mining boom ended.

But, in a remarkable turnaround, the Glendenning-based company has instead taken on another 15 employees to build a steel bridge and other items for West­Connex and SydneyMetro.

Director Pablos Santos said the company was able to invest in hi-tech equipment to target a wider scope of work, and was now fielding inquiries from the Asia-Pacific­ region.

“There is so much work on in the local area it’s keeping us busy already,” Mr Santos said.

It is one of a growing number­ of manufacturing companies thriving in Western Sydney, which experts say is on the brink of an industrial boom. More than 100 new manufacturing businesses opened in Western Sydney in 2015-16 and that is widely predicted­ to rise again this year, thanks to infrastructure projects, technological innovations and local businesses that have adapted to changes.

St George Bank Western Sydney executive manager Matthew Kelly said financial services institutions are boosting investment in Western Sydney manufacturing.

“There is a lot of infrastructure spending and a real opportunity­ for manufacturers to move in,” he said.

Western Sydney minister Stuart Ayres said the company was one of 1,600 signing contracts worth $1.6 billion.

“There are strong opportunities for growth and no doubt from a NSW government perspective our infrastructure agenda is driving a lot of those new orders and driving workshops right around Western Sydney,” he said.

“Jobs are set to boom across construction, engineering, transport and logistics, not to mention, warehousing, retail, professional services and hospitality as well as Aerospace and Defence industries”.

S&L Steel owner Pablo Santos and Minster for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Mr Ayres added: “Business confidence in Western Sydney is sky high and that means more jobs, sustained growth and an improved standard of living for everyone across the state”.

“When Western Sydney wins everyone benefits. It will power the next phase of economic growth in New South Wales.”

KPMG also sees a booming future for the west: “KPMG’s view is that Western Sydney will outstrip growth in NSW and probably the country.”