Introduction
Since its formation in Melbourne in 1975, SME Able Industries Engineering has become a leader in the design, fabrication and assembly of metal products, delivering hi-tech engineering requirements from its robotic equipped factory in Melbourne.
With a raft of industry accreditations and skills, Able’s customer base covers a diverse range of industries including Defence, Architecture, Renewable Energy, Transport, Public Infrastructure and Industrial, delivering on high quality specifications for niche projects and difficult engineering requirements.
Owned and managed by Stephen Martyn, the company supplies the smallest-sized metal components for vehicles, right through to large architectural structures for buildings. From providing metal facades for major projects like Crown Casino and Federation Square in Melbourne, through to rubbish bins and planter boxes for smaller public infrastructure projects.
The Lethal Weapon roller coaster at Movie World on the Gold Coast (the first inverted roller coaster in Australia) and the Big Dipper, originally installed at Luna Park Sydney, were both built by Able. As were the electric central umpires’ chairs used at the Australian Open and the large roof speaker frames used at the MCG & Optus Oval – testament to Able’s wide-ranging metalworking skills.
The company is Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) accredited; it has also secured the DIN 2303 Q2/BK1 certification from the German governing body, GSI SLV. The certification was obtained after completing a rigorous audit process confirming its welding procedures are to international standard – the first company in Victoria to achieve this.
The highly sought-after German military welding standard officially recognises Able’s compliance and commitment to superior welding skills, quality processes, and procedures. Able is also accredited with welding standard certification ISO 3834–2.
"We’ve supplied parts for pretty much all the military vehicles that the Australian Government has purchased since the 1970’s,” said Stephen.
The company has been involved with the Bushmaster program since its inception, supplying parts that include compartments and lockers on the outside and seat frames, floors and radio racks on the inside; pretty much anything that is bolted on or in a Bushmaster is made by Able. The company also has specialist skills in military painting, holding an APAS certification.
Understandably the renewable energy market is a growing part of Able’s business, which includes wind farm equipment, solar panels and frames and the more modern heliostat concentrators.
Association with Applied Machinery
Stephen’s personal association with Applied Machinery goes back many years, when he purchased a CNC press and more recently an oversized Yawei guillotine.
To maximise production efficiencies, reduce the cost of manufacturing and offer the latest fabrication technology to customers, the company recently moved into large scale robotics. This necessitated machinery to be upgraded to match the fine tolerances and accuracy that the robots demand.
A Yawei HPE 3078 turret punch press was the first new machine purchased; a unique model with a large 2,000mm throat. A 6kW HLF-2040 flatbed fiber laser and YLP-10040 tube laser with bevel head and semi-automatic loading followed.
“We had very specific requirements for the tube laser. We needed a machine that could not just cut the pipe, but also cut the weld prep on it too. We also needed a bevel cutting head that would allow us to cut any type and any shape section that can fit within 410mm diameter,” Stephen said.
“Other companies we spoke to told us it couldn’t be done. This is where Applied excel – they went above and beyond to obtain a Yawei YLP-10040 tube laser with a 3D bevel head and spec’d up with other options that we required.
The quality componentry that comes standard with all Yawei machines was another reason we opted for Yawei; both the turret punch press and fiber lasers have been game changers for us,” he said.
“The other key reason we partner with Applied is that they are an established local supplier - no other machinery company has the capability, expertise and technical back-up and support. If I have any issue or query, they get straight back to me – that won’t happen with a supplier who doesn’t have a local operation,” Stephen added.
He went on to say....
“ Other companies we spoke to told us it couldn’t be done. This is where Applied excel – they went above and beyond to obtain a Yawei YLP-10040 tube laser with a 3D bevel head and spec’d up with other options that we required. “
“The other key reason we partner with Applied is that they are an established local supplier - no other machinery company has the capability, expertise and technical back-up and support. If I have any issue or query, they get straight back to me – that won’t happen with a supplier who doesn’t have a local operation,” Stephen added.
He went on to say....
“ We bought the machines sight unseen during Covid – testament to our trust and confidence in Applied “
Stephen says that the new fiber lasers also enable him to be more responsive and have cut lead times down significantly.
Able Industries Engineering will be reaching the impressive milestone of 50 years of manufacturing in 2025. With a reputation for providing solutions to any kind of fabrication requirement, a clear focus on customer satisfaction and a commitment to staying ahead of the game by investing in the latest machine technology, it’s sure to be a big celebration.
