The Australian Stainless Steel Development Association (ASSDA) has recognised outstanding achievements in stainless steel manufacturing and fabrication through its 2025 Fabricator Project of the Year Awards, celebrating Australian innovation, craftsmanship, and technical excellence across multiple sectors.
Announced during the PacRim Stainless 2025 Gala Dinner on 15 October at The Island Gold Coast, the awards honour exemplary projects that demonstrate innovation, precision, and commitment to quality in stainless steel fabrication.
In a statement, ASSDA General Manager Lissel Pilcher said the awards reflect the ongoing leadership and capability of Australia’s stainless steel manufacturers.
“These awards highlight the exceptional talent and innovation within Australia’s stainless steel industry,” Pilcher said. “From local projects to international installations, our Members continue to set the benchmark for quality, reliability, and creativity.”
According to ASSDA, the 2025 winners represent excellence in manufacturing across a broad range of applications, from data centres and hydrogen facilities to food production and architectural design.
In the Small Project, Big Impact category, Aflex was recognised for supplying and fabricating 10 tonnes of 316 stainless steel bellows and expansion joints for a hyperscale data centre in Melbourne.
The components were designed for ultra-pure cooling water and AI-intensive workloads, manufactured under Aflex’s ISO 9001 quality system and electropolished using TIG-brush techniques.
ASSDA said the project exemplifies efficiency and engineering precision, with the design reducing pumping energy, absorbing thermal expansion, and optimising space.
In the Process Industries category, Total Piping & Mechanical received the award for its work on Viva Energy’s Hydrogen Generation and Refuelling Station in Geelong.
ASSDA noted the project as a milestone for the local manufacturing sector, with 316L stainless steel high-pressure pipework rated above 1,000 bar fabricated using advanced orbital TIG welding and modular prefabrication techniques.
The Food, Beverage and Pharmaceutical category recognised Pipe-Weld for its delivery of stainless steel mechanical works at Snackbrands’ 22,225m² food manufacturing hub at Orchard Hills, Sydney.
According to ASSDA, the company’s scope included 26 kilometres of stainless steel tubing, 4,500 square metres of platforms, and 8 kilometres of sealed conduits.
Fabricated with advanced techniques and strict quality assurance, the project was commended for promoting hygiene, corrosion resistance, and operational efficiency in Australian food manufacturing.
In the Architecture, Building and Construction category, Arcus Wire Group was acknowledged for its Australian-fabricated stainless steel installation at Georgia Tech in the United States.
The “Pathway of Progress” project featured over 3,500 stainless steel tiles in mirror, gold, and textured finishes, along with thousands of custom fittings, cables, and rods. ASSDA said the installation is a testament to the precision and creativity of Australia’s stainless steel fabricators, symbolising excellence in both engineering and design.
Pilcher said the projects recognised in 2025 reflect the “skill, creativity, and ingenuity that continue to define Australia’s stainless steel manufacturing industry.”
