Metalcorp gets boost for being Aussie

This is advertiser content for Metalcorp.

Since the coronavirus pandemic, the iconic Australian rural company Metalcorp has seen increased demand for a range of Australian-made rural products in its regional branches - and an opportunity to explore online opportunities to provide an improved service offer.

Metalcorp national sales and marketing manager, Lester Kirkwood, said: "The Metalcorp team has been active during the recent COVID-19 lockdown period, developing a fully integrated e-commerce platform that allows a customer to place an order from their internet-enabled device from the farm location, with confirmation of the order, payment completed and order processed within minutes.

"Delivery can then be completed to the farm, or collection depot, within a few days of order placement."

Metalcorp has been supplying quality rural farm products, such as fencing, building and stock handling equipment, since 1967.

"We have noted a major shift in market sentiment to Australian-made products, which has been a benefit for Metalcorp, which uses local tubular steel from sister company Orrcon and local workforce to manufacture its large range of farm products," Mr Kirkwood said.

"Australian businesses and consumers have experienced the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on international supply chains, with delays in shipping and increased prices for goods that are in short supply.

"This experience has convinced many to seek out local content and support Australian-made products, which benefits local employment and provides investment back into the local communities.

"Orrcon Steel, a local steel tubular producer, sources its coil from its parent company BlueScope and provides a wide range of locally produced steel products to its Metalcorp branch network."

Mr Kirkwood said coronavirus lockdowns had also triggered a major shift to online buying across the Australian community.

He said Metalcorp's soon to be launched e-commerce website would be ideal for customers that have busy schedules and limited administrative support.

"It is important for businesses to continue to develop their relationship with customers through innovation, seeking to provide relevant information and the most convenient ordering process," Mr Kirkwood said.

Mr Kirkwood said Metalcorp was proud of its deep links to rural Australia and its strong support of local jobs, locally made products and local communities.

Metalcorp's origins date back to 1967 as an incarnation from Ashley and Moore.

Mergers and rebranding of the business followed, with Ashley and Moore and MI Steel combining to form MI Steel in NSW and Queensland.

With its head office based in Brisbane, Metalcorp was formed from these two businesses.

It was then purchased by the Smorgon Group in 2001 to later become part of the ASX-listed BlueScope group of businesses.

BlueScope acquired Orrcon Steel from Hills Holdings, the creator of the iconic Hills Hoist, in 2014.

This merger helped Orrcon Steel be one of the largest tubular steel distributors in the country.

Being part of BlueScope has enabled reinvestment into the Metalcorp brand to now be one of Australia's leading rural steel distribution businesses.

Metalcorp manufactures a wide range of rural products designed to withstand harsh environments from piggeries to cattle yards and from coastal locations to inland farms.

"When people buy from Metalcorp they can be assured every single dollar they spend goes back into our community and helps retain local jobs," Mr Kirkwood said.

"We are supporting Australian jobs and the Australian economy.

"With our roots firmly planted in Australia, we're proud to be part of and support the Australian Made campaign."

Mr Kirkwood said Metalcorp was also a proud sponsor of the National Centre for Farmer Health, which is providing leadership to improve the health, wellbeing and safety of farm men and women, farm workers, their families and communities across Australia.

The people who work in Metalcorp's regional branch network have deep knowledge of rural Australia, which is one of its greatest strengths, he said.

The Metalcorp and Orrcon businesses have 20 locations around the country - along with a research and development team striving to bring new and improved products to the Metalcorp range.

Orrcon Steel has a structural tubular mill in Brisbane and a precision tubing mill in Adelaide.

This is advertiser content for Metalcorp.