Who Owns Orrcon?

Orrcon was founded in 1969 in Australia as a specialized manufacturer of steel tubing and hollow structural sections. The company was established to serve the growing demand for steel tubing products in the Australian construction and engineering industries, which were expanding rapidly during the late 1960s and 1970s as Australia experienced significant economic growth and infrastructure development.

Steel tubing and hollow structural sections are essential materials in the construction industry, used in a wide range of applications including structural frameworks, handrails, fencing, gates, furniture, agricultural equipment, and general engineering fabrication. Hollow structural sections offer a favorable strength-to-weight ratio compared to solid steel sections, making them an efficient choice for structural applications where weight is a consideration.

Orrcon established manufacturing operations in Queensland, which became the primary location for the company's steel tubing production. The company developed expertise in producing rectangular hollow sections (RHS), square hollow sections (SHS), circular hollow sections (CHS), and steel pipe in a range of sizes and wall thicknesses to meet the diverse needs of construction and engineering customers.

Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, Orrcon expanded its product range and manufacturing capabilities, becoming one of Australia's leading producers of steel tubing and hollow structural sections. The company developed strong relationships with steel distributors, construction companies, engineering firms, and steel fabricators across Australia, building a national distribution network.

Orrcon became part of BHP Steel's operations as BHP, Australia's largest mining and resources company, expanded its steel manufacturing and downstream processing businesses. BHP Steel operated a range of steel manufacturing and building products businesses in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, including the Port Kembla Steelworks in New South Wales and various downstream processing and building products operations.

In July 2002, BHP Billiton completed the demerger of its steel operations, creating BlueScope Steel Limited as an independent publicly traded company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: BSL). The demerger transferred Orrcon, along with other BHP Steel building products businesses including Lysaght and Fielders, to BlueScope Steel. Under BlueScope Steel's ownership, Orrcon has continued to operate as a distinct brand within the company's Building Products segment.

Under BlueScope Steel's ownership, Orrcon has benefited from BlueScope's integrated steel manufacturing capabilities, including access to steel coil produced at the Port Kembla Steelworks, which provides Orrcon with a reliable domestic source of steel raw material for its tubing manufacturing operations. BlueScope's investment in the Port Kembla Steelworks, including the No. 6 Blast Furnace reline completed in 2021, supports the long-term supply of steel coil to Orrcon's manufacturing operations.

Orrcon's product range has evolved over time to meet changing market demands and building standards. The company produces steel tubing and hollow structural sections to Australian Standards, including AS/NZS 1163 (cold-formed structural steel hollow sections) and other relevant standards, ensuring that its products meet the requirements of the Australian construction industry.

Orrcon distributes its products through a network of steel distributors and merchants across Australia, as well as through direct sales to large construction and engineering customers. The company's distribution network covers all major Australian states and territories, providing customers with access to Orrcon's product range regardless of their location.