Structural Steel in a Hurry!

The Back Story

A new lodge was underway in a small town in Western Australia’s south. The project was tracking well and everything was on schedule—until the fabrication company that had been engaged for the previous six months unexpectedly notified our client that they would be unable to commence the job for another three months.

With a fixed completion date and a grand opening scheduled for early 2026, this delay threw a massive spanner in the works.

Where McCartney Engineering Came In

This is where we entered the picture.

Our client reached out through a word-of-mouth recommendation, and we were more than happy to assess whether we could step in and take the project on.

Understanding the urgency, we immediately conducted a detailed review of the drawing package. We don’t like to keep clients waiting—the goal is to quickly determine whether you have the capability and resources to deliver. If not, it’s important to be upfront so the client can keep moving.

After completing our review, we confirmed that the project was well within our manufacturing capabilities. From there, we issued RFQs (Requests for Quotation) to our steel suppliers to commence the pricing process.

While our suppliers were working through their scopes, we made a prompt site visit to review the installation requirements. A quick two-hour drive south of Perth and an hour or so on site with the client was all it took to confirm that we could manage the installation as well.

Within a few days, our pricing was finalised and accepted—and fabrication was underway.

Fabrication Commences

We place a strong emphasis on developing long-term relationships with our suppliers, which allows us to rely on accurate lead times and consistent delivery.

All plate and member steelwork was processed and delivered within approximately one week, allowing fabrication to begin immediately. From start to finish, it took around 1.5 weeks to fabricate the complete steel package.

Site Installation

With other projects wrapping up, we mobilised to site approximately one week after delivering the steelwork.

Working alongside a great team of builders, plumbers, concreters, window installers, and electricians, we were able to complete the project steps extremely efficiently, teamwork is key.

Despite a few minor delays—including a forklift becoming bogged!—we completed the installation within two weeks. Some components were bolted to existing jarrah trusses, while others were site-welded in situ.

The building itself was quite old, which presented challenges with alignment. Several trusses and beams were significantly out of position, but with the right approach, experience, and controlled force applied in the right locations, everything was pulled back into alignment.

The Engineer Arrives

Once installation was complete, the project structural engineer carried out a full inspection and sign-off.

Only a handful of minor items were identified, all of which were rectified within a few hours. With full sign-off achieved, the project was able to continue without delay—remaining firmly on track for its scheduled grand opening.

Need Structural Steel Support?

If you require structural steel fabrication, installation, or project support, feel free to get in touch:

For any structural steel needs please email josh@mccartneyengineering.com.au