Home / Our Stories / Backing Australian Made

Backing Australian Made

29 October 2025

This year has brought undeniable challenges to our industry. Global competition, shifting demand, and a surge in low-cost imports have placed pressure on Australian manufacturing. But at InfraBuild, we remain steadfast in our belief:
Australian Made matters now more than ever.

Why local manufacturing is a strategic imperative

We don’t just produce steel, we build futures. Every tonne of steel made here supports Australian jobs, fuels innovation, and reinforces our sovereign capability. It’s not just about business, it’s about national resilience.

From infrastructure to housing, defence to renewables, our ability to deliver depends on a strong, self-reliant industrial base. We must protect and grow this capability, not just for today’s economy, but for generations to come.

Innovation that supports you

We’re proud to lead with purpose. Our award-winning SENSE 600® reinforcing steel is a prime example of Australian innovation, made from 100% recycled scrap, using up to 16.7% less raw material, and delivering up to 39% lower embodied carbon compared to standard grade steel.
This isn’t just innovation for its own sake, it’s designed to help our customers meet their sustainability goals and deliver smarter, more responsible projects.

The reality: An uneven playing field

To be candid: we’re not competing on equal terms. Imported products, often made under weaker environmental and labour standards, undercut our market. This threatens the viability of local industry and with it, the jobs, skills, and innovation we all rely on.

This imbalance is reflected in our financial results, which show the real impact of an unlevel playing field on domestic producers. Without fair conditions, the ability for Australian manufacturers to invest in new technologies, decarbonisation, and workforce development is at risk.

Together, we must act now

We are calling on everyone who believes in the strength of Australian industry to stand with us.

To our customers: choose Australian-made not just for quality, but for impact. Every project delivered with locally produced steel supports jobs, innovation, and sustainability.

To our suppliers: deepen your partnership with us. Let’s build a resilient, transparent, and future-focused supply chain that benefits all.

To government and policymakers: we acknowledge the strong programs already in place and the progress made to support local manufacturing. But we must move faster.

Safeguard measures in the US and Europe are already reshaping global trade dynamics and putting pressure on Australian producers. Without swift action through fair trade policies, infrastructure investment, and innovation incentives we risk falling behind.

And we are doing our part further developing our manufacturing capabilities, including capital expenditure of $117million in the past year; providing jobs right across the country; and investing in skills and training.

Time is of the essence.

This is not just about InfraBuild it’s about all of us.

Let’s build a future that’s smarter, stronger, and proudly Australian.

Stay safe,
Francisco Irazusta
CEO, InfraBuild

Please contact us for any feedback or media enquiries about this content.

Related Articles