50 Year Timeline
Early Days
Des Watkins Snr began steel fabrication on his off days while working in the QLD Police Force after previously being an apprentice & qualified fitter.
1968
Began work under the house in Hendra, speciliasing in metalwork (predominately handrails) for residential & unit developments.
“There was always pressure to finish jobs. Deliveries from steel merchants arrived by truck who backed through the front gates. What good neighbours we had!”
Des Watkins Snr
1970
Des Watkins Snr left the police force and got stuck straight into it. He rented a shed on Robinson Rd, Nundah – a total of 50m² & cost $50 per month, with 2 employees.
1978
Built first factory on Toombul Rd, Northgate at 400m² & became more involved with structural steel.
1988
Doubled in size! Moved to a larger site on Kingsford Smith Drive, Eagle Farm.
1998
Doubled in size again! Built 1500m² factory in Northlink Pl, Northgate.
“I was lucky to have worked with some great men & good builders”
Des Watkins Snr
2004
Des Watkins Jnr took over as Managing Director.
2008
And again… Relocated to our current 3500m² factory in Banyo.
2014
Commissioned our first Voortman advanced robotic line, which was our introduction to automation.
2015
Purchased first 3D Laser Scanner & Realworks Software
Purchased Robotic Total Station
Development of Watkins unique digitally linked 4-Step Process for Steel Fabrication
2016
Purchased second 3D Laser Scanner
Winner YPO Innovation Award for “out-of-the-box innovation”
Winner AFR & PwC’s Private Clients Aspire Awards for Private Business Growth & Transformation ($10m-$50m)
Began dabbling in Mixed Reality with the Microsoft HoloLens
2017
Commissioning of second-line of Voortman Advanced Robotics
Completed 2018 Commonwealth Games Athletes Village Architectural Arbour
Winner National Tekla BIM Awards – Sports & Recreation Category
Winner Lord Mayor’s Business Award for Digital Adoption Strategy
2018
Over 70 employees across estimating, drafting, 3D Solutions, fabrication and installation
Purchased third 3D Laser Scanner
Launch of new company Holovision 3D
Finalist at QLD Training Awards for Medium Employer of the Year
Winner at Manufacturers’ Monthly Endeavour Awards for Most Innovative Manufacturing Company
4 comments
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July 11, 2018
What a journey, congratulations, not bad for an ex copper.
July 19, 2018
Des junior
YOU HAD HAIR ??
July 22, 2018
I have been fortunate to have the team at Watkins Steel supply and erect structural steel works for me since 1991 and in this time have seen the company grow, evolve, expand and change, all for the better. I do not see your team as just another contractor working for RDM Projects but as an intrigal member of our team. Knowing Des Watkins and Tony Dickinson for over 25 years, i consider them both as good friends.
February 23, 2020
KeeP up the Amazing work!