By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
FOUR long-term employees at Barden-Steeldeck Industries took a punt and bought the business when its founder Reg Mullins retired 10 years ago.
Since then under those workers-cum-owners Robert Hansen, Michael Shacklock, Mark Fishes and Nick Mullins, the Hallam company has gone strength to strength.
It now has a workforce of 52.
Recently Barden won a $2 million contract to supply and install the eye-catching roof on Bunjil Place arts and civic centre.
Barden-Steeldeck Industries was selected by competitive tender to deliver the complex 10,000 square-metre roof which is regarded as the defining element of the $126 million building.
Mr Shacklock was not over-awed by the complex geometry – which includes three levels and two arcing ‘eagle’ wings that meet in a ‘tongue’ on the building’s western corner.
“We try to specialise in the out-of-the-ordinary,” he said.
Mr Shacklock said installers would abseil to work on Bunjil’s winged elements.
It’s a low-risk, tested method of working on the bespoke-design roof’s highly-varying gradients and its curved-over front, he said.
Aluminium will be used for the roof’s most curved and tapered sections and the rest will be the more standard Colourbond steel.
Barden-Steeldeck has been involved in many of Melbourne’s modern landmarks including the undulating Southern Cross railway station roof – a project feted with architectural awards – and Casey RACE.
Casey mayor Sam Aziz was impressed that Barden-Steeldeck was not only local but “the best in the business”.
“The appointment reinforces the fact that doing business locally does not mean compromising on quality.
“It results is a significant re-investment back into the community by supporting local jobs.
“We are confident that Barden-Steeldeck is best placed to manage the architectural challenges of the project with its impressive track record.”
Cr Aziz said the council expected design awards from the project which boasts 40 enviro-progressive features.
The insulated roof will harvest rainwater into two massive underground tanks.
It is acoustically designed to stop noise from Princes Highway intruding into the library, gallery, theatre and studio.
It will also offer an overhang and shade to reduce heat entering the building.
The number of workers on the feverishly-busy construction site recently topped 100 and works are said to be 12 days ahead of schedule.
Barden-Steeldeck is expected to start on-site in September for the three-month installation.
