Workers both past and present exchanged stories, and shared memories, as Bekaert Australia celebrated a century of excellent in Newcastle this week.
Recently rebranded from Bridon-Bekaert Ropes Group, the company – now a vital part of a global wire rope manufacturing industry – holds a prominent place in the nation’s and Hunter’s history.
And, to commemorate the significant occasion on Thursday 16 March, a special plaque was unveiled by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Newcastle federal MP Sharon Claydon and her state counterpart Tim Crakanthorp at the Mayfield factory.
“I would like to congratulate Bekaert Australia on 100 years of manufacturing here in Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.
“As they celebrate this impressive milestone, it is a testament to their continuous innovation and the commitment to their employees that they have remained a success in their industry for the past century.
“We wish them more of the same in the future, too.”
Since 1923, Bekaert’s remarkable story has been characterised by resilience, creating opportunities, innovating and investing in its products and people.
“Over the past 100 years, we’ve faced world-wide economic challenges and depressions, a World War, and threats from international competition,” Australian manager Steven Hennessey said.
“However, the business has continued to innovate and is an integral member of a major global enterprise.”
Bekaert began as Australian Wire Rope Works in Newcastle through an association between BHP and four leading manufacturers in Great Britain.
A site was selected at 2 George Street, Mayfield, and a state-of-the-art factory was built.
Over time, the ownership of the company has evolved through mergers and acquisitions, culminating in the purchase by Bekaert in 2015.
Its Newcastle operations produce a range of industry-critical, specialised wire rope products for a range of industries including mining, construction, oil and gas, and barrier rope for road safety.
The company survived The Great Depression and was an important provider of supplies during the World War II.
It then diverted 90% of its production to supply all Australia’s defence needs for wire ropes.
These vital products included steel wire for submarine nets and harbour booms to defend Sydney Harbour, wire for special kites to protect ships from dive bombers and cables for underwater mines.
It was a capability that attracted the attention of the Japanese, who targeted the steelworks in Newcastle in June 1942, when a submarine I-21 fired 34 shells from its 5.5-inch gun, before the guns at Fort Scratchley returned serve.
The company has since employed and trained thousands of men and women from the Hunter Valley.
“For a century, the commitment and skill of our work force has been Bekaert’s greatest asset,” Mr Hennessey said.
“We are immensely proud to say our products are ‘Australian made’, as we have for 100 years now.”
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