Local manufacturing underpins Consep’s global growth

Now entering its fourth decade, global systems engineer Consep is just getting started. Consep Managing Director Grant Steward reflects on 30 years of expansion for his world-leading engineering and technology company. He also speaks to the importance of investing in local capabilities. 

Consep is headquartered in Wetherill Park with offices in Perth, Vancouver and Toronto. It works with mining, water and construction companies across 50 countries. 

The company’s 30-year success is due to its continuous innovation. 

‘We are aware of the need to constantly develop our products, engineering and manufacturing capabilities,’ says Grant Steward, Consep’s Founder and Managing Director. 

‘One of our major advantages is that we don’t just offer quality equipment. We offer complete solutions. That includes all the associated services required to see a project through to the end and provide ongoing support to our customers.’ 

Thirty years of growth 

Consep offers a diverse range of technology. 

Company research suggests 15% of the world’s gold production, worth some $40 billion, is produced directly using Consep equipment. Consep equipment is recognised globally for increasing overall gold recovery at the lowest possible cost. 

It is also the leading supplier of sampling technology to the Australian iron ore industry. Here, its products are used to determine the value of exported iron ore. 

In water, Consep equipment provides a higher level of treatment, higher purity discharge and reduced environmental impact. 

In construction, Consep products reduce floor-forming cycle times, cutting overall construction time in high-rise buildings. Its products were used to build the new World Trade Center in New York City and the International Towers in Barangaroo, Sydney. 

‘Each market sector has very different challenges and requires a diverse range of skills to ensure success,’ says Steward. ‘Consep has been able to handle these challenges. This has resulted in an extensive range of customers and experiences over our 30-year history.’ 

Exporting equals expansion 

Consep’s world-leading market position came from its smart strategic plan. Moving from a local equipment supplier to global system engineer broadened Consep’s scope and access to global markets. 

‘Our export business has allowed us to grow and develop as a company,’ says Steward. ‘It allowed us to expand offshore through an acquisition of one of our original foundation partners. Further developing our footprint will drive future growth.’ 

Investing in local manufacturing and global technology 

Despite the setbacks of a global pandemic, Consep continues to see strong growth across its business. This is partly due to the company’s significant investment in technology. 

‘We’ve incorporated Microsoft’s HoloLens augmented reality headsets,’ says Steward. ‘We use them to commission remotely in Russia, Africa, Canada and the Middle East.’ 

‘We’ve also updated all of our hardware, software and cloud services across the Sydney, Perth, Vancouver, Toronto and Kirkland Lake offices. Plus, we’ve upgraded the control systems within our mineral processing and construction equipment. This allows us to better assist our customers remotely.’ 

Continuing to invest in Australian manufacturing capability is a major focus moving forward. 

‘We are committed to being an in-house manufacturer,’ says Steward. ‘We invested heavily to modernise our manufacturing and office facilities during COVID-19 – a period that highlighted why Australian companies should invest in local manufacturing.’