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Much like a close-knit sporting team, connection and communication gets converted into results and the team at Andromeda Industries feels that bond from the top down.
Andromeda Industries’ Plaited and Woven division manufactures Superflex and Flat Woven steel lifting slings, which are commonly used to solve lifting problems in areas such as infrastructure, construction, liquefied natural gas, mining and offshore projects.
When transformed into various products, the specialised Superflex cable provides a robust, long-lasting and flexible option when compared to synthetic and chain products available in the market.
Founded by Raymond McLaren and located in Moonbi, NSW, north-west of Sydney, Andromeda is a family-oriented business. Recently acquired by long- time employee Annette Williams and her husband Brett, the Andromeda team is dedicated to consistently delivering top- quality steel lifting slings daily.
Today, the company uses a 4200-tonne Talurit Swagging Press to create its large slings and strops – including the Twenty Four-0 Superflex cable with a 96mm nominal diameter. This cable is the largest of Andromeda’s Superflex cable range and can lift up to 168.6 tonnes in a straight pull when made into its Double Ended Strop configuration.
Andromeda’s goal is to maximise the use of this press to consistently fulfill its customers’ lifting requirements, regardless of size.
People First: Steven Harrison
Image: Andromeda Industries.
“It’s great to work here; great work environment, strong camaraderie with all the staff here, you can go to anyone and ask for help” says Steven Harrison, Sling Maker at Andromeda.
The roll of a Sling Maker isn’t without it challenges, presented both physically and mentally.
“The role requires you to do a lot of mathematics with working out your specific lengths of slings and cables, and so on and so forth. When getting into the bigger loads, you’re working with a lot of large, heavy cable products that weigh over a tonne” Steven explains.
But Steven says he feels supported by his colleagues and in particular, Annette Williams, Company Director and Owner of Andromeda Industries.
“I can go to Annette for solutions, and she and the team will put together forms and sheets to make the mathematics requirements that help produce the slings easier to work out. Obviously, with the heavier loads, I can go to Annette and management with suggestions on how to make the job a bit easier on the body” says Steven.
Considering the critical and sometimes stressful environment of the lifting and rigging industry, Steven values Annette’s approach of treating her staff with respect rather than only as machine operators.
“I know if I’ve got an issue, whether it be personal or work related, you can go to Annette and talk to her about it” Steven explains.
“It’s very rare to find this day and age. Not often you can go to a boss and sit down and have a chat with them. In the past I’ve spoken to her about things, and she has always helped me out” he added.
Using Creativity to your Advantage: Michael Sipple
Image: Andromeda Industries
Andromeda is widely known in the world of heavy lifting for its production of the Superflex Plaited steel cables.
The Superflex is a specalised wire rope made up of 912 individual wires, ultimately forming a complete wire rope. By point of comparison, a standard 6 x 36 wire rope contains 216 individual wires.
What sets Superflex apart from the crowd is that unlike conventional laid or twisted designs of wire rope, Andromeda’s are plaited – ultimately giving the ropes extra flexibility, akin to that seen with a synthetic sling.
Michaels’ role is to produce the plaited wire rope and flat woven strap, using the specialty machines for this operation and he explains that he loves working for Andromeda. “I like new challenges that my role presents as well as learning new ways to produce the slings and operate the machines – that’s what I love doing”, Michael says.
After 18 years of experience with another manufacturing company, Michael found his new home at Andromeda – starting in the Rubber Division before making his way to the wire rope division.
As a plaited wire producer, Michael says he’s able to let his mind go to work to produce some of the best slings going around.
But while he is focused on the task at hand, he also enjoys being able to support his employees with their endeavours.
“We have a bit of a joke in the workshop, but we ensure we get our job done, so it’s a really happy culture here” he says.
“I love sitting there and figuring out how things work and bits and pieces. That’s why I really like the weaving machine, as I try and make new and wonderful things.”
Michael expressed his excitement about helping Andromeda become bigger by using his creativity to produce larger slings in the future. “I am keen to use my creative skills to help develop the products here at Andromeda.” he explained.
Protecting Industry Knowledge and Driving Culture: Geoff Bower
As Andromeda’s Customer Relationship Manager, Geoff Bower is passionate about Andromeda’s steel cable slings and rubber products.
Geoff attributes Andromeda’s success to its local knowledge as the company continues to produce a premium product.
“People stay in the industry for a while, and Andromeda’s Superflex has benefited from that knowledge generated withing the lifting industry,” he says.
“Therefore, there is a lot of longevity as you’ve got a lot of older staff imparting their wisdom on those on the ground producing the product.”
After starting out producing the Superflex product in an operations role, today Geoff’s role is to promote Andromeda’s trusted products across Australia. “I am constantly going out into the industry, speaking to people about Superflex and educating them about Andromeda’s products and how they can help these businesses,” Geoff explains.
With that local know-how leading to Andromeda becoming a reputable brand in Australia, Geoff adds that he’s still impressed by Andromeda’s work culture,
“The culture is fantastic here; I enjoy getting up in the morning and going to work, I really enjoy working with the team and in my opinion, the culture as Andromeda is second to none.” Geoff states.
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