Valmec’s unique differentiator in a skill shortage economy

Original article published by The Australian Pipeliner.

Valmec, a leading energy, resources and infrastructure services group, providing engineering, construction, commissioning and maintenance services, delivers quality results safely, with the goal of increasing asset life for their clients and lowering the total cost of ownership.

Gaining deep expertise through various acquisitions over the years, the Group provides a unique proposition for its clients through Valmec’s core capability in rotating equipment maintenance (including gas engines and compressors), asset integrity and reliability services such as inspection, condition monitoring, non-destructive testing (NDT), pressure safety valves (PSV) testing, as well as electrical, and mechanical expertise in onshore and offshore facilities, such as well sites and LNG plants. 

Additionally, Valmec is an early player in the renewable energy transition, having constructed Australia’s first Hydrogen blending pilot plant in Adelaide, South Australia on behalf of Australian Gas Networks (AGN), part of the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG). Valmec is now actively sought out by clients for early contractor involvement on hydrogen projects, engaged to create asset management plans, and operate and maintain hydrogen plants across Australia.

Valmec’s unique differentiator includes its multi-disciplined workforce, which is usually local to its customer base, who are cross trained in their overall capabilities. Valmec’s distinctive approach drives immediate savings to its clients through an integrated solution, increasing reliability and availability, while reducing the interface and HSE risks associated with multiple contractors on site, delivering a seamless and accountable delivery model across all assets. 

In addition, Valmec is able to work through the current skills shortage by utilising its trained and experienced talent whom exist within their current workforce, providing the right technical support to execute other services on-site.

In October 2021, Valmec was acquired by Altrad which is a global industrial services provider, specialising in integrated solutions from construction through to operations and into decommissioning covering scaffolding, rope access, insulation, protective coating, passive fire protection, industrial cleaning, structural remediation, asbestos management, training and assessment for the energy, mining, and defence sectors.

Managing Director Steve Dropulich will continue to lead Valmec following the acquisition, whilst also remaining a shareholder of the company.

“The transaction is a testament to the entire Valmec team and the work that has been undertaken to grow this company,” he said.

Altrad Services Chief Executive Officer (Asia Pacific Region) Neil Sadler added that the acquisition of Valmec marks another transformation in its Asia-Pacific business.

“We see enormous value and potential in combining Valmec’s highly professional team and their skills into Altrad’s industry leading capabilities, particularly in the construction, renewable energy, power and hydrogen sectors,” said Mr Sadler.

The acquisition complement Valmec’s existing capabilities, providing a truly unique service provider in Australia. 

*According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as of June 2021.