Home

Electrical firm sparks up to win awards

Geoff VivianGeraldton Guardian
Manager Rob Walker, electrical supervisorJaxon Goddard and excavator operator Wade Williams digging a trench for power lines at Cataby.
Camera IconManager Rob Walker, electrical supervisorJaxon Goddard and excavator operator Wade Williams digging a trench for power lines at Cataby. Credit: S&K Electrical

Geraldton firm S&K Electrical Contracting has been named a WA winner in two Master Electricians Australia 2019 Excellence Awards categories.

S&K managing director Steve Villier won the industrial project of the year category for the firm’s work on Iluka Resources’ Cataby mineral sands operation.

Mr Villier said S&K won two contracts at Cataby worth a combined $12 million.

“One of these was for new high-voltage works across the site,” he said. “The second involved the disconnection and dismantling of the wet concentrator at the client’s Eneabba site and reassembling it at the client’s new proposed site at Cataby.”

He said this also included all electrical works in associated new buildings and equipment. The first challenge was removing the equipment to be transported, refurbished and installed at Cataby.

“Eneabba was built in the 1970s and had been non-operational for 10 years,” Mr Villier said.

“The conditions were dismal with heavy rains causing harsh conditions, not to mention the creepy crawlies they were working alongside.” Mr Villiers said the next challenge was putting the massive industrial “jigsaw” back together 120km away.

“Throughout the project, numerous design issues were found by our team, who then had to come up with suitable solutions,” he said.

“Our crew continually adapted, and ultimately a successful project was delivered on time and in accordance with our client’s expectations.”

Judges said the level of safety achieved was outstanding and helped S&K secure future projects while maintaining a secure financial portfolio.

The firm’s apprentice Joshua Gray won the WA Legrand apprentice of the year award.

Judges said he had excelled in managing his days and the challenges they presented.

“He has a high ambition to further his career within the industry,” they said.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails