Customer Story: BAC Systems

Everyone needs to be able to store their goods. And that’s where BAC Systems, Australia’s storage manufacturing leaders, come in. Since their inception in Sydney in 1977 by Walter Bachmann, BAC Systems have specialised in the design and production of workshop and storage equipment. BAC Systems caters to a diverse clientele, ranging from small businesses to major companies across various industries including automotive, defence, mining, manufacturing, and the arts.

BAC Systems operates from their custom-built 11,000m2 facility in Glendenning, NSW, where they oversee the entire production process, from design and manufacturing through to assembly and dispatch. Their high-volume onsite production enables them to supply both domestic and international markets, including Indonesia, Singapore, Southeast Asia, and Africa, with premium Australian-made storage solutions.

“Quality and production control are hallmarks of BAC Systems, and our products can last 30 years. All our products are 95% steel, so it’s important to get high-quality steel, you can’t cut corners. It all starts with a reliable supplier which is why
the business has partnered with BlueScope Distribution (formerly ‘BlueScope Sheet Metal Supplies’) for more than 25 years,” says Dennis Catig, Managing Director BAC Systems. “BlueScope Distribution offers us peace of mind with their
quality steel products backed with their team’s knowledge and technical support.”

“BAC Systems want consistent, quality, locally manufactured steel and that’s what BlueScope Distribution has consistently supplied for decades. We work with BAC Systems to ensure their requirements and specifications are met. Our open style
of communication has been the key to growing together and solving any issues that may arise,” explains Greg Walker, Key Account Manager BlueScope Distribution.

Market leaders choose BlueScope Distribution slit coil steel for superior precision and efficiency

BlueScope Distribution supplies BAC Systems slit coils in ZINCANNEAL® steel, BlueScope Cold Rolled steel Grade CA2S-E and Grade CM350-G®, and BlueScope Hot Rolled steel Grade XTRAFORM® steel 400.

ZINCANNEAL® steel, recognized for its excellent bending, roll forming, welding and painting characteristics, aligns perfectly with BAC Systems’ manufacturing requirements.

BlueScope’s Cold Rolled steel Grade CA2S-E and Grade CM350-G®, are commercial quality, high strength and durable materials, well suited to the diverse manufacturing applications of BAC Systems. Furthermore, BlueScope’s Hot Rolled Steel Grade XTRAFORM® steel 400, has a minimum yield strength of 380 MPa, making it an ideal choice for BAC Systems’ product manufacturing. This steel grade offers great formability for its strength, excellent weldability and is highly suitable for galvanising applications.

All these steel products are purchased from BlueScope Distribution in wide coil and slit to BAC Systems’ exact requirements onsite at the BlueScope Distribution’s Granville facility. This enables customers to purchase custom cut coil widths from large mother coils which are slit on site and delivered to customers in line with their manufacturing timelines and requirements.

“Slitting allows us to customise the width of the steel coils according to our specific manufacturing requirements. This precision in sizing means we optimise material and minimise waste,” says Dennis “And it’s better for our team. Slitting the steel coils with BlueScope Distribution results in smaller coils which are easier to handle during the manufacturing process. So overall production is more efficient, because the steel is easier to handle, transport and process.”

Greg explains “Our slitting can be tailored to meet tight production schedules. A quick turnaround time is crucial for BAC Systems who need to respond rapidly to unforeseen shifts in production requirements or changing market demands.”

Slitting also allows BAC Systems to maintain smaller, more manageable inventories of steel coils. This can be beneficial in terms of storage space, logistics and overall inventory management.

“Dennis advises us what products BAC Systems require; we group them together and order the stock needed. The product is processed and goes out the same month, almost like a bulkorder. This reduces BAC Systems inventory on their floor, ensuring there is no excess stock, also helping reduce their costs and increase production efficiencies,” says Greg.

Innovation propels a constantly expanding product range

As one of Australia’s major storage manufacturing businesses, BAC Systems is driven by astute innovation. Their ever-growing product range is at the forefront of modular workplace and storage systems development throughout the world.

“You can’t sit still. To be on top of the game, you must be dynamic and innovate,” says Dennis “With rapid development of technology, new products are constantly coming onto the market. We need to evaluate those against new designs, cost efficiencies and quality. Greg’s involvement and BlueScope Distribution’s expertise in discussions about product development and material are instrumental in our decisions.”

With a shared commitment to quality steel products, BlueScope’s technical teams assisted BAC Systems with down-gauging material in thickness, while increasing it’s strength. “The technical team have been involved with BAC Systems from day one, with down-gauging steel. For example, they might down-gauge material from 1.1mm to 1.0mm, to achieve 10% more steel for the same cost – that’s their yield savings. And they still receive a quality product, fit for their manufacturing requirements,” explains Greg.

Family-driven values underpin an enduring 25-year partnership and friendship

For more than 45 years, BAC Systems have provided customers with high-quality products, paired with exceptional service. The embedded culture of always looking after customers can be traced back to founder, Walter Bachmann. “The business is humble and family-driven, and Walter is a great leader. With Walter’s incomparable knowledge and experience, the business has gone from strength to strength, while staying consistent with what we do,” says Dennis.

Family-like values also cascade through to supplier relationships. For more than 25 years, Dennis and Greg have forged a partnership built on loyalty, transparency and commitment. And that relationship is still going strong.

“I’ve known Greg since I started my apprenticeship more than 25 years ago. Once you find the right supplier and the right people, you build that relationship. I trust Greg and know he’s always looking after us. And it’s no longer a supply relationship but instead a loyal partnership,” explains Dennis.

“Dennis and I work well together, any issues are quickly resolved. I look forward to continuing our partnership and friendship for many more years to come,” says Greg.

Prosperous future for quality steel storage products

BAC Systems is a dynamic company, always ready to innovate.

“As long as companies are building and innovating, they will always need equipment to store their goods. We are surprised how many cabinets and storage systems we have supplied over 45 years,” says Dennis “You cannot be stagnant as a company, you have to innovate. BAC Systems will continue to grow with new projects, there is always something enabling our growth. We want to export to other countries. The future is bright.”

“BlueScope Distribution are a proven supplier of quality products, which offers BAC Systems peace of mind. It’s a long-term partnership,” explains Greg. With BlueScope Distribution’s continuing partnership with BAC Systems, the future of Australian made storage manufacturing is set for continued success.