Kermeen Sheet Metal: Over 50 Years of Excellence
In 1973, Kermeen Sheet Metal was a small family owned business manufacturing corrugated water tanks.
Today, Kermeen Sheet Metal is a thriving third-generation Ballarat-based sheet metal fabrication and laser cutting business that employs 15 full-time staff, and services a wide range of customers and industries in the region, from building and construction to general manufacturing and agriculture.
The business supplies quality flashing products in COLORBOND® steel, ZINCALUME® steel and GALVABOND® steel, offering both small and large volume manufacturing job lots.
In addition to this, Kermeen Sheet Metal manufacture cases, toolboxes, and custom designed boxes to house anything you can imagine. Their laser cutting services provide custom fabrication of materials, cut to size for applications such as signage through to maintenance and repairs.
“We source BlueScope manufactured steel from BlueScope Distribution, we like using it. Our customers see they’re working with BlueScope manufactured steel products and know these products are certified and high in quality,” explains Rodger Kermeen, the Managing Director of Kermeen Sheet Metal.
Craig Mclean, Branch Manager BlueScope Distribution Ballarat goes on to explain “BlueScope Distribution carry a large range of steel and aluminium products to suit Kermeen Sheet Metal’s daily business needs.”
Superior products produced from BlueScope manufactured steel
As a family-run business for 50 years, Kermeen Sheet Metal prides itself on outstanding customer service and delivering what the customer wants. “We value quality products, and we push ourselves to achieve a quality product every time,” explains Rodger.
It’s for this reason, Kermeen Sheet Metal supply flashings and roofing made from COLORBOND® steel and pelmet’s made from TRU-SPEC® steel plate, which is laser cut for agricultural and general manufacturing applications.
“We do a lot of flashings made from COLORBOND® steel. We’ve put in a new Australian-made eight metre long SWI folding machine. That’s boosted our COLORBOND® steel capabilities for gutters and flashings,” said Rodger “It’s used in both residential and commercial projects.”
Kermeen Sheet Metal also use COLORBOND® steel slit coils supplied by the BlueScope Distribution team to feed their new pelmet rolling machine, which rolls custom profiles for outdoor blinds.
“We are increasing our stock holding of COLORBOND® steel 278mm slit coils to support Rodger and the team. Processing accuracy and meeting the minimum tolerance is critical for the pelmet machine. It can’t be any less than 277mm or any wider than 278mm- the slit coils must be rolled precisely,” said Craig.
The quality of TRU-SPEC® steel, supplied by BlueScope Distribution, is important for Kermeen Sheet Metal to laser cut into parts for agricultural applications. TRU-SPEC® steel is a great product, providing excellent flatness to help improve our laser cutting and processing efficiency” says Rodger.
In addition to laser cutting, Kermeen Sheet Metal offers in- house processing of hot rolled steel sheet and floor plate from 0.55 to 16mm, galvanised flat sheet from 0.55 to 3mm, and aluminium flat sheet and tread plate 0.55 to 10mm.
Reliable stock delivery drives loyalty
Being a regional based business, Kermeen Sheet Metal understands the importance of looking after and servicing their customers well. “Not only do we have a loyal customer base, but positive word of mouth attracts new business. That’s how our business has grown – by referrals,” explains Rodger.
Stock availability is a huge factor in providing exemplary customer service. “The success of our business is greatly reliant on just-in-time delivery. Having stock on the floor
is imperative. When we place an order, we usually need it quickly. BlueScope Distribution can manage this without a problem and having them just around the corner from us is a significant advantage” says Rodger.
“BlueScope Distribution manages orders and forecasts usage for Kermeen Sheet Metal. The product comes direct from the BlueScope mill to us. Just-in-time delivery schedules ensure the exact stock is delivered when required and there’s no excess stock sitting on either of our sites,” says Craig.
Increasing the range of COLORBOND® steel 1200mm wide coils in store at Ballarat has helped to build BlueScope Distribution’s strength in the supply chain of Kermeen Sheet Metal.
“We work closely with Rodger and team to get the COLORBOND® steel colours needed on the floor to prevent any delays. We’re open and transparent with our communication, and provide regular updates so Rodger always knows where things are at,” says Craig.
Generational skills and experience underpin success
Kermeen Sheet Metal prides itself on its family culture and values built on trust, reliability, and first-class customer service. The business’ enduring success resides with its loyal workforce. The business is built on generational skill and expertise, with many long-standing employees.
“One of our operators has been with us for 20 years, he started off as a young kid through work experience. We’ve had a lot of our people grow with us and evolve over time.
Some worked with my dad and then worked with me,” explains Rodger. “With the younger crew coming through now, the experienced operators are passing on their knowledge and skills to the next generation.”
Investing in the future
Kermeen Sheet Metal is investing in the future with a site expansion and the acquisition of additional processing machinery. “Our extension will allow us to improve production times and refine our quality,” says Rodger.
“BlueScope Distribution partnership with Kermeen Sheet Metal is built on trust, customer service and quality products. We will continue to work closely with Kermeen Sheet Metal to ensure the desired outcome is always achieved,” says Craig.
