Whyalla Steelworks seeking 60 tradies for immediate start: Ayres

The Whyalla Steelworks, which is currently up for sale, is looking for approximately 60 skilled workers in “fitting, machinist, mechanical, instrumentation, electrical and fabricating trades” for an immediate start.

According to a joint statement from federal industry minister Tim Ayres and South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas on Wednesday, the site has taken on “more than 83 new production operators” since being put into administration in February, and “needs to further strengthen the workforce” with trades hires.

The steelworks was run by the GFG Alliance until KordaMentha was appointed administrator on February 19, with GFG running up debts later tallied at over $1.3 billion. 

According to the statement on Wednesday, the current demand for workers comes “on the back of record production levels at the steelworks since entering administration and preparations began for a new owner.”

Ayres said: “Today’s announcement of the Steelworks seeking 60 additional tradespeople is proof that the decisive intervention by the Australian and South Australian Governments has stabilised the Whyalla Steelworks, keeping workers in jobs and ensuring this critical steelmaking asset continues to operate while a suitable long-term owner is found.

The release adds that over $100 million has been committed by administrators so far toward essential capital expenditure, supporting safety and operational stability, as well as replenishing working capital items like raw materials.

The SA and federal governments announced support totalling $2.4 billion for the site soon after the administration. This was followed by an additional $275 million, announced on July 23. 

KordaMentha and sales advisor 333 Capital are handling the sales process, which began on June 24.

Picture: credit Joeltbooth (public domain)

Further reading

Premier Malinauskas urges GFG’s Gupta to address financial obligations amid concerns for Whyalla steelworks

BlueScope secures right-of-last refusal for Whyalla Steelworks

Sale process for collapsed Whyalla steelworks gets underway

Stokes family scouts Whyalla steel mill as sale process heats up

Whyalla steelworks blast furnace faces temporary shutdown amid funding concerns

Whyalla steelworks was ‘relying on luck for safety’ before administration

First phase of Whyalla steelworks sale passes