Beginning as a Perth-based ducting workshop 50 years ago, Unique Metal Works has evolved into a highly diversified national business supplying many of Australia's largest projects. Servicing mining, agriculture, architecture, infrastructure and defence sectors, the company’s 350-strong workforce operates from nine locations around the country.
Unique Metal produces OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, equipment and components and is Australia's largest laser cutting business, creating precise and intricate custom work, including building facades. It also has plasma capability, welding facilities, CNC pressing, metal rolling, and turret punches – all the equipment to produce quality aluminium products.
Unique Metal is a hybrid business, and its highly skilled people use thousands of tonnes of aluminium annually.
Managing director Paul Figliomeni says its capability and diversification set Unique Metal apart.
"We've got capability beyond. We can cut, we can fold, we can weld, we can coat the product, whether it is anodising or powdercoating. We can provide a full turnkey service for our clients."
Paul describes Unique Metal as complex and says it is difficult when people ask him what they do.
"It's a matter of how long you have got. We can have up to 800 different projects underway at one site.
"When it comes to sheet metal fabrication, we can provide a solution and tackle complex jobs. We can have input from the design phase to a project's completion."
Unique Metal's portfolio includes manufacturing componentry for OEM manufacturers and suppliers for the RV market – for motor bodies and caravans, and boats and ships. The business also produces parking meters for councils around Australia.
Examples of large projects Unique Metal has supplied include metalwork and facade for the Perth Stadium. It has recently been working on Australia's largest recladding project at Central Park in Perth.
Importantly, Unique Metal continues to do small as well as large jobs. Paul delights in the response from small businesses who are "absolutely rapt that we can accommodate them".
"Hopefully, they grow and come with us on the journey. We have had many businesses that have grown with us over the years."
Quality aluminium is essential to the Unique Metal business.
"It's light and strong and is an easy material to work with. It also suits marine environments, and shipbuilding is a large market for us," Paul observes.
"We use all grades from the marine grade 5083 to 5005, a far more bendable general-purpose aluminium. Façade manufacture generally requires a 5005 H14 CA55, and depending on the hardness specified, Capral accommodates us."
Capral products are the first choice for Unique Metal; Paul emphasises that Capral's product range, technical knowledge and service stand out.
"We have worked closely with Capral for many years – almost since we have been in business.
"We've got a great relationship. Capral offers solutions, good pricing, and reliability. We get our product when they say we will get it, and they keep us informed of any issues."
Unique Metal takes advantage of Capral's vast range of aluminium sheet and plate, and sources standard and custom extrusions from Capral; Capral is its exclusive supplier for damper and louvre extrusions.
Paul says the Capral team's technical knowledge means they can advise on grades and standards, a critically important factor when complying with overseas and local specifications.
Where aluminium needs processing beyond Capral's remit, Unique Metal often works with Capral to ensure Capral clients receive a seamless service.
"Whether it's laser or plasma cutting, machining or rolling, we will generally step in," Paul says.
Some of Paul's favourite projects using Capral aluminium include The Perth Optus Stadium, Crown Towers, Elizabeth Quay, and the entry to the Perth Zoo, which features a laser-cut lizard.
Watch this Crafted With Capral video.
