BridgeFab is a premier provider of steel fabrication services, specialising in the design, procurement, manufacturing, and installation of structural steel products. Founded in 2007, the company started as a small family run operation and has since grown significantly, now operating in Acacia Ridge, Brisbane. Embracing advanced robotics and automation, BridgeFab delivers top tier steel solutions to clients across South East Queensland.
Bridge Fabrications was renamed BridgeFab in 2014 to reflect its commitment to advanced technology and innovation in steel fabrication and erection. Specialising in projects under 100 tonnes, BridgeFab uses innovative robotics and automation to help deliver their top quality products.
The company offers an array of services, including precise 3D detailing and scanning, meticulous steel processing, and expert assembly. From the early stages of drafting right through to the final stages of a project BridgeFab ensures every detail meets the highest standards of quality and precision.
Using state of the art 3D scanner technology and software, BridgeFab creates an enhanced drafting and fabrication process for their clients. This helps to keep projects on time and to ensure accuracy in every detail, down to exactly how many rivets are required.
Custom, high quality solutions
BridgeFab has successfully completed a variety of residential and commercial projects that showcase their custom, high quality solutions.
Many of the projects have won prestigious industry awards, like the Mary Caincross Reserve project, awarded the 2019 Queensland Building Design Award (State) and the Best Commercial Interiors 2019 Queensland Building Design Award (Sunshine Coast region).
One of BridgeFab’s most recent projects was steel fabrication and assembly for the Bradbury Park Playscape in Brisbane’s northern suburbs. The project focused on enhancing community spaces with interactive and cultural elements. The steel structures create engaging community spaces inspired by local wildlife habitats and are designed to be vibrant and welcoming.
The creation of community space was also the driving force behind BridgeFab’s work on the Fish Lane Town Square project in Brisbane. Over seven years, Aria Property Group transformed a derelict laneway into Brisbane’s vibrant Fish Lane Town Square, a food and beverage precinct with an outdoor art gallery. BridgeFab contributed to the project that converted 38 car parks into a public park featuring over 3,000 plants, seating, lighting installations, and live performances. This urban renewal initiative has made Fish Lane Town Square a beloved community space.
Innovation and continuous improvement
BridgeFab is focused on innovation and continually improve their client offerings.
When discussing the future of BridgeFab, managing director, Anthony Ridout said, “As an entrepreneur and computer engineer, I am constantly looking at ways to transform BridgeFab into a leading structural steel fabricator to benefit our clients.”
“I enjoy partnering with like-minded individuals and businesses to grow the structural steel market in Brisbane by delivering quality buildings, safely.”
BridgeFab’s aim is to become a leading provider of structural steel for Brisbane’s market; its sustainability initiatives are key to making this a reality. “One way we do this is by reducing waste and becoming more efficient with the resources we have,” Anthony said.
“Our digital mindset has transformed our business and as a byproduct we have discovered that our company had become more efficient and in turn was meeting the requirement of Steel Sustainability Australia.”
A sustainable outlook
Developed by the ASI, the Steel Sustainability Australia (SSA) certification program identifies sustainable steel suppliers by assessing their environmental and social impacts. It provides a holistic best practice platform for the steel industry, enabling wide participation and common sustainability measures.
The SSA program verifies upstream raw steel manufacturing mills and certifies downstream steel businesses such as distributors, fabricators, roll formers, and reinforcing processors, against best practice environmental, social and governance (ESG) indicators.
Recognised as an approved initiative by the Green Building Council of Australia, SSA certification provides Green Star projects with Responsible Product Values, enhancing the sustainability credentials of certified steel suppliers.
BridgeFab has recently achieved a Level 3 SSA certification, adding to its growing list of steel industry certifications and bolstering their reputation as sustainability focused business.
When asked about the benefits of joining SSA and participating in the scheme Anthony said, “Our major reason in joining SSA is to recognise the hard work we had already been doing at BridgeFab and how it differentiates our business to others in the marketplace. We believe the new direction of SSA introduced last year has set a high benchmark and should be revered and celebrated.”
Certified suppliers are listed in the SSA’s online supplier listing, allowing project owners to identify sustainable steel suppliers that can deliver projects to the desired specification. The certification helps meet customer demands for responsible sourcing, leading to stronger business relationships and increased opportunities in the construction and manufacturing sectors.
“We are actively looking to see what else can be done for the future to meet, exceed targets and believe this is a positive step forward for the steel fabrication industry,” Anthony said.
Project case study: Bradbury park playscape
Located in Chermside, Brisbane, the Bradbury Park Playscape is an example of key urban infrastructure. It was built by Epoca Constructions, designed by Alcorn Middleton Architecture and engineered by Bligh Tanner. BridgeFab took on the steel fabrication and erection.
The project was conceived as part of a competition run by the Brisbane City Council during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The primary objective was to support local architectural practices during the pandemic in providing a public space for gathering, community and social interaction.
When one thinks of public works, Bradbury Park Playscape not only provides function as a cutting-edge playground for 10 to 15 year olds, but was designed as an active piece of architectural infrastructure.
Designed as a biological city, the playscape uses several towers or “hollows” to represent lorikeet nests that are connected via intertwining passageways, in turn providing endless possibilities for play within a steel superstructure. It was opened to the public in June 2023.
Bradbury Park has become a symbol of architectural excellence, winning four prestigious awards at the recent Greater Brisbane Architecture Awards, including the John Dalton Award for Building of the Year (2024) and the Greater Brisbane People’s Choice Award (2024), as well as the highest honour at the Queensland Australian Institute of Architects awards: the Queensland Medallion.
