West Australian Kerr Engineering continues its expansion and quality first program under the direction of owners David and Mark Kinsman. The Kinsman brothers purchased the company in 2000 and have transformed it into one of the State’s most advanced engineering shops, servicing a wide range of industries.

In one of the most recent moves, the company was successful in securing a Government Grant under the Government Sovereignty Industrial Priorities Scheme, Department of Defence with a portion of funding towards West Australian Sovereign Capability related to ship building. “Our aim is to keep manufacturing in Australia highly competitive and alive and well, with a strong emphasis on quality and short lead time deliveries,” said Mark Kinsman.

The grant has enabled the company to install and commission the most sophisticated Okuma Double Column Machining Centre model MCR-A5CII, which has been incorporated into the company’s expanding dedicated machine shop. This facility includes eight Okuma machines plus an additional range of advanced machines in a building that is currently being extended to exceed 4,000 square metres.

“Over the last five years there has been a significant investment in the latest equipment and technology with more than thirty-five machines now in service,” commented David Kinsman.

“For more than twenty years we have concentrated our development using advanced Okuma machining centres and in doing so we have established a strong partnership with Okuma Australia based on unwavering technical support and the highest quality and stability of the machines,” said Mark.

With the expansion of the machine shop now underway, the existing fabrication and paint facility will have a dedicated area of 8,000 square metres with a further expansion of an additional 2,000 square metre fabrication site nearby.

Privately owned and operated, Kerr Engineering is located within the Australian Marine complex at Henderson, WA and with its expanded footprint and engineering capabilities the company is attracting large jobs from mining, sovereign defence, oil & gas, marine, materials handling and general engineering. It specialises in all forms of customised metal work, precision machining and fabrication, operating twenty-four hours a day six days a week.

“The business has been built on four pillars of excellence being in-house technical expertise, multiple quality inspections, the latest technology and machinery plus processes that drive efficiency, ensuring that we exceed customer expectations,” said Mark.

“There is always an air of excitement within our engineers when a new machining centre is commissioned as this allows them to constantly up-skill on the latest technological advances in the machines capability and programming,” commented Mark.

Today the company has more than 90 personnel and is committed to training engineers of the future with 5 to 6 apprentices under training at any time.

“The new Okuma Double Column Machining Centre provides us with greatly expanded job opportunities. Such has been the success of these amazingly capable machining centres throughout Australia and New Zealand that Okuma has established a special Okuma Double Column Club to which we are a proud member,” said David Kinsman.

The Okuma Double Column Club is a community of customers who own Okuma Double Column machines within Australia and New Zealand manufacturing industry. In the dynamic world of manufacturing, precision and performance is paramount. This supportive community provides a hub to collaborate, share knowledge, spark ideas and build valuable industry connections within the local manufacturing landscape.

Okuma, Western Australian Branch Manager, John Dale commented, “The continuing growth and success of Kerr Engineering in partnership with Okuma reflects the true essence of the Okuma experience. Combining cutting-edge technology with comprehensive service, training and support is what sets us apart. Above all it is our people, their passion, integrity and experience both locally and globally which defines who we are. This is exciting and rewarding for us all” he said.