Okuma Australia has been expanding its service and technical support for its current and ever growing list of Queensland customers in line with the Okuma business Monozukuri philosophy – ‘the art of making things better’.

With modern new Queensland premises in Hamilton and a growing team of four engineers and technical support personnel, each with a passion for Australian manufacturing, Okuma Australia is well placed and committed to advance its strong market position in Queensland.

Northern Regional Manager for NSW & Queensland, Sydney based Steve Norbis, has more than 30 years in the industry. Steve leads a team of eleven in New South Wales and Queensland and his passion for the industry filters down through the entire team. 

“We currently have a broad range of advanced technology machine orders in hand and a growing level of enquiries in the pipeline,” said Steve Norbis. “The new team appointments and expanding branch structure will ensure that Okuma’s solid presence in the Queensland market is maintained and supported thus enabling our Queensland team to maintain the level of service our customers currently enjoy and have come to expect from Okuma,” he said.

The dedicated and experienced Queensland based team includes:

John Baker, recently moved from his role as Sales and Applications Engineer to take up the appointment as Queensland Branch Manager. John has a strong engineering background of more than 34 years in Engineering, CNC Machining Programming and Design.

Kerry Hay, recently appointed as Service Manager for Queensland, has had in excess of 20 years in the industry as an electrical service engineer. Kerry has been Service Supervisor for Okuma and continues to meet the expectations of the customers, reviewing maintenance programs to minimise downtime and is directly involved in the commissioning of new machines in the region.

Chris Neil, Mechanical Service Engineer has had many years working on and maintaining all specifications of Okuma machines and models. Chris is dedicated to meet and exceed the customers’ needs and expectations.

Brandon Hay, Applications Engineer recently joined Okuma having completed his engineering apprenticeship and has worked a number of years operating a variety of Okuma Mills and Lathes and has a sound knowledge of all Okuma Controls.

"With the dedication, strength and experience of our personnel we are now well positioned to further support strong current market conditions with firm orders and enquiries coming in from both long standing and new customers,” said Branch Manager - Queensland, John Baker. “At Okuma we are known for going the extra mile with regards to training and service in particular and this will continue to be our primary focus. Our team provides customers access to decades of industry experience and a network of local and global machine tool experts. It’s their passion, integrity, loyalty, experience and knowledge that ensure that we deliver leading edge solutions coupled with enduring partnerships,” he said.

As a recognised market leader, Okuma Australia is a 100% wholly owned subsidiary of Okuma Corporation, Japan and the Australian operation has the added benefit of a resident fully trained liaison engineer from the factory. With such support, the company and its clients have the distinct market advantage of not only direct factory technical support throughout Australia but extensive global support for the brand.

The Queensland branch is also backed by full mechanical service workshops in both Sydney and Melbourne to ensure streamlining repairs, refurbishment, service and replacement parts. 

Recent installations and commissioning of machines have been completed within major customers such as Sharpe Engineering, Gilmour Space, Upton Engineering, Gessner Industries and far north Queensland company, Perrott Engineering with more in the pipeline.

“At Okuma Australia we are committed to expanding our presence in response to our customers’ growth and needs”, said Dean McCarroll, Managing Director Okuma Australia & New Zealand, “In support of corner stone industries such as Mining, General Engineering, Defence, Agriculture and Aerospace, we continue to invest in this key region with people and resources.  This is clearly evident with our continued investment in Northern Australia with the expansion of our Queensland technical and service operation.” 

“I am personally excited about the future of Australian Manufacturing as I witness every day how inventive, pro-active and resilient our customers are in taking on international competition and winning, thus providing real benefits for Australia. The current economic buoyancy is particularly evident in Queensland and is certainly reflected in our on-going engagement with our customers and the industrial market generally. We extend an open invitation to all companies within the manufacturing industry who require assistance with their new CNC machine enquiries or service, to make contact with the nearest Okuma Australia branch,” he said.