Bekaert Australia (recently rebranded from Bridon-Bekaert Ropes Group) proudly celebrates 100 years of operations this year and holds a prominent place in the nation’s and the Newcastle region’s history. Bekaert is proud of its Australian heritage and is now a vital part of a global wire rope manufacturing group.

Since 1923, the company’s remarkable story has been characterised by resilience, creating opportunities, innovating and investing in its products and people. 

Australian Manager, Steven Hennessey said, “Over the past century, the company has faced global economic challenges and depressions, world war, and threats from international competition. However, the business has continued to innovate and is an integral member of a major global enterprise.”

Bekaert began as Australian Wire Rope Works in 1923 in Newcastle through an association between BHP and four leading rope manufacturers in Great Britain. A site was selected at 2 George Street, Mayfield in Newcastle, and a state-of-the-art factory was built.

Over its history, the ownership of the company has evolved through mergers and acquisitions, culminating in the purchase by Bekaert in 2015. Bekaert’s operations in Newcastle produce a range of industry-critical, specialised wire rope products for a range of industries including mining, construction, oil and gas, and barrier rope for road safety.

The company survived the Great Depression and was an important provider of supplies during the Second World War. The company diverted 90% of its production to supply all Australia’s defence needs for wire ropes. These vital products included steel wire for submarine nets and harbour booms to defend Sydney Harbour, wire for special kites to protect ships from dive bombers and cables for underwater mines. A capability that attracted the attention of the Japanese who targeted the steelworks in Newcastle in June 1942 when the Japanese submarine I-21 fired 34 shells from its 5.5-inch gun, before the guns at Fort Scratchley returned fire.

The company has employed and trained thousands of men and women from the Hunter Valley region. “For a century, the commitment and skill of our work force has been our company’s greatest asset. We are immensely proud to say our products are “Australian made”, as we have for 100 years now,” Steven Hennessey said.

Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nualti Nelmes said, “I would like to congratulate Bekaert Australia on 100 years of manufacturing here in Newcastle. As they celebrate this impressive milestone, it is a testament to their continuous innovation and the commitment to their employees that they have remained a success in their industry for the last century, and we wish them continued success in the future.”

Bekaert Australia’s centenary celebrations have commenced including special events dedicated to employees, retired employees and key stakeholders, and a special commemorative plaque to mark the occasion was unveiled by Newcastle’s Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes, Newcastle State MP, Tim Crakanthorp, and Newcastle Federal MP, Sharon Claydon, at Bekaert’s Mayfield factory on 16 March 2023.