OUR STORY
The McKern Steel story
Early days
McKern Steel is a family business originally founded by Gordon McKern in 1969 as a hardware store in Heidelberg, Melbourne.
Gordon’s expertise as a builder and passion for business enabled the company to thrive based on strong family values and a commitment to delivering great quality products and reliable, friendly service.
The move to Bendigo
In 1976, the company relocated to Bendigo – as part of a government-led decentralisation scheme to drive regional growth – and set up shop in the vibrant borough of Eaglehawk. For the next decade and a half, McKern continued to supply hardware to the community until 1992. At that time, Gordon decided to step away from the business to pursue his passion for community development.
Gordon’s son, Michael – who started his journey with the company as an apprentice in 1977 – took the reins and spearheaded the transformation of the business from a hardware store into a leading provider of steel fabrication services.
Recognising the rising demand for housing in Victoria, Michael seized the opportunity to fill a gap in the market for superior steel solutions in the housing construction industry.
Since then McKern Steel has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from a small team of ten to a dynamic workforce of 90 staff members across three different sites; and becoming known as one of Victoria’s premier steel suppliers to the domestic home builders market.
Our commitment to exceeding customer expectations, by being expert problem solvers is based on the McKern family values, which are simply:
Look after, reward and encourage good people!
Committed to our community
It’s not just about business at McKern Steel – we are also an active player in the community through the McKern Foundation, which is focused on contributing to community projects that benefit youth.
Our commitment to exceeding customer expectations, by being expert problem solvers is based on the McKern family values, which are simply:
Look after, reward and encourage good people!
Values and vision
McKern Steel’s mission is to surpass customer expectations through excellent customer service, as well as caring for our customers, employees and the communities within which we operate.
Our five points vision is:
- Exceptional and reliable steel fabrication solutions.
- Maintaining strong partnerships with clients and suppliers.
- Ensuring the wellbeing and growth of our staff through providing support, rewards and up-skilling opportunities.
- Creating an environment that fosters encouragement and celebrates achievements.
- Supporting our local communities – with a particular focus on youth-oriented projects – through the McKern Foundation.
GET INVOLVED WITH OUR FOUNDATION
The McKern Foundation is looking for more like-minded businesses to get involved with the McKern Foundation and support our mission to empower future generations.
