The impact of OMAX water jet technology in remote areas

Small businesses in remote and isolated areas in Australia encounter unique challenges when sourcing specialised materials and components for their manufacturing operations. One obstacle is the difficulty in accurately cutting steel plates that exceed a certain thickness. These robust metal plates are crucial for various industrial applications, such as mining equipment, construction projects, and heavy machinery repairs. BEZ Engineering connected with Headland Technology at AMTIL’s Australian Manufacturing Week, and their experts understood the challenges and presented the OMAX Maxiem 1530 water jet machine as a technology solution. Andrew Smith, Managing Director of BEZ Engineering, oversees all business operations and financial aspects.

Bez Engineering is a family-owned and operated business in the Pilbara since 2000. The company was initially opened to service the Oil & Gas, Mining and Marine industries in the Pilbara region. The business has undergone many transitions, with a change of directors in 2023. The vision of the business follows Henry Ford’s saying, “Quality means doing the right thing when no one is looking”. This mindset allowed Bez Engineering to be a leader in manufacturing quality products for fabrication, machining, design & engineering, coded welding & mechanical repairs in the Pilbara region. With 30 dedicated employees, the business has consistently prioritised quality, upholding the highest standards and ensuring exceptional client outcomes.

The Challenge

BEZ Engineering is in a small, remote city in WA, servicing the oil & gas, construction, government, marine & mining sectors. Their options to source accurately cut steel plates thicker than 20mm were limited, especially after their supplier, a local plate cutter, closed in mid-2023. Consequently, 90% of their CNC cut parts had to be sourced from Perth, 1,600 km away. This led to significant delays and increased costs for their projects. The vast distances and limited infrastructure in these remote regions create significant logistical obstacles, often resulting in delays, inaccuracies, or compromised quality in delivering these critical materials. This situation can severely impact small businesses like BEZ, impacting their productivity, timelines, and overall profitability.

The solution

The OMAX Maxiem 1530 water jet cutting machine proved to be a game-changing technology solution that addressed several challenges faced by their business and the broader Pilbara region. The OMAX water jet offered a comprehensive solution that filled a significant void in the regional market, providing exceptional cutting capabilities and versatility....