Diligence, innovation and commitment: The makings of an Australian pipeline industry powerhouse

Pipeliners who work at the pointy end of Australian pipeline engineering and construction—especially those with tenure—will know the name Mitchell Water.

Traditionally keeping a low profile on the social and self-promotion carousel, their execution of many significant projects almost 50 years speaks for itself and has cemented Mitchell’s place as one of Australia’s leading pipeline constructors. We caught up with Ben Waldron, Operations Director at Mitchell Water Australia, to learn how this privately owned and operated, dedicated water and energy infrastructure construction company has reached this enviable position.

“We’ve built some of Australia’s largest water and CSG pipelines since our formation in 1979, extending to an accumulative total of over 26,000km of pipe, and pumping stations, treatment plants, dams, storages and infrastructure.”

“I feel that our key differentiator is that we are a true end-to-end solution provider when it comes to pipeline engineering and construction. In particular, we offer a complete design and construct service, which draws on the team’s wealth of experience to ensure pipeline survey, design, construction and commissioning is delivered on time and to budget. And when it comes to construction, the breadth of our fleet means we can take on essentially anything the Australian landscape presents”.

Ben’s extensive industry experience gives credence to his claims. In particular, Mitchell Water’s approach to managing in-house expertise, and their equipment fleet, is worth further study.

Partnering for success

A series of strategic acquisitions and partnerships over the last 30 years have brought functions like surveying and fabrication in-house and provided resources for further expansion.

“In 2011 we purchased Sadlier Surveying, who have over 40 years’ experience in water and gas pipelines throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific, to bolster our design and construct capabilities. Similarly, our investment in fabrication and pumping businesses (Westmain Aust and Envirotech Water Solutions) enables us to manufacture and install fittings and assemblies for pump stations, buildings, well pads, etc.”.

Equipped to do more

When it comes to equipment fleet, there are few providers who can offer the depth and breadth of Mitchell’s owned and self-maintained fleet. Ben says “Company Founder Wayne Mitchell is a bit of an industry legend when it comes to his patented plant; from developing pipe bedding systems to compliment our trenchers, the invention and patenting of our Plow installation systems, to designing and producing pipe welding barges, this home-grown gear is a big part of our operations success”

Ben says “Similarly, when it comes to the off-the-shelf specialist equipment that powers our pipeline construction, we’ve always counted on Vermeer trenchers when the terrain turns to hard rock; they are part of our fabric. We started in the early 90s with a Vermeer T850, and I believe we’re now at our ninth Vermeer track trencher. For us, it’s about finding what works and partnering with it. And for 30 years we’ve partnered with the Vermeer Australia team.”

When speaking with Adam Lane, Specialty Excavation & Pipeline Specialist at Vermeer Australia, he noted that Mitchell’s experience in the pipeline construction game was immediately evident.

“Delivering a machine to a company with long term staff and extensive knowledge in the pipeline industry, that know the Vermeer equipment and understand the limits of the machine, makes for an easy delivery and handover. The ability of the customer to efficiently transition from commissioning phase to full operation is definitely worth noting of Mitchell Water capabilities” Adam said.

Innovate, design and construct

It’s fair to say that Mitchell’s combination of in-house expertise, strategic partnerships and investment in fleet has delivered results in many high-profile projects spanning tens of years and tens of thousands of kilometres of pipeline. Their project resume reads as the who’s who of Australian pipelines over the last 47 years—and they’re not standing still.

Ben tells us “At present we’re constructing a significant long term CSG contracting the Surat Basin.  At the same time we’re underway on the East Grampians Rural Pipeline in Western Victoria for GWM Water, where our Vermeer trenchers’ rock capabilities gave us an edge over other bidders. But we’re always looking to the future.”

One thing’s for sure: While they may be the Australian pipeline industry’s quiet achiever, as the constructor of some of Australia’s biggest pipeline networks, and with decades of expertise and an unmatched in-house equipment fleet, Mitchell Water is poised ready to take on whatever opportunity the industry presents.

You can reach Ben at bwaldron@mitchellwater.com.au to discuss how your project could look with Mitchell Water’s turnkey pipeline project solutions. And of course, the Vermeer Australia team are available on 1300 VERMEER or at www.vermeeraustralia.com.au when you’re ready to discuss specialist pipeline equipment that will give you the competitive edge.

Original article from The Australian Pipeliner magazine