On 23rd July 2025, Southern Steel Group proudly stood alongside Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas and senior government officials to celebrate a milestone that is not only monumental for our business but vital for the Australian steel industry’s future.
This event marked a powerful step forward as Whyalla’s steelworks, a critical asset to the nation’s infrastructure, returns to full-scale production. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the South Australian and Federal Governments, and through effective administration and investment, Whyalla is now back to supplying steel used in Southern Steel Group’s distribution network – a far cry from just a few months ago when Southern Steel was forced to source steel offshore.
Southern Steel Group has long championed the importance of domestic steel. 2024 brought unprecedented uncertainty. For ten months, Whyalla’s future was unclear, and Southern Steel, like many in the industry, had no choice but to source alternative materials overseas—often with five-month lead times and supply chain instability. That uncertainty made it difficult not just for Southern, but for customers, fabricators, builders, manufacturers – all who depend on consistent, high-quality steel to get the job done.
Now, thanks to strategic government action and a shared national commitment, lead times from Whyalla are just two weeks. This means faster deliveries, improved reliability, and better outcomes for customers and the broader Australian economy.
As Executive Chairman Peter Smaller said during the announcement, “We are delighted to be back supplying Australian steel. Our customers rely on us to deliver, and we rely on Whyalla to make that possible. We’re fully committed to supporting the Australian steel industry, and we’re encouraged by the confidence and momentum we’re now seeing from the Whyalla facility.”
Sam Mounem, Managing Director of Southern Steel Group, also addressed the importance of the decision to continue backing Australian steel production, “Actions speak louder than words. The moment Whyalla entered administration, we stayed by its side. We have always believed in the value of Australian-made steel and we’re proud to play our part in rebuilding and reinforcing a local industry that is vital to our national infrastructure.”
The July 2025 announcement also confirmed a second round of administration funding—less than the initial support package—signalling Whyalla’s improved financial stability and increased production capacity. The outcome is not just good news for Southern Steel, but for Australia’s entire construction and fabrication industries.
The return of Whyalla steel to our supply chain isn’t just symbolic—it’s a practical, powerful signal that Australia is ready to take control of its industrial future. It means Southern Steel Group can continue to supply high-quality, local products to projects that shape our cities, roads, railways, and skylines.
We thank Premier Malinauskas, the Federal Government, and the workers of Whyalla for their commitment to a domestic steelmaking future. Southern Steel Group will continue to do its part to ensure that future is strong, sustainable, and proudly Australian.
