Twelve Young Pipeliners Forum (YPF) participants attended the annual Gang at the ‘Gong tour on 30 June and 1 July 2010, touring the facilities of BlueScope Steel, OneSteel, Orrcon Steel and Bredero Shaw to learn and observe the process of pipe manufacturing and costs.
The first day saw the YPF group transported from Sydney airport via shuttle bus to their accommodation at Novotel Northbeach in Wollongong. After they had some time to settle in, the group were whisked away to their first stop, OneSteel.
Following a brief video covering the company’s background, and after receiving a safety briefing, the YPF group were shown first-hand how pipelines are made and tested. They were particularly impressed with the thoroughness of the testing process, which ensured that even the smallest defect was not missed.
The next stop was Bredero Shaw, where the group were guided around the coating yard and observed machines internally coating pipe. Later that night, Bredero Shaw also sponsored a group visit to the local pub, where the YPF members had a chance to wind down and get to know some of the older pipeliners from both of the companies they had toured that day.
The YPF group woke up the next morning for an early start at BlueScope Steel. After a quick video in the theatre room, the group set off for a bus tour of BlueScope’s extensive grounds, starting with iron making. Next, the group viewed the steel making, awed by the high temperatures necessary for the process. The YPF members were then shown how the pipe steel is rolled, followed by a lunch provided by BlueScope, during which further discussion about the steel mill was encouraged.
The last stop of the tour was the Orrcon factory. The YPF participants were shown how pipe is manufactured and how state-of-the-art technology is then used to test the final product.
The tour was a thoroughly educational and enjoyable experience for all involved with the young pipeliners relishing the opportunity to learn from and network with their experienced counterparts. Many thanks go to APIA for organising the event, and to BlueScope Steel, OneSteel, Orrcon and Bredero Shaw for their support and sponsorship.