During this episode Stellar’s Managing Director, sits down with Watkins Steel Managing Director, Des Watkins to discuss the business, the culture and the team members within. 

They also dive deep into innovation and technology use within the business such as virtual reality and robotics and how they are creating opportunities within these spaces. 

Des’s Highlights

1:22 – Growing Watkins Steel 

5:24 – Innovation moving forward 

8:04 – A family business with passion 

9:23 – Proudest moments and achievements 

12:10 – Staff retention and long-term opportunities 

16:33 – Culture within Watkins Steel 

19:56 – A drive to invest in technology 

23:32 - Maintaining harmony away from work 

25:23 - Client and staff attraction

27:25 - Key skills moving forward 

Growing Watkins Steel

Operating since 1968, Watkins Steel has continued to transform and diversify. Every ten years, the company outgrows their factory space and doubles in size. Due to the competitive nature of the industry, Watkins Steel had to look at ways to offer unique services that created a point of difference to other competitors. Thus, 3D technology and advanced robotics were introduced into Watkin’s construction process. 

Innovation moving forward

Due to the constant development in technology, Des believes there will be no end goal for Watkins Steel. Showing the sequential construction process using virtual reality will assist with tender submission and even Workplace Health and Safety. Despite having massive implications for the construction industry, robotics will completely transform the steel industry and generate more jobs. 

A family business with passion

It has been a family-run business for centuries. Des’s passion stems from the various opportunities present in the field. At the rates that the industry is changing, there will be various diversified functions that will change the shape of the construction environment even further and create diverse opportunities. 

Proudest moments and achievements

There is no particular moment, it is more about the process itself. The construction process along with embracing the staff are amongst some of Des’s proudest achievements. The opportunity for staff to ‘Surprise and Delight’ where they have the platform to suggest different ideas and perspectives is another proud aspect for Watkins Steel. 

Staff retention and long-term opportunities 

Des strongly believes that you don’t need to be the best in the business, you just have to be above average. If you are able to understand the supply chain, you are able to tap into other evolving markets that provide you with a wealth of opportunities. Continuity in the work and providing staff with the time to invest in their training not only increases retention but also sustains relationships.

Culture within Watkins Steel

Agility would be the best way to describe the leadership style. Giving staff ownership over their ability to learn and determine the best study or training to complete for their own benefit is one of the most valuable opportunities to provide. If you are passionate about the work you are doing, you will see the signs of development and embrace the culture of change. 

A drive to invest in technology

Shaking up the industry is the main point of drive for Des. The Blacksmith industry has gone centuries without any innovation until recent years. The introduction of digital transformation which merges a lot of industries together is inspiring to be apart of and integrate into Watkins Steel. 

Maintaining harmony away from work 

A great release from the busy work environment is physical exercise. Despite a love for running, Des will always find himself back in the office on the weekends. 

Client and staff attraction

The construction and manufacturing industry is transient. Many job seekers are transitioning from one company to another. Building and sustaining relationships with people is fundamental to retaining and attracting the right kind of candidates. There has never been a greater opportunity than there is right now. 

Key skills moving forward

With the industry carrying through with various technological changes, recruitment and retention of the right staff is vital. As we look towards a digitalised future, adapting technology that enhances robotic and augmented reality along with hiring individuals with skills in animation is something that will be highly considered.  

Let’s go on an inspiring journey by listening, learning and taking key actions from our own recruitment experts as well as industry leaders and inspirational individuals.

Together, each month, we unpack key actions on how we can all learn from others’ experiences and industry knowledge; unlocking our own transformative change, so that we can all become the best version of ourselves.