SMEC unveils global growth plans and bold new look as it celebrates 75 years in business

Sydney, 8 July 2024: Global engineering, management and development consultancy SMEC has today unveiled new global growth plans and a bold new look as it celebrates 75 years in business.

An Australian-born company established by the Australian Government in 1949 to build the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme, SMEC has grown to be a global engineering leader working on the world’s largest infrastructure projects. Acquired by Singapore consulting firm, Surbana Jurong Group in 2016, which has an ambition of being one of the top built environment consultancies in the world.

James Phillis, Chief Operating Officer of SMEC in Australia and New Zealand said the milestone was an incredible achievement and marked a critical juncture in the company’s journey as it reflects on the skills, technology and investment needed for the next 25 years.

“SMEC has been engineering positive change for 75 years, shaping the infrastructure that supports our economies and communities to thrive, while solving complex challenges from population growth and urban development, to sustainability and climate change mitigation.

“Looking ahead, we see our most critical work will be in the next 25 years as the world accelerates the transition to net zero emissions by 2050, and we build more resilient, sustainable communities. Engineering is now grounded in sustainability from water security solutions across the Pacific Islands, to desertification in Central Asia with a focus on the deployment and integration of large-scale renewables and supporting infrastructure.

“SMEC engineers are working on major projects across Africa, Australasia, Asia and the Middle East, with a significant pipeline of new projects including design of the Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport rail line with partners, the largest NSW Public Private Partnership ever awarded, and Msikaba Bridge in South Africa, which once completed, will be one of the longest and highest single-span cable-stayed bridges in Africa.

“We have a significant skills shortage globally and will need to invest in growing our engineering capability to support new opportunities in energy, rail and road, hydropower and dams – as well as service our expansion into new markets across Europe and Asia. We also need to think differently about our approach here – innovation around talent and resource will be a defining feature over the next two decades.

“As we shape global cities and develop new export industries such as green hydrogen, our global network with SJ Group will be critical in bringing global experience to support these projects and share our extensive project expertise to ensure the right decisions are made for the future.”

As part of the 75-year celebrations SMEC are unveiling a bold new look.

Suzanne Gibbs, Director, Marketing, & Communications said that SMEC as a brand has significant legacy in the Australian infrastructure market, and the new look and feel pays homage to SMEC’s history and sets the tone for the organisation’s future.

“The new SMEC brand is more than just a logo, it’s a promise to our employees, clients, partners, and communities in which we live and work. It tells the story of who we are and who we aspire to be. Engineering positive change is not just what we do, it’s why we do it.

“As we pivot to think about resourcing differently, catalysing the transition to a regenerative future, and continuing to deliver meaningful infrastructure projects across the world it is vital that we continue to be at the forefront of change,” said Suzanne.

Date

8 July 2024

Location

Sydney, Australia

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