For nearly five decades, NEACH has been a constant in Queensland’s structural steel landscape. Founded in 1975, the business has evolved from modest beginnings into a respected name in complex infrastructure delivery. Today, under the leadership of managing director Ryza Garbacz, NEACH continues to raise the bar in engineering excellence, delivering critical projects across the defence, mining, transport, and government sectors.
Ryza Garbacz stepped into the business in 2011, bringing with him a background in civil engineering and corporate project management. His technical expertise and structured approach gave NEACH a renewed focus, transforming it from a generalist steel fabricator into a specialist in high-risk, mission-critical developments.
“When I first joined, the market we operated in wasn’t very rational. It was crowded with small players undercutting each other, often at the expense of quality,” Garbacz explained. “We decided to move in a different direction, building our accreditations, investing in better equipment, and committing to complex infrastructure projects where trust and precision matter.”
NEACH’s journey has been one of constant capability-building. Extensive upgrades to its Noosaville facility have expanded its manufacturing footprint and workflow efficiency. The company’s factory now boasts advanced processing equipment, including a newly commissioned Peddinghaus laser cutter and a continuous investment philosophy that sees the latest advancements adopted quickly.
“Being regional doesn’t mean being behind,” Garbacz said. “We’ve proven we can partner with large multinational clients and deliver to the highest standards. Whether it’s a rail corridor or a major defence installation, our clients rely on us for certainty and execution under pressure.”
The company’s project portfolio includes key South-East Queensland infrastructure, such as the Exhibition Showgrounds Train Station, a critical node for major events like the Brisbane Ekka; the Hope Island Train Station; the Sunshine Plaza redevelopment; and involvement in large-scale projects, including Cross River Rail and the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline.
Looking ahead, Garbacz sees major opportunities driven by regional growth and upcoming developments linked to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. “South-East Queensland’s population growth is fuelling demand for transport, utilities, and defence infrastructure. We’ve positioned NEACH to support the next wave of complex builds the region needs.”
Investing in the industry
Beyond delivering projects, NEACH is also investing in the future of the industry itself. In response to an ongoing shortage of skilled welders and fabricators, NEACH has doubled its apprenticeship intake in recent years. Structured programs expose apprentices to every aspect of fabrication, preparing them for the technical demands of high-complexity projects.
“There’s been a real shift in the talent pipeline,” Garbacz noted. “We realised early on that simply offering higher wages wouldn’t solve the skills shortage. Instead, we’ve built a strong training program, and it’s changed the culture here. Our apprentices are competitive, motivated, and proud of what they’re achieving.”
Sustainability is a core priority at NEACH, embedded in both operational practice and long-term planning. The workshop roof is fitted with solar panels to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and support lower-carbon manufacturing. This is also used to charge their fleet of Tesla vehicles, which enables safer, cleaner travel for employees working across regional project sites. These efforts reflect NEACH’s commitment to reducing environmental impact while supporting smarter, future-focused project delivery.
With a 50-year legacy behind them and a future defined by major infrastructure projects, NEACH stands ready: a regional company with national impact, setting a benchmark for precision, resilience, and innovation in Australian steel.
