Global engineering, management and development consultancy SMEC has 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 to be 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,” says Phillis
“Looking ahead, we expect to see our most critical work carried out 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 the 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. This includes the design of the Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport rail line with our partners, the largest NSW Public Private Partnership ever awarded. In South Africa, we are designing the Msikaba Bridge that will be one of the longest and highest single-span cable-stayed bridges in Africa when completed.
“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 has unveiled a bold new look.
Suzanne Gibbs, director, marketing and communications says 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,” says Gibbs.
“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.