History

Not a Family Business, But Rather a Business Run by Family

Creating and maintaining a strong family culture is key for Dawborn Steels Trading. We are a family owned and managed company. Our company has passed through two generations of Dawborns with great success and is one of Australia’s longest standing independent steel trading and stocking operations. 

Servicing the industry for over 30 years, we are synonymous with the Victorian steel industry since 1902. with Dawborn Steels Trading Pty Ltd was founded by Leigh Dawborn in 1982. Leigh followed a long line of family members involved in the steel industry including his father and grandfather, who began their involvement in the steel industry in 1902.  Moving independently from the family business, Leigh had the opportunity to develop new skills and expose himself to new ideas allowing an innovative approach to the industry.

The Dawborn Steels Group acquired Contract Slitters (VIC) Pty Ltd in 1994, becoming an independent steel trading and processing group. Contract Slitters Managing Director, Tim Dawborn, runs the business together with Melanie who manages production and administration for the group. Today, Dawborn Steels in conjunction with its subsidiary companies employs over 40 established staff members. The group prides itself on customer service: the perfect size to offer a personalised service and maintain strong relationships, as well as being large enough to be highly competitive on price.  Our longstanding and experienced staff members have extensive product knowledge and strong expertise in all aspects of the industry.