PT Blink has released details of its proposed strategy to create new demand for Whyalla Steelworks’ output through the Australian housing sector.

The construction-technology company is currently in discussions with the Government of South Australia regarding the adoption of its building system, which seeks to shift multi-storey construction from traditional concrete methods to steel-based frameworks using Whyalla steel. The company’s approach is being presented as a means to both secure the future of Whyalla Steelworks and respond to Australia’s shortage of new homes.

The Whyalla steel plant has experienced extended periods of shutdown and ongoing uncertainty about its future. In response, the Federal Government has pledged AUD $2.4 billion to convert the site to green steel production and stabilise employment prospects for local workers. PT Blink’s proposition is designed to complement these efforts by opening new markets for Whyalla’s steel in housing, logistics and data centre construction across Australia.

Addressing the recent Productivity Roundtable in Canberra, industry leaders and government officials reiterated the scale of the country’s housing crisis. Projections indicate Australia will require 1.2 million new homes over the next five years. Existing construction processes, which rely heavily on concrete and face labour shortages, cost increases and long delivery times, are unlikely to meet this target.

Steel demand

PT Blink’s Design, Manufacture, Integrate (DMI) process is structured to address these pressures. Buildings are digitally designed and divided into elements that are produced offsite and then transported for assembly, reducing project timelines, material wastage and costs. The company says this model would channel stable demand to steel suppliers such as Whyalla, supporting local industry while delivering much-needed residential developments.

Founder Murray Ellen said the opportunity for Whyalla and the nation is significant: “Today, around 96 per cent of Australia’s multi-storey buildings are based wholly on concrete frames. If, in the near term, we convert a small percentage of those into PT Blink’s steel and concrete backbone system, that represents around 400,000 tonnes annually of new demand for Whyalla steel. At the same time, we can deliver faster, safer and more affordable housing to help close the supply gap identified at the Productivity Roundtable.”

PT Blink claims that its DMI process can halve the time required to complete projects and lead to cost reductions of up to 10 per cent compared to traditional construction. The company cites a recent example in Brisbane, where it delivered an eight-storey residential building in eight and a half months, with the superstructure completed in 11 days.

Economic effects

Chief Executive Officer Wayne Larsen said the benefits extend across the economy: “Our technology allows projects to be delivered in half the time and at up to 10 per cent lower cost compared to conventional construction. That means developers can recycle capital twice as fast, while Whyalla gains a reliable, long-term market for its steel. Every apartment built using PT Blink creates one and a half full-time Australian manufacturing jobs.”

The potential for increased Australian manufacturing jobs, alongside infrastructure to address national housing shortages, informs the company’s discussions with the government about supporting local supply chains.

Both Ellen and Larsen indicate that leveraging domestic steel and technology is essential for Australian priorities in construction and employment. Referring to these aims, Ellen stated:

“We want short, reliable supply chains. We want an Australian product. Whyalla produces excellent steel, and our system gives them a new customer base in multi-storey housing, logistics and data centres. This is about revitalising steel, revitalising Whyalla and helping solve Australia’s housing crisis,” Ellen said.