NESTLED on the Midland Highway in Nalinga, Victoria, stands a testament to unwavering dedication and a commitment to community: Nalinga Steel and Roofing Supplies.
Founded in 1985, this family-owned business has grown from humble beginnings – a backyard operation fueled by a single man's vision – into a cornerstone of the building industry across rural Victoria and southern New South Wales.
It all started with Kevin MacGibbon, a seasoned steel industry veteran who, after years of experience, decided to strike out on his own.
“There was a need for a reliable supplier who understood the unique challenges and opportunities of rural construction," said Kevin.
Realising the need and with a simple goal to supply high quality steel and roofing supplies to regional areas, the fledgling business quickly grew and to meet demand Kevin made the decision to expand.
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A site on the Midland Highway in Nalinga between Shepparton and Benalla and just down the road from Dookie and Violet Town represented the perfect opportunity, and in 1992 the business moved to what was once an old service station.
"It was a leap of faith," Kevin said, "but I believed in the potential of this region.
“People questioned what we were doing in Nalinga.
“It’s the middle of nowhere, they said.
“But to us it is the middle of everywhere, and we now service the entire area within a 150 kilometre radius.”
Nalinga Steel was born.
Those early days were filled with long hours and unwavering determination.
Kevin, with a small but dedicated team, focused on building strong relationships with local builders, farmers, and homeowners.
Kevin attributes the company’s success to both the hardworking team (many of whom have been with the company for decades) and the loyal clientele.
“There’s a way of treating people that creates long-term relationships,” Kevin said.
"We believed in treating everyone like family – and still do.
"It wasn't just about selling steel.
“It was about building trust and providing exceptional service.
“Great prices with old-fashioned customer service and reliability has always been our number one priority.”
This customer-centric approach, coupled with a commitment to quality and a willingness to go the extra mile, quickly set Nalinga Steel apart.
Word of mouth spread, and soon, the company was experiencing significant growth.
To keep pace with demand, Nalinga Steel invested in state-of-the-art equipment, including a high-capacity saw and a plasma cutter.
This allowed them to take on larger projects, offering greater flexibility and precision in their work.
"We wanted to be able to meet the needs of our customers, no matter how complex the project," Kevin said.
Over the years, Nalinga Steel has faced its share of challenges – from devastating floods to the unexpected disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yet, through it all, the company has persevered, adapting and innovating to remain a vital part of the local landscape.
With a team of experienced professionals and a commitment to providing the highest quality products and services, the company remains a trusted partner for builders and homeowners across the region.
More than just a steel supplier, Nalinga Steel is a reflection of the community it serves.
It's a story of hard work, dedication, and a belief in building something lasting.
And though Kevin retired from the helm a decade ago, after dedicating over fifty years to the steel industry, Nalinga Steel’s trusted reputation maintains.
Confident in the capable hands of his established team and under the direction of manager Chris Payne-Croston, Kevin sees the business continue to go from strength to strength, a testament to his staff, customers, local contractors and industries along with the community overall.
“None of this would have been possible without them,” he said.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for being part of our story.”
As the company celebrates its 40th anniversary, one thing is certain: the legacy of Nalinga Steel will continue to shape the landscape of rural Victoria and southern New South Wales for generations to come.
