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Strategic move by Bunnings Trade buying Dynamic Steel Frame confirms their national entry into prefabricated light gauge steel frames and trusses.
Bunnings Trade has acquired Melbourne-based Dynamic Steel Frame (DSF), a leading manufacturer of prefabricated light gauge steel frames. The company, founded by Peter Blythe in 2012, has grown from a one-man operation to a business employing over 40 staff, delivering more than 45,000 linear metres of prefabricated light gauge steel frames per week to construction sites.
The acquisition is part of Bunnings’ strategy to expand its whole-of-build offering to builders, providing a comprehensive range of building materials and services.
Blythe said: “Bunnings see real value in whole-of-build, they want to partner to supply everything to the builders.
“A key element of Bunnings Trade’s customer offer is being able to offer all different types of framing.”
According to Blythe, Bunnings was attracted by DSF’s operations and saw the company as a perfect fit for their strategic growth and to better serve their customer’s needs. “They didn’t have extensive experience in light gauge steel, so they came to investigate and were impressed by the business,” said Blythe.
The plan is to roll-out Dynamic Steel Frame capability to complement Bunnings’ existing timber frame and truss offering. “This is the first step into light gauge steel framing, which will complement their national continuing investment in timber frame and truss.” Blythe noted.
As for Blythe’s role post-acquisition, he will transition to National Steel Frame and Truss Manager, focusing on expanding the framing business within Bunnings’ operations. “The only thing that changes is the ownership. The customer obsession, the attention to detail, and the unwavering commitment to delivering a compliant, quality product doesn’t change,” he affirmed.
The acquisition by Bunnings is seen as a response to the growing building industry acceptance of prefabricated elements and a shift towards offsite construction, driven by a shortage of trades and the need for more efficient building processes.
Blythe believes that “builders are moving more towards prefabrication, especially in wall and floor joists, away from site construction to offsite construction, to harness the benefits of offsite construction, including better planning and fewer errors.”
