Global services company Eftech International has shrugged off a slew of COVID-19 challenges to expand its construction and maintenance offerings more than tenfold in South Australia.

Since launching its East Coast Operation in Adelaide 18 months ago, the global energy services company has overcome border restrictions, lockdowns and skilled staff shortages to build its SA team to a total of 100 plus fulltime and casual staff. 

Eftech, which has an international footprint, is a leader in construction services, pre-commissioning & commissioning, maintenance and shutdown services to the oil and gas, energy, utilities, mining and infrastructure sectors.

Located in Lonsdale, 25km from the Adelaide CBD, Eftech’s SA operation addresses an increasing need in the industry for local, highly skilled talent and an assurance of delivery in the face of COVID-19.

A dedicated operations team is supporting the power, utilities, mining and oil & gas industries on various onshore facilities across the State with project, turn around, shutdown and maintenance services.

Managing Director Andrew Manning said from April 2020 to now, Eftech had successfully steered its way through difficult circumstances and was now experiencing exponential growth in its SA operations.

“Eighteen months ago, the opportunity arose to get involved in servicing local industries including power, water, utilities and manufacturing in South Australia,” Mr Manning said.

“We began with a very small team and mainly ran our operations through our Perth head office.

“From those humble beginnings to where we are now with 100 plus staff on-site and an experienced leadership team of eight people working out of our Lonsdale facility, there’s no doubt we are very fortunate to be thriving despite the current challenges.”

The SA team, which also supports Eftech’s head office in Perth, is made up of highly skilled multi-disciplined staff covering mechanical, electrical and instrumentation requirements.

Mr Manning said having a local team was crucial in the current climate.

“Although restrictions are starting to ease, establishing the  Adelaide facility means we are able to minimise risk associated with COVID on the workforce and projects, with resources and infrastructure easily and quickly deployed around the State and the East Coast of Australia,” he said.

“We decided to expand in South Australia because there was a clear gap in the market that quite desperately needed expert service delivery.

“By creating a local leadership team, we have gained valuable area knowledge and industry experience that’s allowed us to provide necessary expertise to fill market gaps and put our South Australia operations in good stead.

“Another big focus is providing opportunities for our staff to work on operations around Australia while giving them access to emerging technologies and ultimately allowing them to upskill.”

Mr Manning added that Eftech’s proven expertise had allowed the business to undertake multi-million-dollar projects.

“We have a multi-disciplined team who are uniquely and highly specialised in mechanical and electrical services, and this has enabled us to take on bigger and bigger projects,” he said.

 “Our future looks bright and many great opportunities are coming our way – we look forward to sharing and celebrating our progress.”