Delivering Reliable Power Distribution for Steeline’s Meadowbrook Manufacturing Facility

Steeline, an Australian-owned leader in metal roofing and steel building products, expanded its operations in 2016 with a new manufacturing facility in Meadowbrook, Queensland. Operated by Steeline Metal Framing Systems (SMFS), the site produces steel framing for homes and portable buildings, requiring a dependable and high-capacity electrical distribution system to support both office operations and heavy-duty factory machinery.

To deliver the necessary power infrastructure, SMFS engaged CBD Electrical Services, a trusted contractor experienced in electrical installations, data and communications, and air-conditioning systems. The new facility required multiple distribution boards capable of managing significant electrical loads, particularly for the factory’s large industrial equipment. Both indoor and outdoor switchboards needed an IP66 rating to ensure protection against dust, moisture and environmental exposure, critical for the demanding manufacturing environment.

B&R Enclosures partnered with CBD Electrical to supply the required switchboards, with products delivered through Sherriff Electrical Wholesalers in Albion. Having collaborated on several previous projects, Sherriff, CBD Electrical and B&R were able to work seamlessly to meet the site’s technical and delivery requirements.

For this project, B&R supplied Infinity 3G modular switchboards, engineered for applications up to 630Amps, well above the 400 Amp maximum required by SMFS. Three custom-designed boards were produced to safely and efficiently handle the facility’s electrical demands, particularly the high energy flows associated with heavy framing machinery.

B&R provided the Infinity 3G as a fully engineered, fully assembled and wired solution. Certified to IEC 61439 and compliant with AS/NZS 61439, the Infinity 3G ensures reliable performance under high electrical loads while maintaining strict safety standards. To meet IP66 requirements for both indoor and outdoor locations, B&R supplied the Infinity 3G Primo range, offering complete protection against dust ingress and high-pressure water.

Manufactured at B&R’s Brisbane facility, the switchboards were designed and built locally, enabling faster lead times and ensuring clear communication throughout the project. B&R worked closely with Sherriff and CBD Electrical to verify every detail of the design, ensuring a perfect fit for SMFS’s operational needs. The completed switchboards were installed at the Meadowbrook facility in December 2016.

For Sherriff Electrical’s Albion branch, the Infinity 3G was the ideal choice, combining flexibility, modularity and field-proven performance. As Branch Manager Matt Newman notes, the alignment between the organisations played a key role in the project’s success:

“We’re able to work closely with B&R and the customer to get projects across the line.”