Having recently acquired a local distributor and Sydney office space, British metal ceilings manufacturer SAS International is consolidating its position in the Australian market. We caught up with Marketing Director Andrew Jackson on his recent visit to hear more about the company's plans.

With 25 years in the Australian market, what were the factors in SAS taking this further step to establish itself at this time?

The use of chilled beams in the commercial office market has been key to the demand for metal ceiling systems. Perforated metal pan ceiling systems help achieve correct air flow from chilled beams. Metal ceilings also allow ease of access for ongoing maintenance of services without damage to tiles. High quality, durable, acoustic performance, mechanical & electrical integration and aesthetic demands are met by metal ceiling systems.

The opening of our Sydney CBD office means that SAS International can expand our Australian resource. In particular, increasing our technical design service to specifiers and project teams meeting the growing demand for SAS International ceiling systems.

Will the acquisition of Mikor substantially alter the company’s operations? If so, how?

We have already added more resource and investment to grow the business. We’ve moved our main office to Bathurst Street in the Sydney CBD, recruited more designers and re-located to a bigger warehouse to stock larger volumes of SAS International products. This means contractors can have access to products quickly to assist them in delivering and installing to tight lead times on site.

Our combined expertise means we will now be able to offer an even greater range of metal ceiling solutions and architectural metalwork for both the project specification and distribution market.

Commonwealth Bank Place, Darling Harbour

How has SAS International’s experience in the Australian market compared to other markets internationally?

It has been extremely positive. While the rest of the world was in recession the Australian market has been steady.

The infrastructure, transport and commercial office developments always dictate the same thing in most international markets; quality product for the best possible value. SAS International has proved we deliver this for building owners and project teams.

We’ve continued to win contracts and worked on some prestigious projects in Australia including the award-winning Commonwealth Bank Place and Darling Quarter development, 4 National Circuit in Canberra, as well as 1 Bligh Street, Sydney.

Recently we’ve secured the supply of 200,000m2 of SAS metal ceilings to the largest commercial office development in Australia – Barangaroo, Sydney by Lend Lease.

Commonwealth Bank Place, Darling Harbour

Was the sponsorship of the Best Office Development category at this year’s Property Council of Australia Awards a sign of a broader public relations campaign? If so what other sponsorship/partnership opportunities would SAS pursue?

SAS International designs and manufactures systems in accordance with maintaining the asset life of the building for the developer and the tenant.

Both construction and property markets are key for us.

Becoming a sponsor of these awards and supporting the Property Council of Australia was a natural fit for us as SAS International works as a partner, around the world, to help building owners and tenants get maximum long-term value from their interior fit-out.

SAS International
sasint.com.au