From paddocks to productivity: structures that do more

Central Steel Build (CSB) began in regional Victoria 50 years ago by the Edmonds family. As a teen, Gerald Edmonds split his week between distance education and helping in the family business. Now board chairman, he recalls: “My brother was a boilermaker; I apprenticed as a carpenter. We realised we could stop reselling sheds and start building our own. Our first big job? A custom horse arena. That changed everything.”

Since those early days, CSB has partnered closely with farmers, evolving from a backyard operation into one of Australia’s leading providers of bespoke sheds, and increasingly, complex infrastructure across the broader agricultural supply chain.

Today, the company has more than 90 staff, a modern production line, and full end-to-end project capability. It leads with values as well as volume - integrity, collaboration, innovation, continuous improvement, and long-term value for clients and communities.

“We’re big enough to handle complexity, but small enough to care about the detail,” says CEO John Wetzler. “That’s what sets us apart.”

More than a shed: collaboration from day one

For CSB, a structure is a long-term investment shaped by how it’s used, not just what goes inside.

“Every project starts with listening to the client,” says Gerald. “We ask questions like: What problem are you trying to solve? How do you want to use this structure now, and how might that evolve in the future? Those conversations often lead to deeper insights that guide our design.”

This approach delivered powerful results for Andrew Whale, a veterinarian and sheep farmer who partnered with CSB in 2022 to develop a custom shearing shed and yard cover. The project involved early design collaboration, on-site assessments, and close integration with specialist fit-out providers.

“The entire process was handled professionally,” says Andrew. “There was seamless coordination at every stage. My business partner has since ordered another shed from CSB, which speaks volumes about our satisfaction.”

Designing for resilience and return

As part of its innovation focus, Central Steel Build has designed dairy barns to boost cow comfort and improve farm returns. Input from global dairy experts has shaped structures that support herd health and productivity.

Dairy farmer Andrew Marks is already seeing results. Since CSB built a 90m x 20m x 5.5m compost barn on his NSW property in early 2024, milk production has jumped 30%.

“In our first year, we’ve had a 30% increase in milk production. The cows are more comfortable and content; they know the sawdust is the first place to head in any weather. Herd health is much better. We’ve had a lot of wet weather recently, and their hoof health is at a much higher level than you’d expect because they’re staying dry. We’re really happy with how it’s worked out, and we’re building another hay shed with CSB now,” says Marks.

With healthier cows, weather protection, and clear gains, Marks says the investment has paid off.

That same focus on structural resilience during Cyclone Alfred in April 2025, when CSB’s design for macadamia grower Tony Flick’s machinery shed stood strong while much of the surrounding infrastructure was flattened. 

“It was the one thing left standing, completely undamaged,” says Flick. “It’s a true testament to the quality and craftsmanship.”

Tech-powered precision

While many regional builders rely on older methods, CSB invests in innovation. In-house fabrication, 3D modelling via Tekla, HoloLens-enabled QA, and site scanning tools reduce errors and speed delivery.

“There’s no guesswork,” says John. “We scan the site and overlay new designs with millimetre precision, reducing rework and delays.”

“It’s about removing waste in time, materials, and effort,” says Gerald. “The savings go straight back to the customer.”

Ahead of the curve

CSB’s innovation drive goes back years. In 2015, it was among the first in its sector to adopt Tekla 3D modelling and later HoloLens technology — a shift Gerald calls “revolutionary” in cutting costly errors. R&D includes site scanning, lean systems, and AI exploration.

A standout achievement is Equinabuild, a safety rail co-designed with end-users and industry bodies that still sets CSB apart.

Built for What’s Next

CSB is positioning itself at the forefront of agricultural infrastructure trends, including growing demand for dairy barns and on-farm storage that boost resilience and reduce reliance on market timing.

“More farmers are seeing the benefits of controlling how and when they sell,” says John. “That’s driving demand for smarter, multi-use infrastructure.”

The company is also working with regulators and industry groups to co-develop shade structures that meet new feedlot welfare standards — another reflection of CSB’s collaborative DNA.

“We’re not just a fabricator,” John says. “We’re a project partner from day one. That’s why we have a 70 per cent referral rate — and why clients keep returning.”

Beyond the Farm Gate

While on-farm structures remain central to CSB’s offering, the company also delivers purpose-built infrastructure across the broader agricultural supply chain — including grain, logistics, processing, and bulk storage facilities.

A standout example is its work with Riordan Grains, a major grain handling company servicing eastern Australia. CSB has delivered multiple bulk storage builds for Riordan, helping future-proof its warehousing and logistics.

“These aren’t farms in the traditional sense, but they’re critical to Australian agriculture,” says John. “We want other supply chain businesses to see themselves in our work — and know we can support their infrastructure too.”

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