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About us

Overview

For over 60 years, the Tonkin Steel team has succeeded in understanding the needs of the industry and provided steel for projects of all sizes.

Tonkin Steel is the steel distributor for a wide range of processed and unprocessed steel products in North Queensland.

Proud History

Tonkin Steel is proud of our long history in Far North Queensland, servicing and being part of the community for over 60 years.

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Certified Materials

Being part of the Australian Steel Industry means we support local steel manufacturing, supplying Australian made and certified steel products.

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Processing capability

Tonkin Steel owns all of its own processing machinery and is all conveniently located in Far North Queensland giving you confidence we can meet your business needs. From laser cutters, to multi-torch profilers, to beamlines and bandsaws, we've got your processing requirements covered.

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Our History

Vic Tonkin - Founder
Vic Tonkin - Founder

The Tonkin family have been involved in the scrap metal and steel business in North Queensland for over 60 years.

Tonkin Steel, then trading as ‘Tonkin Metal Industries‘, was founded by Vic and Rita Tonkin in the 1950’s and was one of Cairns’ largest scrap metal recycling and battery retail businesses.

Wayne Tonkin, Vic and Rita’s son, began managing Tonkin Steel in 1980 and renamed the business Tonkin Steel. Under Wayne’s management Tonkin Steel shifted focus to selling new Australian made and imported steel.

In 1998 Tonkin Steel opened a new branch in Atherton, followed by a new branch in Townsville in 2004, then Mareeba in 2015 and finally Mt Isa is 2020. Now Tonkin Steel can supply steel products right across North Queensland.

In late 2019, the Tonkin Steel business was acquired by InfraBuild. The acquisition has provided Tonkin Steel with direct access to Australian manufacturing mills as well as being able to source from the many other distribution locations around the country.

Tonkin Steel remains proud to provide North Queenslanders with the best steel products and is continually bringing the latest steel products and industry innovations to North Queensland.

Who we work with

DIY Projects

No matter how big or small your project is Tonkin Steel has all your steel requirements covered.

Farming

Tonkin Steel has proudly worked with our local farmers over the last 60 years.

Steel Fabricators

Tonkin Steel has provided North Queensland fabricators with the highest quality steel for the last 30 years.

A brand of InfraBuild

Tonkin became a brand of InfraBuild in 2019. As a supplier of quality steel products to the North Queensland market, Tonkin is a key part of InfraBuild's distribution and processing operations.