In 1966, the first coil of COLORBOND® steel rolled off the Number 1 coil painting line at Port Kembla Steelworks in NSW. With its innovative baked-on paint finish, this exciting new product combined a sleek, modern aesthetic with the traditional strength and durability of steel. Its impact was both immediate and long-lasting, as it quickly became a popular choice for residential and commercial construction across the country.

Sixty years later, COLORBOND steel is a defining element of Australian architecture. It has evolved from an industry innovation into a household name, widely recognised as Australia’s most preferred roofing material. Its presence on family homes, schools, sheds, workplaces, community buildings and landmark architectural projects has cemented its status as an enduring Australian icon.

‘It’s more than a building material, it’s part of the fabric of this country,’ says Simon Croft, Manager – Building Markets at BlueScope. ‘From where it’s made in Port Kembla to the places it protects, COLORBOND steel has been forged by Australian conditions and ingenuity.’ 

Undoubtedly, COLORBOND steel’s success has much to do with its versatility, reliability and capacity to weather the harsh Australian climate.  COLORBOND steel’s longevity really is evidence of the trust Australians place in this product,’ Simon says. ‘It’s not only strong and durable, but beautiful as well. You've got the great visual appeal as well as the reassurance of long-life performance protection of that very valuable asset.’ 

Made by Australia; made by you

BlueScope is marking this significant 60-year milestone with a new advertising campaign that shines a light on the people and places that have defined the COLORBOND steel story. Filled with stunning images of projects that showcase the creative potential of COLORBOND steel, the campaign celebrates two things: that COLORBOND steel is made by Australia; and that Australians have made COLORBOND steel what it is today. Every roofline, wall and structure tells a story of the people who imagined, built and cared for it.

Australia’s vulnerability to offshore supply chain disruptions, which came under the spotlight during COVID, is once again a critical conversation, and BlueScope’s status as a major and well-established Australian manufacturer, supporting the local economy, has never been more important.

‘BlueScope manufactures COLORBOND steel in Australia, employing people in Australian factories, and in turn supporting that massive residential and non-residential building industry,’ says Simon, who has worked at BlueScope for 32 years.

‘When you go to the steelworks and you see the level of investment and effort that's gone into that capability over generations, it makes you proud and thankful that manufacturing like this still happens in Australia.’ 

However, BlueScope acknowledges that the product’s success is also underpinned by the people who specify it, build with it, reimagine its capabilities and create with it. ‘It’s about the customers who say “Yeah, that’s the right choice for me”,’ Simon explains. 

‘So that's why we say COLORBOND steel is made by Australia. We make the raw material, but it’s our customers – the people who make it, but also the people who specify it, who have made it what it is today.  Whether that be the people who make the steel building products, the lovely fence panels, the gutters or the roof sheets – the fact that they continue to choose us makes us proud.’

And COLORBOND steel’s status as an architectural icon? Simon also credits this to the builders and designers across the country who celebrate its design potential, materiality and inherent aesthetic appeal.

‘The imagination that builders and designers bring to the table is incredible. They do wonderful things with our products; it’s inspirational to see what’s possible and what our products can be turned into – such as the beautiful buildings that are showcased at HIA awards nights,’ Simon says.

‘Our 60-year anniversary campaign recognises that every project, whether modest or ambitious, contributes to the brand’s enduring performance, reputation, and place in the Australian built environment.’

A collaborative partnership

In 1966, the technology used to create COLORBOND steel was cutting-edge. This marvellous new low-maintenance material provided a smart, lightweight alternative to traditional galvanised iron, which required regular painting. Its introduction revolutionised roofing and cladding.

Rather than resting on their laurels, BlueScope continued to innovate, engineer and develop their product over the decades, ensuring COLORBOND steel continues to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry.

‘We do take it really seriously in terms of continuing to be responsive to our customers, understanding that market needs continue to change,’ Simon says. ‘So, we're very attuned to that. We listen to our customers. We work very collaboratively with them and offer them really great solutions for their projects.’

Whether through customer support, digital visualisation tools, or research and development into new coating technologies and building solutions, BlueScope strives to help builders, architects and designers bring a wide range of ideas to life with COLORBOND steel.

The best is yet to come

Reaching 60 years is a significant achievement. But more importantly, it’s a reminder that COLORBOND steel’s story is ongoing – written every day through the homes and projects it becomes part of and the professionals who choose to work with it.

‘We've got so many great things still to come,’ Simon says. ‘We have a continual pipeline and a massive R&D effort to make sure we're putting the very best, most relevant products forward for our customers.

‘We're never, ever thinking the job is finished. There's always the next innovation and that's exciting. To my mind, COLORBOND steel is 60 years young and I’m excited for what is yet to come.’

This article was compiled with contributions from COLORBOND.