Category: Latest News

News Article

Virginia Open Day Showcases Sharpe® Manufacturing in Action

What does world-class manufacturing look like up close? On Friday, March 6, Sharpe® clients and industry partners came to our Virginia facility to find out.

After a busy 2025 co-locating three Brisbane workshops, Sharpe® welcomed clients, industry peers and partners to our Brisbane facility for our Virginia Open Day on Friday, March 6. The showcasing day provided our valued Brisbane-based customers with a unique opportunity to step inside our operations and see advanced manufacturing in action.

The day began with a welcome and site induction before Barry Herring, Corporate Senior Vice President of INTEGRATED® Equipment, Inc. Barry delivered an insightful presentation on their product offering to drilling and workover rigs in the region, sharing valuable insights into how the industry is trending in the US.

We are grateful to all of our workshop employees who assisted in showcasing our CNC lathe equipment, pipe threading machines, stabilisers being weld-repaired and the bucking unit making up some completion tool assemblies. Visitors also watched 32″ Sharpe Latch Connectors being manufactured on the massive Mazak Integrex e-1850, our VTL undertaking machining repairs as part of an Integrated® annular 5-year recertification project. Our final machining showcasing opportunity was our brand new Mazak Integrex i450 robotic cell with automated loading, producing a batch of TorqStopper®s.

As guests moved through the workshops and warehouse, they were able to see the engineering detail behind the equipment up close. Our experienced operators provided explanations of the processes involved, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the expertise required in modern manufacturing.

Innovation was also on display throughout the tour, including the ‘lights-out’ functionality of our Integrex i450, 3D-printed models of downhole tools, premium threaded Vam(R) and JFE (R) accessories and coil tubing-related well control equipment, demonstrating how manufacturing continues to evolve through new technologies and smarter solutions.

The tour concluded in our QA & Final Release area, where guests observed thread gauging, inspection and final checks prior to dispatch — reinforcing that quality at Sharpe® is embedded at every stage of the process.

We extend a sincere thank you to everyone who helped make the day seamless, the customers who took time out of their busy days to visit and to those who stayed afterwards for the BBQ and networking session.

Sharpe® is proud to open its doors and showcase the capability, innovation and expertise behind advanced manufacturing right here in Brisbane.

News Article

Sharpe® celebrates at this year’s 20th Annual Lord Mayor’s Business Awards

This year’s 20th Annual Lord Mayor’s Business Awards Gala celebrated Brisbane’s most inspiring businesses and leaders.

We’re proud to share that Sharpe® received a special mention in the Australian Pacific LNG Business Transformation Award category.

At Sharpe®, transformation isn’t just about technology — it’s about building a stronger, more sustainable future for Australian manufacturing. Over recent years, Sharpe® has transformed into an engineering-led advanced manufacturing company by expanding its capability, investing in training and development, strengthening systems, achieving new certifications, and embracing new technologies across its operations. This journey reflects our commitment to continual improvement, local investment, and proving that Australian companies can lead on a global scale.
We’ve seen remarkable growth here in Brisbane, and it’s a privilege to be part of a community that thrives on innovation, collaboration, and resilience.

We’re incredibly proud to be recognised alongside some of Brisbane’s most inspiring businesses as a finalist in both the Australian Pacific LNG Business Transformation and Accenture Australia Product Innovation Award categories.

These Awards shine a spotlight on the businesses driving our city forward — through innovation, resilience, and leadership. Being recognised among Brisbane’s most forward-thinking companies is an incredible honour and a testament to our team’s dedication to quality, safety, and Australian manufacturing excellence.
Sharpe Engineering recognised as finalist alongside local Brisbane Businesses at 2025 Lord Mayors Business Awards in the Courier Mail
Thanks to the Courier Mail for their news feature profiling Sharpe® alongside the awards finalists — some truly incredible local businesses and leaders making an impact. Read the full article here

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners who continue to shape Brisbane’s business community and inspire progress across every industry. Especially the winners of the Australia Pacific LNG Business Transformation Award, Priestleys Gourmet Delights, and BlueCarbon, who took home the Accenture Australia Product Innovation Award.

Shout out to our fellow finalists:

Read more on all the winners of the 20th Annual Lord Mayors Business Awards 2025.

We’re proud to share that Sharpe® received a special mention in the Australian Pacific LNG Business Transformation Award category at the 2025 Lord Mayors Business Awards
Image (L-R):
Andrew Dowling, Scott Bain, Elizabeth Sharpe, Ellen Bain, The Honourable Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner, Jon Sharpe, Brock Kerby.

News Article

Sharpe® Secures Advanced Automated Machining Cell with Support from Made in Queensland Round 6

Sharpe® is proud to announce the investment in a state-of-the-art Mazak Integrex i-450HS x 2500U multitasking machining cell, supported by the Queensland Government’s Made in Queensland Round 6 initiative.

It’s the second time Sharpe® has received support through the MIQ program—reflecting ongoing confidence in our innovation and impact on regional manufacturing. The initiative is supported by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development.

This advanced manufacturing cell, featuring a gantry robot loader and integrated parts conveyor, will be central to scaling production of the Sharpe® TX Series TorqStopper® product line—an innovative solution to tubing back-off and the oil and gas industry’s leading torque anchor. Manufactured in Queensland, its robust design is proven to increase production, while reducing the downtime of an operating well. As the only Australian OEM of the TorqStopper®, we’ve been manufacturing this product for over 7 years, continuously investing in specialised tooling, work holding systems, and external machining optimisation reviews. These initiatives have refined our processes to deliver high efficiency with minimal scrap and rework.

Introducing multitasking technology and robotics will significantly boost production throughput, helping Sharpe® remain competitive in both domestic and international markets while offering new export opportunities.

Beyond the TorqStopper®, the machining cell will support a range of Sharpe® manufactured products of high complexity and tight tolerances and surface finish requirements. Single-setup machining reduces the risk of errors associated with moving workpieces between machines, ensuring quality and consistency while enabling faster turnaround times and reduction of work in progress, essential for meeting competitive lead times demanded by Sharpe’s clients.

The Integrex i-450HS and gantry robot loader enable lights-out operation, freeing skilled staff to focus on high-value tasks including programming, monitoring and reviewing machining processes, and continuous improvement.

As part of this implementation, Sharpe® will create new jobs and upskill CNC machinists and programmers to operate the robotic and Mazatrol systems.

This investment reflects our strategy to increase capacity and capability through automation. It’s a step forward in future-proofing Australian manufacturing and continuing to deliver high-quality, precision-engineered solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients and markets.

News Article

Sharpe® Announces Arrival of New Mazak Integrex E-1850 V/12

We’re excited to announce the arrival of our new Mazak Integrex E-1850 V/12, secured through the Queensland Government Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and Regional and Rural Development, Made in Queensland Round 5 grant program.

This machine marks a significant step forward for Sharpe® as we continue to push the boundaries of advanced manufacturing and innovation.

Manufactured by Yamazaki Mazak Corporation, the Integrex E-1850 V/12 is capable of machining massive, complex components up to 2.35 metres in diameter and 1.8 metres in height. Its advanced multitasking design combines turning, milling, and drilling functions within a single setup, significantly reducing production times and improving efficiency. With 5-axis capabilities, the Integrex E-1850 V/12 enables the machining of intricate geometries with exceptional precision, setting a new benchmark for large-scale manufacturing.

This machine is a key part of our growth strategy and was selected to meet our operational demands. CEO Ellen Bain and Head of Brisbane Operations Jon Sharpe visited Mazak’s Minokamo Plant 1 in Japan last November, where they had the opportunity to witness the machine’s Factory Acceptance Test.

The sheer size and versatility of the Integrex E-1850 V/12 makes it a transformative addition to Sharpe®, enabling us to take on projects that were previously beyond our capabilities, supporting critical industries such as Oil and Gas, Mining, Defence, Aerospace, and Rail. By machining large, high-tolerance components vital to these sectors, the machine helps reduce reliance on imports and delivers sustainable solutions for both domestic and international markets.

This investment reflects our commitment to safety, quality, continuous improvement, and employee development. By leveraging the capabilities of the Integrex E-1850 V/12, we are not only enhancing our production capacity but also creating opportunities to upskill our workforce, ensuring they are equipped to meet the demands of advanced manufacturing.

In addition, it is set to generate highly skilled jobs across Brisbane and our rural operations in Roma, further strengthening Queensland’s role as a leader in advanced manufacturing.

Speak with our Sales Team today to explore how the Integrex E-1850 V/12 can support your large-scale machining requirements.

News Article

Sharpe® Achieves API 16D Certification – Launches First Locally Manufactured BOP Control Unit

A first-ever for the Australian Oil & Gas industry, Sharpe® is proud to announce the addition of American Petroleum Institute (API) 16D certification to our Brisbane Manufacturing Facility!

Sharpe® is proud to announce a major milestone in our continued growth and capability as a leading Australian manufacturer for the oil and gas industry — the successful completion of our API 16D audit, conducted on 29–30 January 2025, with zero non-conformances. This achievement officially grants Sharpe® the API 16D license expanding our scope to include the design, manufacture, service, and repair of Control Systems for Land-Based and Surface-Mounted BOP Stacks.

Reinforcing our commitment to providing high-quality, locally manufactured solutions, this latest certification will significantly reduce lead times on critical well control systems for our Clients. As the only Australian manufacturer with this certification, we are providing operators faster access to the components they need to maintain safety and reliability on site.

The addition of API 16D complements our existing certifications — API-Spec Q1, API 6A, API 16A in Brisbane, and API-Spec Q1, API 5CT, API 7-1 in Roma. This marks another step forward in our mission to support the evolving needs of the industry.

A standout result of this achievement is the launch of the first Sharpe® API 16D Certified BOP Control Unit. This Koomey is the first of its kind to be designed and manufactured right here in Brisbane, Australia, by Sharpe®.

Corey Lewis, Sharpe® Brisbane Fitting & Service Supervisor standing alongside the Sharpe® API 16D monogram licensed, Australian-made Koomey.[/caption]

Pictured proudly with the new Koomey is Corey Lewis, our Brisbane Fitting & Service Supervisor, alongside this impressive system finished in our iconic Sharpe® blue. This unit is a shining example of Australian manufacturing excellence, made possible by the expertise and dedication of our Brisbane team. Special mention goes to Roarke Carter, our Research & Development Engineer, whose months of work in design and engineering were key to developing this prototype and bringing the project to life.

We’re also excited to share that Wild Desert has already purchased this unit to support operations on Rig 34 — a clear sign of the confidence our clients place in Sharpe® and our commitment to delivering high-quality, Australian-made well control equipment.

Sharpe® BOP Control Systems are now available for purchase or rental, providing a reliable, high-performing and locally manufactured option to support your operational requirements.

Contact our Sales Team today to learn more about our BOP Control System and full range of well control products.

News Article

Brisbane Site Consolidation

Sharpe® are excited to announce the consolidation of our Brisbane facilities, with the relocation of our Richlands Facility to 20 Shannon Place, Virginia QLD, where it is being integrated into our existing Virginia manufacturing site at 52 Yarraman Place.

A major milestone towards the consolidation of our Brisbane operations, our newly expanded Virginia Facility will allow us to better serve our valued Clients, Partners, and Suppliers. It offers drive-through access connecting both sites which will streamline our operations and allow us to improve efficiency through combined resources and logistics.

Customers of Well Control Equipment and associated products will now have their equipment stored, serviced, re-certified, and dispatched from this facility.

Jon Sharpe, Head of Brisbane operations shares “Having 20 Shannon Place positioned next door to our existing API 6A, 16A, and soon to be 16D certified workshop, means we can now offer our Clients full servicing, repair, and recertification of BOPs, Spools, Adapters and Control Units, including machining and welding, from one single location.

“Ultimately, this brings advantages to our Clients who will benefit from faster turnaround times on equipment servicing with reduced downtime due to logistics between sites,” he adds.

This workshop will also become our primary facility for all Rental BOPs and associated Well Control Equipment, with dispatch and return of rental equipment managed from Shannon Place.

 

Sharpe Brisbane Site Expansion

 

Since 2018, our 52 Yarraman Place facility has been the cornerstone of our Brisbane operations, featuring:

  • 4,050sqm total facility area
  • 2,293sqm tilt panel concrete office/workshop
  • 20T & 8T gantry cranes

With the addition of 20 Shannon Place, Sharpe® now offers an expanded capacity including:

  • 18,730sqm total facility area
  • 5,820sqm freestanding tilt panel concrete office/warehouse
  • 854sqm awning for all-weather loading and storage
  • Nearly 12,000sqm of hardstand, allowing for B-double truck access and manoeuvring

Our new consolidated site provides convenient access to key supply chain resources and infrastructure:

  • 15 minutes to Brisbane Airport
  • 20 minutes to Brisbane Port and CBD
  • Easy access to northern arterial routes and the Gateway Motorway

The Sharpe® Zillmere workshop on Pineapple Street, Zillmere, is also planned to commence moving to Shannon Place by the end of 2025.

In sharing this exciting chapter of growth for our company, we’d like to thank our valued Clients, Partners and Suppliers for your continued support and look forward to welcoming you to our consolidated Brisbane site.

News Article

Sharpe® Celebrates Success with the 32″ SL Connector

The Sharpe® 32″ SL Connector has successfully been run on 2 separate occasions by our valued client, Lucas Drilling.

The SL Connector has significantly increased the safety and efficiency of running large-diameter casing, removing the requirement for onsite welding, eliminating associated costs, downtime, hot works permits and NDT.

The SL connector requires no additional equipment to run, simply push the Pin & Box connectors together and engage the latch ring using an allen key. High-pressure sealing is achieved by large section O-rings retained in a dovetail seal groove which eliminates seals rolling out of grooves during assembly.

Other equipment designed and manufactured by Sharpe® for this project include:

  • 32″ stab-in casing float shoe with dual non-return valves and;
  • casing hanger/landing joint.

The float shoe increases the quality of the cement job compared to other methods and increases the safety during running by reducing the string weight and allowing the rig crew to float the casing to depth in a controlled manner.

With our recent investment in advanced large-capacity CNC equipment, the SL connector product line could be manufactured to suit pipe up to 2 meters in diameter.

Get in touch with our team for a quote or to find out more.

 

News Article

Sharpe® BOPs in stock for immediate dispatch

Upgrade your BOP stack with our range of Integrated® BOPs in stock now.

An increase in drilling and workover operations sees Sharpe® maintaining a supply of API 16A 4th Edition Certified Integrated® BOPs.

We have new BOPs in various sizes and pressure ratings available, with stock in Brisbane ready for immediate dispatch.

If you have demanding workover operations or are planning to put service rigs to work in the region, we have the following stock available:

  • 7 1/16″ 5,000psi Spherical Annular BOPs
  • 7 1/16″ 5,000psi IE™ Style Double Gate Ram BOPs
  • 7 1/16″ 5,000psi IE™ Style Triple Gate Ram BOPs

For deeper high-pressure gas workover, live well or well servicing work we stock the following:

  • 7 1/16″ 10,000psi IU™ Style Double Gate Ram Shear BOP and matching Annular

For clients in the drilling space, we also have Integrated® API 16A BOP stacks (Annular and Double Gate) in the following sizes:

  • 9″ 3,000psi IE™ Style Double Gate Ram BOPs and matching Annular
  • 11″ 3,000psi IWS™ Style Double Gate Ram BOPs and matching Annular
  • 11″ 5,000psi IWS™ Style Double Gate Ram BOPs

We stock a full range of critical spares and all of our well control packages can be supported with our API certified accessories including HCR valves, spools, mud crosses, adaptors, BOP test mandrels and test stumps.

Get in touch with our team for a quote or to find out more.

News Article

Sharpe® recognised as Established Family Business of the year at FBA Excellence Awards

Sharpe® celebrated with Family Business Association (FBA) last week in Cairns, winning the Established Family Business 2024 award at the FBA Business Excellence Awards.

The Awards Gala Dinner took centre stage during the FBA’s Asia Pacific Conference, drawing together a diverse array of family businesses and regional award finalists from across Australia and New Zealand.

The Family Business Excellence Awards are presented to an outstanding family business demonstrating excellence and achievement in the core business principles of Governance, Entrepreneurship and Stewardship.

CEO of FBA, Catherine Sayer said “the Family Business Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of families and individuals in respected and successful family businesses of all sizes and at all stages, acknowledging the significant economic and social contribution they make to Australia and New Zealand.”

This award honours the commitment of Sharpe® towards preserving family ownership and how involvement by the entire Sharpe Family, as a second-generation business, has helped propel the company towards growth, to become a leading Australian manufacturer in its industry.

On winning the award, Ellen Bain, CEO of Sharpe®, conveyed the profound passion the Sharpe Family hold for their company saying, “Our focus has always been on quality, continuous improvement, employee development and training, and family values—we are passionate about family business and everyone at Sharpe® is considered a part of the Sharpe Family.”

This accolade follows Sharpe® taking out the ‘Established Family Business — Queensland’ Award last year, further cementing its reputation for excellence in the family business landscape.

Ellen says, “the FBA’s commitment to recognising excellence in family business is commendable. It’s an incredible community to belong to with a diverse range of members each with an inspiring story to share.”

“Completing the FBA Emerging Leaders Program highlighted the importance of strong governance and strategic planning for growth. It has influenced my leadership approach and provided us with valuable guidance in succession planning.”

This award also marks 29 years since the company was founded by Peter and Anne Sharpe.

Reflecting on this journey Peter recollects, “What we started with, was a dream to have a quality machine shop—we weren’t imagining the growth that we see today! Our growth has stemmed from client demand and opportunity, and we embraced those opportunities with integrity and teamwork.” He adds, “Sharpe® wouldn’t be the business it is today, without our focus on family, honesty and quality. It’s these values that win every time and I believe that Liz, Ellen and Jon, along with Streety and our dedicated team, growing Sharpe® to what it is today is our best achievement.”

On stage to accept this award was Peter and Anne, Liz, Ellen and Jon, their partners Nathan, Scott and Alexa (Scott and Alexa also work in the family business) along with Mark Street (Streety), who has been an integral member of the Sharpe Family for over 27 years, working closely with Peter & Anne and their family.

Sharpe® extends a heartfelt congratulations to all the finalists who convened from across the Asia Pacific region to be recognised at these awards, each with a shared dedication to legacy and nurturing family values in business.

Read more about Our Company and Values.

 

(L-R) FBA Chair, Angus Kennard, Mark Street, Nathan Bennett, Elizabeth Sharpe, Ellen Bain, Scott Bain, Jon Sharpe, Alexa Velasquez, Anne Sharpe and Peter Sharpe.

(L-R) FBA CEO, Catherine Sayer, Elizabeth Sharpe, Ellen Bain, Jon Sharpe, and FBA Chair, Angus Kennard.