"Australia presents endless opportunities, allowing Beca and its individuals to expand their horizons on many world-class projects."
With a technical background in pulp and paper, Matt has been a key leader of the forest industries segment for Beca and Beca AMEC since 1993.
In 2005, Matt moved into the Mining and Metals segment, bringing the expertise gained using proven project systems and delivery methods on the pulp and paper projects.
Matt's success can be attributed to working collaboratively with clients to understand their needs. This understanding was evident with Nyrstar who initially engaged Beca for a maintenance project which developed into an Engineering Services Agreement. In 2007, it then culminated into a A$22 million furnace rebuild of the Fluid Bed Roaster (FBR) of the Nyrstar's Hobart operation and continued work at both their Australian assets. Matt was also project director on a pre-feasibility study for a $100M metal recycling facility in China along with a A$40 million material processing/handling project study.
Matt has thoroughly enjoyed his transitions from New Zealand to the UK, where he spent three years with AMEC, and then back to the southern hemisphere to his current base in Melbourne. The UK provided a number of opportunities, but more often than not, industry was closing down or moving offshore. Australia is the opposite. "The opportunities are considerably larger in Australia – instead of million dollar projects, there are often billion dollar projects," he says.
"Our exposure to the Australian marketplace clearly demonstrates that the values and culture Beca brings to this country allow us to punch well above our weight." This commitment and growth at a company level has been noticed not only by many Beca clients, but also by other organisations.
During his time with Beca, Matt has witnessed many organisational assets that help the company stand out among competitors. First and foremost, he believes the people contribute immensely to the strong cultural values Beca upholds. "Our desire to achieve and perform as an organisation and as individuals is one of our key differentiators," he says. Other attributes include transparency and honesty in all aspects of doing business, particularly within the Australian market.