Alumni Stories | From Award to Impact: Steber International

From award-winning boatbuilding to hybrid propulsion and autonomous defence vessels, Steber International is proving that regional manufacturing can have national and international impact.

Based in Taree on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Steber International has built a reputation for manufacturing high-quality, robust composite motor vessels for commercial, recreational and defence applications.

Today, the company employs 27 people and continues to manufacture vessels for Australian and international markets, while expanding its capabilities across defence projects, hybrid propulsion, autonomous vessels, refits and repowering.

For Steber International, winning the 2011 HMA Manufacturer of the Year Award was one milestone in a much longer manufacturing journey.

Since then, the business has continued to evolve.

From recreational boats to defence and advanced marine manufacturing

While recreational vessels have long been part of Steber’s story, defence and commercial projects have become increasingly important to the business.

Work for the Australian Defence Department is a growing area, including the manufacture of fibreglass components for high-speed Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs).

International demand is also strong, with Steber currently manufacturing its fifth 16-metre vessel for Dubai.

At the same time, refitting and repowering existing Steber vessels remains a consistent growth area.

More recently, the company has diversified into hybrid vessel technology and autonomous marine platforms, demonstrating how a long-established regional manufacturer can continue to adapt, innovate and develop new capabilities.

Manufacturing through challenging times

Like manufacturers across Australia, Steber faced significant uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company successfully demonstrated that its operations were an essential service, resulting in only one week of downtime.

During this period, Steber also introduced a four-day, 38-hour working week to provide employees with more family time.

When the immediate crisis had passed, employees voted unanimously to continue the arrangement.

The result has been increased efficiency, alongside a workforce model that supports employee wellbeing and work-life balance.

An Australian first in hybrid vessel technology

One of Steber International’s proudest achievements has been the launch of its hybrid vessel, the first commercial hybrid vessel manufactured in Australia.

The vessel is powered by high-voltage electric motors supported by a single diesel engine generator.

The project represents an important step in Steber’s ongoing development of lower-emission marine technologies and new propulsion systems for commercial applications.

From hybrid vessels to autonomous defence platforms

Steber’s innovation capabilities extend beyond hybrid propulsion.

Working with the Australian Defence Force, the company converted an existing 13-metre diesel-powered vessel into an unmanned, fully autonomous platform capable of being operated remotely.

Another memorable achievement came when a Steber-built mine countermeasure vessel underwent a sea mine explosive test.

The force of the blast lifted the vessel out of the water.

Every attached sensor reported zero failures.

For the Steber team, it was a powerful demonstration of the quality, resilience and engineering capability behind Australian-made vessels.

What’s next for Steber International?

Looking ahead, Steber sees significant opportunities across defence, hybrid technology and international markets.

The company plans to continue growing its involvement in defence projects involving both manned and unmanned vessels, progress the development of hybrid vessels in preparation for commercial sales, and broaden export markets for hybrid and diesel-powered commercial vessels.

Why making it here matters

For Steber International, Australian manufacturing is also about strengthening regional communities.

The company is proud to manufacture in Taree, provide skilled employment opportunities and work with local suppliers wherever possible.

Over its history, Steber has trained approximately 150 apprentices and continues to welcome school groups, community organisations and businesses through its factory each year.

That commitment helps manufacturing knowledge and skills pass to the next generation while building awareness of the career opportunities available in advanced manufacturing.

From award recognition to advanced defence projects, autonomous vessels and Australian-first hybrid technology, Steber International’s story demonstrates what can happen when manufacturing experience is combined with a willingness to keep evolving.

Made in regional NSW. Built for Australia and the world.

That’s the impact of manufacturing here.

Learn more about Steber here.