Tell us about your business?
Sharpe Engineering is a proud Australian, second-generation, family-owned advanced manufacturing business founded in 1995 in Roma, Queensland. What began with our parents, Peter and Anne Sharpe, a single lathe, a big dream, and a commitment to quality has grown significantly over the years.
Today, the business employs over 125 engineers, tradespeople, apprentices, and support staff. More than 75% of operations are now carried out in our large-scale manufacturing facility in Brisbane, with Jon, our brother, overseeing all Brisbane Operations.
We design, manufacture, and repair critical equipment for Australia’s upstream Oil & Gas, mining, and resource sectors. Our capabilities include advanced machining, servicing, coating, welding, and testing (load, pressure, and non-destructive). With full in-house capability - from engineering design to final assembly - our vertically integrated model enables short lead times, consistent quality, and tailored solutions. Products are delivered directly to clients across Australia and international markets.
Our product range includes drilling and completion tools, surface pressure control equipment, and proprietary downhole tools like the TorqStopper® - an innovative solution designed to prevent tubing back-off. Its proven design increases production while reducing downtime through minimal maintenance.
Sharpe holds internationally recognised certifications from the American Petroleum Institute, including API Q1, 6A, 16A, 16D, 5CT, and 7-1, as well as ISO 9001 and ISO 45001. We are the only company in Australia licensed to manufacture API-16D monogrammed Control Systems for land-based BOP stacks used in well control equipment for drilling and workover operations, a major competitive advantage.
Our operations are supported by a skilled workforce and strategic partnerships with industry and registered training organisations. With 23 apprentices currently employed across our operations, we’re committed to growing industry skills and creating long-term career pathways.
Our commitment to innovation is reflected in our manufacturing strategy, which includes ongoing investment in Industry 4.0 technologies, systems, and automation to improve efficiencies, precision, and sustainability. We continue to expand local manufacturing capabilities, helping us stay competitive and deliver long-term value for our clients.
What has been your greatest success?
Sharpe’s focus has always been on quality, continuous improvement, employee development, and family values. We’re passionate about being a family business, and everyone at Sharpe is considered part of the Sharpe family.
Our greatest success has been navigating a period of transformational change in our business. Over the past few years, we’ve expanded into new markets, grown through the strategic acquisition of a complementary business, consolidated our Brisbane sites, and completed a company-wide restructure to build capability across Operations, Engineering, Quality, People & Culture, QHSE Systems, and Business Development.
We’ve implemented new systems, invested in automation and advanced manufacturing technology, and built the capability to scale and support future growth. A major milestone was successfully transitioning into second-generation family leadership, which is something we’re incredibly proud of.
In 2024, we were honoured to be named FBA’s Established Family Business of the Year. This was a moment that recognised not just our growth, but the strength of our people and the values we’ve carried forward.
Through all this, we’ve held onto our family values, strengthened our leadership team, and continued to grow. Seeing our people step up, stay engaged, and adapt through such significant change has been amazing.
What do you value about FBA?
We became members of Family Business Association in 2014 when Mum (Anne) signed us up and brought us along to a few events. From there, our involvement has grown. We’ve found value in being part of such a diverse and supportive community, connecting with members from different industries, backgrounds, and generations.
We know first-hand that running a family business comes with its own set of challenges and FBA has been a great resource, giving us access to a network of people who understand the dynamics of family business.
In 2019, Jon and I completed the FBA Emerging Leaders Program, which really reinforced the importance of strong governance and strategic planning. It’s had a lasting impact on how we lead the business today.
Our sister Liz is also part of an FBA Forum Group, which has been an invaluable space for honest conversations, shared learning, and peer support. It’s been a great outlet for her and a way to connect with others navigating similar challenges and opportunities in their own family businesses.
What advice would you give to other family businesses?
Look for the positives. Working with family isn’t always easy, but it comes with a level of trust, loyalty, and shared purpose.
Keep the communication open, be clear about roles and expectations, and don’t be afraid to have the hard conversations.
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