An Interview with Darren Millward, Commercial Manager at ASD
Steel has long been a staple material across industries – strong, reliable and adaptable. But when customers need durability and added performance features, Pre-painted Steel offers a distinct advantage. With built-in corrosion resistance, energy efficiency and a variety of colours, finishes and sizes, it is a ready-to-use solution trusted across construction, transport, agriculture, energy, medical and more.
We sat down with Darren Millward, OCS’s Commercial Manager, to discuss what makes Pre-painted Steel unique, how it solves common challenges for customers and where it’s making the biggest impact.
Q: Darren, for someone unfamiliar, how would you explain the main benefits of Pre-painted Steel in everyday terms?
A: I would say it is about performance and peace of mind. You are getting a material that lasts longer, looks better for longer and needs less attention over its lifetime. That means fewer headaches, lower costs and more time to focus on your project.
Q: Can you walk us through the biggest advantages customers experience when they choose Pre-painted Steel?
A: Absolutely:
- Corrosion resistance: The painted surface is like a shield, protecting against weather, moisture and environmental wear.
- Long-lasting durability: It’s resistant to scratches, dents, UV rays and general wear, so it keeps performing year after year.
- Clean, consistent appearance: Pre-painted Steel has a smooth, uniform finish in your chosen colour that won’t fade or discolour quickly.
- Energy efficiency: It reflects heat, helping to reduce cooling costs in buildings or temperature-sensitive environments.
- Low maintenance: It needs only light cleaning, meaning there is less upkeep involved and hence lower long-term costs.
- Readiness for use: No on-site painting is required, which saves time, labour and disruption.
- Sustainability: Pre-painted Steel is fully recyclable and made through efficient processes that support environmental goals, so it’s a sustainable choice.
Q: Many people associate Steel with industrial use. Is Pre-painted Steel limited to certain sectors?
A: Not at all; it is incredibly versatile. We see it in construction, agriculture, transport, material handling, food processing and healthcare.
Q: Could you give a few examples?
A: Sure:
- Construction: It’s used for roofing, cladding, ceiling panels and partitions that stand up to the weather while still looking good.
- Agriculture: Uses include long-lasting silos, barns, sheds and farming equipment that can withstand the elements.
- Transport: It’s suitable for lightweight yet durable vehicle bodies, trailers and rail carriages.
- Material handling: Shelving, racking and enclosures that need to stay strong and look clean in warehouse environments are commonly made from Pre-painted Steel.
- Food processing: It’s used for smooth, hygienic surfaces for equipment and storage.
- Healthcare: As it’s clean and corrosion-resistant, it’s suitable for use in all kinds of hospital buildings and medical equipment.
Anywhere you need durability, aesthetics and practicality combined, Pre-painted Steel fits the bill.
Q: How does Pre-painted Steel help with cost control?
A: There is value at every stage. Because it arrives ready to use, you skip the costs and delays of on-site painting. Its durability means fewer repairs and replacements, and its energy efficiency can help cut running costs in the right applications.
Q: What about sustainability? How does it stack up environmentally?
A: It is fully recyclable and made using controlled, efficient manufacturing processes. So you are not just getting a high-performance product – you are also supporting your own sustainability commitments.
Q: If I am a customer with a very specific need – a non-standard size, colour or shape – can you cater for that?
A: Definitely. We can supply Pre-painted Steel sheets decoiled and slit to your required size or flat laser cut to shape. You choose the finish and colour that works for you, and we’ll make sure you get exactly what you need, when you need it.
Q: For someone who is unsure if Pre-painted Steel is the right fit, what is your advice?
A: Talk to us. We’ve got the technical knowledge and the industry experience to match the right material to your needs. Whether it’s for aesthetics, durability, sustainability or all of the above, there is usually a way to make Pre-painted Steel work for you.
Need something specific? Just get in touch. Our OCS team is always happy to talk through your requirements.