Although a family owned company with the founding directors playing an invaluable hands-on role, Fero Group could not have established its reputation without a core team of committed professionals with a passion for customer service.
Many of our staff have been with the company for more than 20 years and some – we're proud to say – are now considered part of the family.
Key members of our team include:
Fero Group
 Mario Franco - Executive Chairman
With more than 30 years experience in the steel manufacturing and various service industries, Mario has developed a well-deserved reputation for his forward thinking and strategic business planning. His business acumen is admired both within the company and by the respective industry.
Ernesto Franco – Director
Despite more than 30 years in the steel fabrication and protective coatings industries, Ernesto (Andy) has lost none of the commitment, drive and enthusiasm for the company he co-founded.
Very much a “hands-on” director, Andy is well versed in all aspects of the ever-expanding family-owned business and is extremely proud of the fact he maintains regular contact with many of his long-time clients.
Michael Franco – Managing Director
BCom , MBA
Michael has developed a solid background to carry out his many and varied roles at Fero Group, having grown up with the business. With an intimate knowledge of manufacturing and anti-corrosion services, Michael is the lynch pin in the strategic growth and expansion of the business. He is driven to lead a professional team focused on the safe delivery of quality customer service and products.
Robert Franco – Finance Director
BEng (Hons), BCom, MBA, CPEng, MIEAust
Robert is a chartered professional engineer and has held senior management roles with various engineering and construction firms operating throughout Australia. Robert is well placed to manage the financial aspects of the Fero Group having been involved with several successful businesses since their inception. He is also a director of ASX listed Decmil Group Limited.
Laura Franco – Commercial Director
BEcons, DipBus, GradDipAppFin&Inv, CertAppLang(Italian)
Experienced in the provision of commercial services within the finance, property management, and manufacturing industries, Laura is charged with establishing and maintaining internal and external relationship networks with the aim of enhancing efficiencies and improved customer satisfaction.
Philip Martin – Group Sales Manager
BA (Hons)
Phil has over 15 years working in the steel industry in WA and NSW. His varied experience with managing successful sales teams in sheet and coil, aluminium, special steels, structural steel, rural wire products and reinforcing enables Fero Group to take sales professionalism to another level.
Dave Maltby – Business Development Manager
Having co-patented yielding bolt designs, Dave’s main area of interest lies in product development and consulting on underground support systems. He has worked over 15 years specialising in ground support for underground mining in Europe, South Africa, Australia and South-East Asia markets.
Dave Morrison – Anti-Corrosion Services Sales Manager
MAIS
With over 25 years experience in sales and marketing, Dave’s area of expertise is in steel fabrication for the mining and commercial markets. Servicing the Perth Metro and country areas, he is adept in establishing and maintaining relationships with key customers.
Sam Griffiths – Reinforcing Sales Manager
BBus, DipHosMngt
Sam is an accredited sales trainer with 12 years experience in the building, construction and hospitality industries. He has a solid foundation in sales management through his experience in the reinforcing steel industry, new homes sales, residential plastering and programme coordinating roles.
Mile Vlajsavlevich – Strata Sales Manager
GradDipBus
Mile’s areas of speciality lie in the provision of products and services, such as drilling equipment, underground mobile equipment like jumbo and long-hole production drills. He has over 20 years experience in sales and contract management within the mining industry, predominantly in underground mining.
Sean Abel – Procurement Manager
GradDip(Proj.Mgmt)
Sean is a qualified Project Manager with over 21 years experience working in Operations and Procurement within the steel fabrication, painting, blasting, galvanising and manufacturing industries. In addition, to Procurement, Sean is also responsible for managing Fero’s continuous improvement programme
David Lew – General Manager, Eastern Region
CPA, BBus, FAICD
David amassed over 40 years experience at all levels of management in the meat, paper, packaging, steel and galvanising industries. He also has expertise in mergers and acquisitions, sales and marketing on both the domestic and international business arenas.
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