ALFEC Engineering

ALFEC Industrial Engineering is a fantastic example of local enterprise, innovation and community spirit. Founded by Cam and Katie in Yass, the family-run business has grown from a mobile operation into a successful engineering company, providing specialised metal fabrication and engineering services across a diverse range of industries. Beyond their technical expertise, Cam and Katie are passionate about supporting local employment and developing young talent. Their apprentice, Cooper Thornely, recently demonstrated this commitment on the world stage, representing Australia at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 and earning a Medal for Excellence in welding. ALFEC is proof that regional businesses can achieve outstanding success while making a lasting contribution to their local community.

ALFEC Industrial Engineering is a locally owned, family-run business, Cam and Katie, based in Yass, specialising in metal fabrication, welding, laser cutting, folding and specialised engineering projects. From everyday repairs and custom metalwork to larger industrial, civil and space-related projects, ALFEC demonstrates the depth of technical expertise and innovation that exists within our local business community.

The name ALFEC came from the elements they use on a day-today basis: Al - Aluminium, Fe - Iron, and C - Carbon.The business is a great example of regional enterprise, skilled craftsmanship and the important role local businesses play in supporting our community and contributing to industries well beyond the Yass Valley.

Starting as a mobile business in 2020, they offered repair work in the Canberra, Queanbeyan and surrounding regions. As their client-base and reputation for high quality work built, they started to explore options to secure a premise to grow the business into a full time job. At the end of 2020, this vision became a reality when the current premise became available.

Over time, the business has continued to grow: in the size of the building, to increased employment of locals, and larger scopes of work. This has been helped along with an investment in machinery to ensure that jobs were only limited by your imagination. They balance work that is bespoke including handrails, balustrades and staircases, with industrial work such as making viewing platforms for the Molonglo Bridge. This variety provides their team with opportunities to continue to develop their skills no matter their level of expertise and assists in maintaining the creative culture Cam and Katie believe is important.

Through connections with locals schools, families and an excellent reputation as employers, Cam and Katie have inspired the youth of Yass to join them on their journey. 

From a work experience opportuntity at ALFEC that led to an apprentiseship with them, young local Cooper Thornely represented Australia as a Skillaroo at the prestigious WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 competition this September! Competing alongside 37 of the nation's top young tradespeople, Cooper showcased world-class craftsmanship in the intense Welding division. His exceptional skills earned him a coveted Medal for Excellence with an outstanding score of 715 points, contributing to a brilliant collective effort from Team Australia, who brought home two silver medals, a bronze, and 10 Medals for Excellence overall. We are incredibly proud to see local regional talent shining so brightly on the global stage! Cooper attributes his ethics of hard-work, perseverance and producing quality work to his family and the working culture at ALFEC.

ALFEC is a wonderful example of local initiative, family commitment and community spirit. Cam and Katie have built more than a successful engineering business; they have created a workplace where skills are nurtured, opportunities are encouraged and young people are inspired to achieve great things. Cooper’s international success is proof that world-class talent can come from regional communities like ours. We congratulate Cam, Katie and the ALFEC team on their achievements and thank them for the contribution they continue to make to the Yass community.