Noosa-based steel fabricator NEACH will mark a remarkable milestone this year: 50 years of shaping the Sunshine Coast and supporting Queensland’s built environment.
What began in 1975 as a one-man operation, with founder Henry “Spud” Garbacz working from a panel van, has grown into one of the region’s most respected names in construction. Originally called Noosa Marine and General Engineering, the business quickly became known for its quality craftsmanship, reliable service, and strong local ties.
By the late 1980s, the company had already made its mark on the Noosa landscape, contributing to well-known sites like the Hastings Street Bungalows and the Cooroy Noosa Pirates Rugby League Club, projects that still stand as a testament to NEACH’s early influence in the community.
In 1989, a merger with North Coast Crane Hire expanded the company’s capabilities and reach, paving the way for even larger projects across Queensland. But the next chapter truly began in 2011 when Ryza Garbacz took over leadership and rebranded the company as NEACH.
Under Ryza’s direction, NEACH has maintained its deep Noosa roots while transforming into a national player in the structural steel space. Today, the business holds key accreditations – including CC3 certification, ISO standards, and TMR pre-qualification and operates from a 2500sqm purpose-built facility in Noosaville.
“We’ve never lost sight of where we started,” Ryza said.
“Noosa is our home, and we’re proud that so many of our early projects are still standing and still serving the community.”
From early fabrication work for Noosa schools and community centres to recent contributions on major projects like the Exhibition Train Station as part of Cross River Rail, Bruce Highway bridge upgrades, and Caboolture Hospital expansions, NEACH has helped shape both the Sunshine Coast and Queensland’s wider infrastructure landscape. Even as the company takes on these large-scale works, it continues to prioritise local employment, apprenticeship pathways, and regional investment, staying true to its Noosa roots.
Investment in cutting edge technology coupled with a laser focus on efficiency has sustained and grown the company over the last decade.
“The industry is evolving fast,” Ryza said.
“Maintaining a competitive advantage is more challenging than ever with globalisation, our focus on complex heavy infrastructure has been key to our success over the last decade”.
With a growing Sunshine Coast and Olympic-scale infrastructure on the horizon, NEACH’s commitment to quality, safety, and community is stronger than ever.
“This anniversary is more than a celebration — it’s a thank you to the people and places that helped build NEACH. After 50 years, the company has never been stronger, and with plenty of work ahead, the future is bright.”
