When you ask Dan Johnson to describe EIG Australia, the word “dynamic” comes up numerously and quickly. A company now specialising in Fuel Systems across Australia, building up to the “dynamic” and highly equipped team they are today is demonstration of evolution, resilience and persistence.
Dan informs us that EIG’s roots trace back to its original name, Electrical Intelligence Group. The company started in providing electrical installation and maintenance services to commercial high-rise buildings, but the global financial crisis in 2008 forced a reassessment. “The office buildings market fell out,” recalls Dan. “We started in a little factory unit, splitting from our previous company, and soon found ourselves working with a fuel storage management company fitting out electrical fuel tanks on site.” This partnership, beginning in 2011, became a gateway into the fuel systems sector. “We were a small team, but nimble, so we could always be there on site for installation. Companies started approaching us for jobs and we started to grow.”
With EIG’s position in the fuel market getting stronger, specifically in the mining sector, Dan decided it was time to branch out and expand with their own mechanical team. “We became the only true one-stop-shop for fuel systems, providing electrical and mechanical services,” recalls Dan.
Culture of Challenge: Why EIG Australia Stands Out
In addition to their one-stop-shop service, EIG set itself apart with its willingness to go where others won’t. “The phone usually rings with a job that every other contractor has declined,” Dan says. “We’ll touch projects no other companies will. The team loves the challenge, we have a deep respect for the trade, and we perform better under pressure with problems to solve.” EIG’s reputation grew as the company specialised in bespoke remote fuel system installations, leveraging its deep understanding of both electrical and fuel system regulations, a combination most mechanical companies couldn’t master. “The team like to refer to themselves as ‘surgeon-eers,’ due to the extreme technical and regulatory standards they have to meet day-in-and-day-out,” Dan adds.
One such project was the Burgandy Diamond Mine Exploration Project back in 2023. “They called us up, and said, ‘we want to construct a diamond mine in West Kimberley,’ and I replied, ‘West Kimberley, Western Australia?’ they said ‘Yes, can you do it?’ I said, ‘Send over the brief,” laughs Dan. The team were sent a “flat-packed Diamond Mine” as Dan describes it, given the exact location, and off they went. “We had to get a 10km road built to the planned site,” Dan notes. Once the road was laid, the team were able to crack on with electrical and mechanical installations and plant process commissioning. “Our guys know there’s no backup plan. We deliver the project, and we deliver well,” Dan adds. This culture of accountability and adventure is a key differentiator in the industry.
Enter Duratec: Early Collaboration and Building Trust on Challenging Projects
With Western Australia’s Defence industry booming, EIG has been increasingly engaged in a growing number of Defence projects. From 2019, EIG expanded its Defence footprint significantly, including major upgrades across naval and air bases. EIG also achieved ISO triple certification (ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001), under-scoring their commitment in quality, safety and environmental performance.
Duratec first engaged EIG in 2016 to assist with fuel system installations on Defence projects. EIG has since delivered more than 100 projects with Duratec, valued at $25 million. This collaboration grew organically, with EIG’s expertise in specialised, high-risk environments making them the default partner for complex Defence projects. “We worked with Duratec on a number of projects, especially at HMAS Stirling on Garden Island. We got to know the team at Duratec really well, and thought, this could be a lasting relationship,” reveals Dan.
The Duratec Acquisition: A Natural Fit for the Future
With a strong Defence pipeline over the next five years, the acquisition by Duratec made sense. “It’s a good culture fit,” Dan notes. “EIG still has autonomy, we have a
say in the jobs we work on and can continue our remote, bespoke fuel system and facilities work.” The acquisition has allowed EIG to maintain its identity and operational independence while benefiting from Duratec’s scale and resources.
Looking Ahead: Antarctica and Beyond
EIG’s future is as adventurous as its past. Dan hints at ambitions as far-flung as Antarctica, with the company targeting projects in the harshest, most remote environments. “We do nearly everything remote, bar some fitting and inspections in our Perth workshop. All the fuel systems we build are modular and are designed for deployment in tricky areas. The team loves the challenge, and we’re always looking for the next frontier,” he says.
EIG will now focus on continuity and growth over the next twelve months; establishing an already deep footprint in the Defence sector with the aid of Duratec and the doors it continues to open.
And the soundbite:
EIG Australia’s story is one of adaptation, specialisation, and a culture that embraces the toughest challenges in the harshest environments. The partnership with Duratec is built on mutual respect, a collaborative culture, and a shared determination for delivering complex, high-stakes projects. As EIG looks to the future, the pioneering spirit and commitment to excellence ensures that the company continues to stand out, no matter how remote the job.
