About Us

OVER 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE | NSW & WA Operations

ABOUT US

About Chess Engineering

Since 1968, Chess Engineering has been delivering high-quality engineering solutions across Sydney and Perth, supporting industries with precision fabrication, machining, fitting and installation.

Capabilities & Capacity

Our facilities are equipped to handle projects of all scales, from intricate components to large-scale industrial structures.
  • NSW Operations – A versatile facility supporting infrastructure, rail, food, water, and defence industries
  • WA Operations – Home to our largest cranes and machining centres, ideal for heavy fabrication and mining, infrastructure and food applications
  • Comprehensive Fabrication Expertise – Heavy fabrication, sheet metal, mild steel, stainless steel, and exotic metals
  • Skilled Workforce – Well qualified team of engineers, fabricators, welders, machinists, fitters and installers.

Our Passion

Chess Engineering
History

Our Commitment to HSEQ

Our Commitment to HSEQ

Chess Engineering operates under strict HSEQ standards, ensuring quality, safety, and environmental responsibility.

  • AS/NZS ISO 9001 – Quality Management
  • AS/NZS ISO 14001 – Environmental Management
  • AS/NZS ISO 45001 – Workplace Health & Safety
  • AS/NZS ISO 5131 – Structural Steelwork Standards
  • CC3 Certification – Transport for NSW
  • CC3 Certification – Steelwork Compliance Australia (SCA) NSW
  • CC3 Certification – Steelwork Compliance Australia (SCA – 068) WA
  • CC3 Certification – Steelwork Compliance Australia (SCA – 297) WA
  • Steel Sustainability Australia (SSA) – Certificate of Compliance

Click the above to view our certifications.

Chess Engineering operates under strict HSEQ standards, ensuring quality, safety, and environmental responsibility.

Management team

Management Team

Steve Facer

With a global background in agricultural chemistry and leadership experience across major multinationals, Steve returned to Australia in 2002 to acquire Chess Industries. Armed with a Science degree and a Marketing Diploma, he combines technical insight with entrepreneurial drive.

Steve Facer

CEO

Elham Haddo

Elham blends over 15 years of project and engineering management experience with strong leadership and business acumen. With qualifications in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, and a Master’s in Engineering Management, she’s passionate about turning complex ideas into tangible results.

Elham Haddo

Managing Director

Lachlan Kelly

With 22+ years managing major Defence, Mining, and Government infrastructure projects, Lachlan combines trade roots with project leadership expertise - balancing practical know-how and strategic oversight to deliver strong, sustainable outcomes.

Lachlan Kelly

WA General Manager

Wayne Dillow

A CPA and MBA-qualified professional with over 30 years in finance, Wayne brings calm, clarity, and collaboration to every challenge. A Justice of the Peace and proud 10-year RFS volunteer, he values integrity and practical solutions.

Wayne Dillow

Chief Financial Controller

Akbar Gilvan

Akbar brings a master’s in engineering and deep expertise in large-scale infrastructure delivery. A certified PMP and Six Sigma Green Belt, he’s driven by precision, innovation, and a relentless focus on quality and performance.

Akbar Gilvan

NSW Engineering Manager

Bill Demertzis

With over 30 years in engineering and project management across Rail, Infrastructure, and Manufacturing, Bill is a dynamic relationship builder who turns opportunities into lasting partnerships - combining strategic insight with a down-to-earth, results-driven approach.

Bill Demertzis

Senior Business Development Manager

Veronique Besnard

With a BA in Social Science (IR) and broad HR experience across Engineering, Telecoms, NFP, and Health, Veronique brings strategic focus and empathy—creating workplaces where people thrive, cultures grow, and performance follows naturally.

Veronique Besnard

HR Manager

Volkan Yun

Joining Chess in 2010 as a skilled fabricator, Volkan’s journey to Site Manager reflects his commitment and leadership. Known for precision, mentorship, and good humour (even as a Galatasaray fan), he’s a driving force behind our team culture.

Volkan Yun

Site Manager

Diego Machuca

Diego blends mechanical engineering expertise with genuine people skills to lead a motivated, high-performing production team. His energy, positivity, and hands-on approach create a workplace where collaboration thrives - and great work naturally follows.

Diego Machuca

Production Manager

John Sadek

With qualifications in Technology Management and Law, John brings depth across compliance, contracts, and commercial operations. Calm under pressure and meticulous in detail, he’s the steady hand ensuring Chess delivers on its promises every time.

John Sadek

Commercial Manager

Anoer Abdulwahab

From apprentice to Technical Manager, Anoer’s career at Chess reflects his passion for craftsmanship and problem-solving. Known for his energy, expertise, and approachable style, he thrives on creating smart, practical solutions that deliver real results for clients.

Anoer Abdulwahab

NSW Technical Manager

Safety First, Always

Safety, Values & Passion

At Chess Engineering, safety is always our primary value – we are committed to ensuring the well-being of our staff.

Our team aims for tier one compliance status. Safety is integrated into our procedures and IT systems and easily “lock-steps” with our key clients. It is the top priority on our continuous improvement process (CHIP – Chess Improvement Program).

Our Culture & Values

Chess Engineering is committed to quality, reliability, and delivering superior engineering solutions. We build long-term partnerships and offer comprehensive services backed by skilled professionals and compliant HSEQ and ERP systems, ensuring your business success.

We aim to choose character first, all else second.

Key values include:
  • Ethical and transparent in all our dealings
  • Safe, enjoyable and inclusive place to work
  • Partner with like-minded customers and suppliers
  • Customer focused
  • Socially responsible
  • Profitable and growing business

Our Passion

Our Passion

Chess Engineering is here to create value and make a difference based on the following key drivers:

  • Working with clients, not customers
  • Exceeding expectations
  • Respect for clients and team members
  • Avoidance of complications
  • Innovation and “keeping current” with new developments
  • Trust, openness and good formal and informal communications building strong relationships

On selecting staff, character is our first consideration

Get In Touch

Chess Engineering welcomes all inquiries by phone, email or completing the contact form below.

Our Passion

Maintenance

We provide on-site and off-site maintenance services.

  • Remote & Site – Based Support tailored to client needs

  • Trade Expertise – Fitters, Welders, Fabricators, Riggers, and more

  • Fully Equipped Mobile Teams with specialised  service vehicles

Installation

  • Experienced, qualified installation teams work
    across key industries. – Factory Equipment &
    Shutdowns

  • On-Site Installations – Road signs, gantries,
    barriers, railings & heavy plates

  • Turnkey Solutions for seamless integration

Fitting & Assembly

Comprehensive Machining Solutions, including CNC turning and milling centres.

  • Precision machining and turning

  • Heavy industrial component manufacturing

  • Milling, drilling, threading, grinding

  • Gear cutting and part hardening

     

Fitting Engineering Services includes:

  • Precision fitting and assembly

  • Machine relocations and installations

  • Conveyor system and industrial project
    installations

  • Preventative maintenance, upgrades, reverse
    engineering, and retrofits.

  • Surface treatments Blasting

  • Painting

Fabrication

Fabrication is the cornerstone of our business activities, including large and complex projects. Workshops that concentrate on , heavy fabrication, sheet metal, machining and fitting.

  • Heavy Fabrication – Sydney (20MT lift) | Perth (60MT lift)

  • Sheetmetal – Heavily occupied by food equipment works

  • Stainless steel – Segregated work area.

  • Advanced Technology – Hyper Fill, Laser Robotic Welding, CNCs, Waterjet cutter

  • ERP-Integrated Traceability – CC3-certified processes, comprehensive parts catalogues, and in-house blasting & painting

Project Management

  • End-to-End coordination
  • Client-centric Focus
  • Full documentation & formal reporting
  • Management of project contracts

Design & Drafting

We solve complex issues across industry sectors by developing one-off design solutions, ensuring seamless execution and compliance. Our capabilities include:

  • 3D Modelling
  • Detailed Shop Drawings
  • Drafting Services & Certifications