Left: Ark Sheet Metal specialises in custom rainwater tanks.
ARK Sheet Metal is a family owned business with more than 35 years’ experience in custom sheet metal and water tank design.
After many years as a mechanical engineer in the automotive industry, Ark’s director Peter Ford was looking for a change in lifestyle with a more environmentally friendly focus.
Given Victoria’s prolonged drought state, water tank making seemed just the thing.
“I was looking for a business that could use my mechanical design expertise but at the same time provided some sort of environmental support for the community,” Mr Ford said.
“Coming up with robust designs for slim-line water tanks, garden and veggie patch beds, custom made sheet metal products for builders, plumbers etcetera is challenging, but at the same time rewarding and fun.”
Choosing the name Steely Dam for the tank-building part of the business was one of the easier tasks for Mr Ford.
He and his partner are both musicians and wanted to come up with something musical that they could sneak into the name.
“You wouldn’t believe how many people have commented on the name and remember the band Steely Dan from the ’70s and ’80s,” Mr Ford said.
“It’s turned into a nice selling feature for us without it ever meaning to be!”
There is another environmental consideration that Steely Dam takes into account when making water tanks.
The environmental imprint from the production of steel tanks is far less than that of plastics and this is something that greatly concerns Mr Ford.
He is also aware of the fears surrounding possible leaching of chemicals from plastics into stored water.
“We have had naturopaths come to us because they are dead against the usage of plastics for water storage. They’re willing to pay the extra money for peace of mind,” Mr Ford said.
Steely Dam is able to provide made-to-order tanks in addition to the standard range of water tanks available.
This means they can custom design and build water tanks to suit individual requirements. As a one-stop-shop, Steely Dam not only manufactures aquaplate, galvanised iron and Colorbond water tanks but also provides delivery and full installation.
Pump covers and Nissan huts are also available and can be made to specific sizes and shapes.
Readers can call Ark Sheet Metal on 9736 1660 or 0422 388 378 for more information.
