Since the company was established in 1995, Bestbar has grown from a family-owned operation in Western Australia into a leading national steel reinforcement supplier that has not flinched on its commitment to company values established by the founders.
Bestbar’s growth over the past 29 years to become a respected supplier to some of Australia’s largest building and construction companies is a testament to its long-term, responsible approach to put its people and community first.
With over 450 skilled employees across nine branches in Australia, Bestbar supports local economies while leveraging international supply chains to offer reliable and cost-effective solutions.
Managed by its founding members, brothers Grant and Brad Johnston alongside their father Steve Johnston, Bestbar embodies the principles of a family business with a deep-rooted sense of responsibility to both the environment and the communities it serves.
“Australia is our backyard, and we have a vested interested in a healthy future for our kids and communities. We pay the utmost attention to safety, the environment and the communities we operate in,” general manager Neil McLean said.
Bestbar’s commitment to sustainability is anchored in three fundamental pillars: social responsibility, economic integrity, and environmental stewardship.
These pillars reflect the company’s core values, which include upholding high standards of quality and customer service, innovation, people and partnerships, and a commitment to safety and sustainability.
“Our values take a considered approach to meeting the needs of our clients without compromising on future generations,” Mr McLean said.
“This includes preserving and protecting the natural environment through appropriate practices, considering the wellbeing of people and communities, resource efficiency and minimising environmental impact.”
The company puts its values into practice across each sustainability pillar to create a positive impact on the stakeholders.
Environmental stewardship
Committed to minimising its environmental footprint, Bestbar ensures sustainable operations through a core value of safety and sustainability.
The company’s environmental product declaration (EPD), set to be published by the end of this year, will further illustrate its dedication to minimising environmental impact while maintaining high-quality standards meeting customer expectations. The EPD provides transparency around the environmental impact of products, ensuring stakeholders are well informed about the lifecycle of products from production to disposal.
The company is actively working towards reducing carbon emissions, which includes a focus on reusing and recycling offcuts and investing in technologies and practices that contribute to a more sustainable future and lower greenhouse gas output. This includes investing in renewable energy and installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems which reduces reliance on non-renewable energy and supports the goal of reducing overall carbon footprint.
Bestbar also has a waste management strategy which focuses on reducing, reusing and recycling. “We are dedicated to minimising landfill waste through comprehensive recycling programs and innovative waste reduction practices,” Mr McLean said.
This commitment can also be seen through its ISO certifications – ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 9001 for quality management, and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety – which provide third-party verification of Bestbar’s rigorous internal processes.
Social responsibility
People and partnership are a cornerstone of Bestbar’s values, with a strong commitment to their employees and partners.
“We strive to create a positive impact through various programs and policies that support our stakeholders. This includes prioritising the health and safety of all our stakeholders with a zero-harm policy,” Mr McLean said.
Bestbar incorporates rigorous health and safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment, as well as mental health support programs to promote overall wellbeing.
The company is dedicated to supporting communities through equitable practices and inclusive programs such as equal opportunity policies, Indigenous engagement programs, and efforts to reduce the risk of modern slavery within the workforce and supply chain. They also stand by strong anti-bribery and anti-corruption policies to uphold ethics and integrity across the organisation.
In addition, Bestbar has a commitment to inclusion and diversity, reflected in hiring practices and training programs. These values are also upheld through whistleblower protections and initiatives to foster a culture of transparency and accountability.
“By prioritising people and partnerships, we ensure that our business practices are ethical, inclusive and supportive of the communities we serve,” Mr McLean said.
Economic integrity
Economic sustainability is integral to Bestbar’s long-term success, supported by a commitment to innovation and excellence. This includes high standards of quality and customer service.
“We uphold rigorous standards of quality in our products and services, ensuring that we deliver exceptional value to our customers while maintaining economic efficiency,” Mr McLean said.
Bestbar maintains uncompromised product quality, meeting the Australian Certification Authority for Reinforcing Steels (ACRS) standards.
“Bestbar is built on Johnston family values and an ethos of stewardship while upholding a commitment to quality, safety and risk management, and putting the customer first. We never compromise on quality,” Mr McLean said.
“We endeavour to deliver projects on time through industry-leading processes, experienced project teams and advanced machinery processes while upholding a commitment to safety and risk management.”
The company invests in innovation to drive continuous improvement and efficiency in its operations, supporting sustainable economic growth and aligned partnerships. Bestbar’s focus on innovation is demonstrated through its use of advanced technologies such as ReoNet and ReoSend, which enhance operational efficiency and create real value for customers.
This approach to innovation is not just about adopting new technologies but integrating them into a culture that values family, work–life balance, and mutually beneficial relationships with employees and partners.
Bestbar partners with other sustainable, like-minded businesses and is proudly affiliated with reputable organisations, including the Steel Reinforcement Institute of Australia (SRIA), Australian Green Infrastructure Council (AGIC), Housing Industry Association (HIA), Australian Steel Association (ASA), and Australian Certification Authority for Reinforcing Steels Ltd (ACRS).
These affiliations underscore Bestbar’s commitment to industry best practices and collaborative efforts to advance sustainability in steel reinforcement. The company’s extensive branch network ensures that it can cater to local needs effectively, reinforcing its commitment to customer satisfaction and timely project delivery.
Bestbar is also dedicated to corporate responsibility, donating to the Cancer Council and food drives.
Future-focused practices
Bestbar’s dedication to resource-conscious practices is exemplified by its certification under the Sustainable Steel Australia (SSA) program. Being SSA-certified embodies a commitment to responsible manufacturing and processing practices that prioritises environmental stewardship and resource efficiency.
Currently holding Steel Sustainability Australia (SSA) Level 2B certification, Bestbar is working towards achieving Level 3, which is the highest level of SSA certification.
SSA L3 certification not only demonstrates an enhanced product value but also maximises Green Star credits for steel used in construction projects, reflecting Bestbar’s commitment to providing superior, environmentally responsible products.
“For our customers, SSA L3 means that we would go from a responsible product value of 10 to 17, which maximises the available Green Star credits for steel in a project,” Mr McLean said.
As a certified SSA company, Bestbar goes beyond merely meeting industry standards; it is a pledge to secure a healthier future for the next generation in Australia.
“We operate efficiently to preserve natural resources and act responsibly and support our communities,” he added.
“It’s about building the right future for the next generation of Australians.”
As Bestbar continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to ethical business practises and preserving resources with a dedication to the three pillars of sustainability– environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic integrity – is reflected in its values-driven practices.
By remaining focused on their core values of safety and sustainability, people and partnerships, and innovation and excellence, they are committed to making a positive impact on the industry and ensuring a sustainable future.
