WHAT WE LEARNED AT EXA 2025 – REAL CONVERSATIONS, REAL CHALLENGES, REAL SOLUTIONS EXA 2025 was more than an event—it was a pulse check on what really matters to Australia’s heavy industry projects. Held at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre, the Energy Exchange Australia (EXA) Exhibition brought together the key players in energy, infrastructure, and industrial project delivery. For Binder Group, it was a chance to reconnect with existing clients, engage with new contacts, and hear firsthand what’s driving decisions in the market today. Here’s what stood out. 1. Speed and Supply Chain Certainty Are No Longer Optional Across every conversation, one theme kept coming up: lead times. Project teams are under pressure. Delays from offshore suppliers are putting critical timelines at risk, and there’s a clear shift towards local, responsive manufacturing. Visitors to our stand were looking for: Shorter delivery cycles Suppliers that can adapt to changes mid-project Better visibility and communication throughout the process At Binder Group, we’re responding with: Guaranteed lead times backed by in-house manufacturing A responsive team that can adapt to design or scheduling changes Transparent project tracking and local support For project managers, specifiers, and engineers alike, the reliability of supply is just as important as the product itself. 2. Australian-Made Is Now a Business Advantage The appetite for Australian-made products is growing—not as a checkbox, but as a practical strategy for reducing risk and ensuring consistent quality. Attendees shared their concern about: Inconsistent product standards from overseas Lack of traceability Delayed deliveries and port congestion Binder Group’s full return to Australian ownership and manufacturing resonated with many. Our focus on quality control, local sourcing, and technical collaboration gives project teams confidence from design through to delivery. We’re not just bringing production back—we’re reinvesting in capability, tools, and people to support Australia’s infrastructure, energy, and resource sectors. 3. Specifiers and Engineers Want Support, Not Just Products Today’s engineering teams don’t just want a datasheet. They want a supplier who can step in early, understand the design intent, and help solve challenges before they become issues on site. Here’s what they asked us at EXA: Can you customise a support to suit our layout? Do you provide technical support? Can you provide compliance documentation upfront? Binder Group is built around answering “yes” to all of the above. With in-house technical experts, BIM/CAD capability, and a dedicated project support team, we help engineers deliver outcomes—not just components. What We Showcased at EXA 2025 This year, we brought a selection of engineered pipe support solutions that sparked real interest among engineers, specifiers, and contractors. Here’s what drew attention—and why it matters. 1. Cryogenic Cold Shoe What it is: A heavy-duty pipe support designed to maintain insulation and load-bearing capacity in extremely low-temperature environments (e.g. LNG facilities, cold storage, petrochemical plants). Why it matters: At cryogenic temperatures, standard pipe supports can fail due to thermal bridging, material contraction, or moisture ingress. Our Cryogenic Cold Shoe uses multi-layer insulation, vapour barriers, and a robust steel cradle to: Prevent heat transfer Protect the integrity of the pipe Ensure structural stability throughout the system Visitors were impressed by the scale, design detail, and application-specific engineering that went into this solution. For engineers working in LNG and similar sectors, it’s a critical component that must perform under extreme conditions. 2. Spring Supports Why it matters:When high-temperature fluids pass through pipelines, thermal expansion can cause vertical movement. If the system is rigid, that stress gets transferred into nearby structures or equipment—risking damage and shutdowns. What it is: A dynamic support that accommodates vertical movement in piping systems due to thermal expansion, vibration, or structural shifts.movement. If the system is rigid, that stress gets transferred into nearby structures or equipment—risking damage and shutdowns. Our Spring Supports: Provide controlled, continuous support even during movement Are available in variable and constant load designs Can be pre-calculated to match exact project specifications (load, travel, spring rate) At EXA, this sparked interesting technical conversations about application fit, code compliance, and onsite adjustability. Specifiers appreciated that our team could talk through load tables and installation considerations without needing to “get back to them later.” 3. Pipe Shoes, Clamps, and Guides What they are: Common support elements designed for practical use on site—ideal for high-load applications, corrosion resistance, and pipe isolation. Why they matter:Though they seem simple, components like pipe shoes and clamps often define how easy a system is to install and maintain. If these aren’t chosen and engineered properly: You get uneven load distribution You risk damaging pipe coatings Maintenance and inspection become harder and more costly Our range includes: Insulated pipe shoes for high-temp and chilled applications Heavy-duty clamps for structural anchoring At EXA, both designers and contractors valued our customisation options, wide range of materials, and local manufacturing—ensuring reliable lead times even in today’s unpredictable global markets. Engagement Was High—And It Meant Something We were blown away by the number of quality conversations. Many long-term clients came to say hello, while others told us they were hearing about Binder Group again for the first time in years—thanks to our return to Australian ownership. “There’s no other event nationally where we could have met so many long-term customers, new & potential customers, design engineers, and other aligned organisations.” — Binder Group It confirmed that face-to-face conversations still matter, and that people value dealing with a supplier who understands their projects, their pressure points, and their expectations. Next Steps Whether we met you at EXA 2025 or you couldn’t make it, we’d love to talk about how we can support your upcoming projects. We are ready to help you with: Technical specification support Custom-engineered pipe supports Guaranteed local lead times Compliance-ready documentation Let’s talk about your next project. Book a meeting with our technical team Book a Meeting

PIPE SUPPORTS THAT WITHSTAND THE PILBARA Engineering infrastructure in the Pilbara requires more than regular pipe support solutions. Intense heat, fine dust, constant vibration, and logistical isolation place extreme demands on every component. At Binder, we manufacture pipe supports built specifically for these conditions—combining robust design, local production, and certified quality systems to deliver dependable performance in one of the harshest environments on earth. Built for Harsh Environments The Pilbara’s climate routinely exceeds 45°C, and has regular cyclone events, pushing materials to their limits. Dust infiltration wears down exposed surfaces, while nonstop vibration from heavy machinery induces fatigue in substandard supports. These conditions demand pipe supports that are not only strong but engineered for long-term resilience. Binder’s designs account for thermal stress, abrasion resistance, and dynamic loading. We use high-grade materials and protective coatings tailored for mining environments. Our custom-designed supports are low-maintenance, durable, and purpose-built to reduce downtime. Our ISO 9001-certified processes ensure that every support meets both engineering and compliance standards. With detailed QA/QC documentation, engineers can specify Binder products with confidence. MADE IN AUSTRALIA FOR SPEED AND CONTROL Manufacturing locally through Swift Metal gives Binder control over every stage of production. That means tighter quality control, quicker lead times, and greater flexibility. For mining projects facing tight schedules and high logistical risk, our in-house manufacturing is a critical advantage. From U-bolts to clamp hangers, pipe shoes to restraints, our full range of pipe support solutions meets Australian industry standards and is designed to perform reliably in remote and resource-heavy regions like the Pilbara. Today’s engineering teams don’t just want a datasheet. They want a supplier who can step in early, understand the design intent, and help solve challenges before they become issues on site. END-TO-END TECHNICAL SUPPORT Our teams in Perth, Melbourne, and Griffith offer dedicated technical support from initial planning through to installation. We back every product with clear, audit-ready documentation and hands-on assistance to ensure your project stays compliant and on schedule. Whether you need custom engineering, fast delivery, or support navigating specification requirements, Binder Group is a trusted partner to mining engineers and specifiers across Australia. READY TO SPECIFY DEPENDABLE PIPE SUPPORTS? Contact the team at Binder for custom solutions, full QA/QC documentation, and technical guidance tailored to your project.

Downtime Costs Millions: Why Investing in High-Quality Pipe Supports Pays Off In Australia’s heavy industries, the cost of unplanned downtime is not just a nuisance; it is a major financial threat. The average cost of downtime for Australian industrial businesses sits at $349,000 AUD per hour, substantially higher than the global average of $194,000 AUD. In high-risk sectors like mining and oil and gas, strategic investments in infrastructure, including something as overlooked as pipe supports, can have an outsized impact on operational continuity and financial stability. High-quality pipe supports are often treated as a secondary consideration, yet failures here can trigger significant downtime and costly repercussions. Understanding how these seemingly small components affect the bigger financial picture is key to safeguarding operations and reputation. Downtime’s Real Cost in Heavy Industry Australian mining operations alone are at risk of losing upwards of $130,000 to $180,000 AUD per hour during downtime incidents, with industry-wide losses reaching an estimated $10 billion AUD annually. These figures put into sharp relief the fragility of operational uptime in resource-driven sectors. Globally, manufacturing industries are burdened with more than $50 billion USD in annual losses due to downtime. Given the size and scale of Australia’s mining and energy industries, the cost pressure is even more acute domestically. A single equipment failure can ripple through supply chains, delaying deliverables, escalating repair costs, and exposing companies to reputational damage. Pipe Supports: A Small Part with Outsized Risk When infrastructure fails, the assumption is often that the fault lies with major systems like compressors, turbines, or processing equipment. But neglected elements like pipe supports can be an invisible risk. A failed pipe support may not only disrupt the pipeline itself but also cause structural damage to surrounding assets, magnifying repair costs and prolonging downtime. Beyond immediate repair costs, companies face secondary financial risks: Equipment damage leading to extended shutdowns Safety incidents increasing liability exposure Regulatory fines tied to environmental breaches Contract penalties for delayed delivery Reputational harm that could cost future contracts While precise figures on the percentage of downtime directly attributable to pipe support failures are limited, the risks they pose make them a crucial part of preventive infrastructure planning. The Shift Toward Preventive Maintenance Across Australia’s industrial landscape, preventive maintenance is gaining ground. A majority of companies acknowledge the cost benefits of moving from reactive “run-to-fail” maintenance, still used by around 24% of Australian businesses, to outcome-based maintenance strategies. Preventive maintenance reduces unplanned downtime, and high-quality components play a crucial role in that effort. Durable pipe supports, engineered to withstand high loads, thermal expansion, and environmental stressors, extend the operating life of critical assets and reduce emergency interventions. ABB’s survey found that 92% of businesses implementing reliability-centered maintenance saw improvements in operational uptime, with 38% reporting over 25% gains. This signals a clear trend: planned investments outperform reactive fixes, and support systems are a vital part of that investment. Investing in Pipe Supports: More Than Just Hardware Premium pipe supports are not just about holding pipes in place. They are engineered systems designed to: Absorb mechanical stress Compensate for thermal expansion and contraction Reduce vibration and fatigue on pipelines Support compliance with safety and industry standards Ignoring the quality of these components risks pushing maintenance costs higher and damaging operational resilience. It is not just a purchase; it is an insurance policy against both direct and indirect costs. Conclusion: A Strategic Move Toward Reliability Project managers and procurement teams should view pipe supports not as a commodity but as a strategic investment. While the upfront cost is marginal compared to other infrastructure expenses, the financial consequences of failure can be immense. Investing in engineered, high-quality pipe supports is a direct action to: Minimise downtime risk Protect budget integrity Preserve reputation Support regulatory compliance In industries where every hour of downtime costs hundreds of thousands of dollars, seemingly small decisions like the choice of a pipe support can have major financial consequences. For companies committed to staying competitive, it is time to treat these components with the strategic importance they deserve. Ready to Strengthen Your Infrastructure? If you are reviewing your asset reliability strategy or want to discuss how engineered pipe supports can reduce your operational risks, get in touch with the Binder team. We will help you find a solution designed to keep your operations running and downtime off your balance sheet. GET IN TOUCH

Why Custom Pipe Supports Matter in Complex Projects Standard pipe supports meet the needs of most jobs. They’re well-engineered, quality-assured, and ready to perform across a wide range of applications. But when a project calls for something more precise — due to geometry, loading, compliance, or environment — custom supports become essential. Binder builds both. Not Every Job Is Standard Across mining, petrochemical, LNG, and infrastructure sectors, there’s growing demand for pipe support systems tailored to the specific constraints of each site. Harsh environments, strict code compliance, and tight geometries can quickly expose the limits of off-the-shelf options. Custom supports aren’t a premium extra. They’re often the only way to ensure long-term integrity and system performance. What Makes a Project Complex? Common triggers for custom fabrication include: Irregular structural alignment: Inclined pipes, offset loading, or restricted mounting conditions Seismic or movement requirements: Projects requiring specific tolerances and restraint systems Corrosion exposure: Salt spray, humidity, or chemical attack calling for specialised materials or coatings Thermal expansion or axial movement: Where isolators or low-friction elements are needed for reliability Fit and space constraints: When standard dimensions clash with other infrastructure or structural steel Each of these adds risk — and custom supports help manage it effectively. A Practical Example: Mount Holland Lithium Project Binder was tasked with supplying supports for a stainless steel DN150 pipeline running on a 1-degree incline. Standard products didn’t match the geometry or performance needs. We supplied a modified pipe shoe fabricated in ASTM A36 carbon steel, galvanised to ASTM A153, and factory-bonded with a neoprene isolator to prevent galvanic corrosion. Key modifications included: A base-of-pipe dimension specifically calculated to suit the incline Customisation to allow axial movement while keeping the pipe in alignment Material selection to resist corrosion and ensure long-term performance The result: a reliable, site-fit support system that helped protect the pipe from unnecessary stress and supported the integrity of the full installation. Our custom support capability is backed by: 🡆 Decades of fabrication experience across complex and high-risk sectors 🡆 Deep knowledge of compliance standards and industry-specific challenges 🡆 A practical, outcome-focused approach that avoids overdesign 🡆 Strong internal coordination across technical, commercial, and delivery teams We don’t push custom work where it’s not needed. But when the job calls for it, we have the knowledge and experience to get it right. Final Thought When our standard pipe supports just won’t do, our custom solutions deliver the performance, fit, and reliability your project demands — with no compromise on compliance or durability.

When Critical Components Arrive Late, Mining Projects Suffer Late deliveries in mining projects cost much more than time. They threaten production schedules, stretch budgets, and damage credibility. In a sector where downtime burns capital fast, delivery performance is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s a core risk control. When Deliveries Fail, Projects Slide Delays don’t just disrupt installation. They trigger cost overruns, compress downstream schedules, and introduce penalties that can distort financial forecasts. Case in point: Mineral Resources of Australia recently downgraded its iron ore output by 2.9 million tonnes after weather-related logistics issues. The market responded with its worst stock day in 16 years. This wasn’t just bad luck. It was a supply chain fragility that went unmitigated. Australia’s Mining Sector Faces a Logistics Crunch Across mining projects, delivery risk is rising. Coal logistics costs have surged—by up to 50% in some cases. That pressure comes from a mix of labour shortages, shifting regulations, and vendors stretched beyond their capacity. In this context, procurement teams are adapting. They’re no longer just looking at unit price and technical spec. They’re asking whether the supplier can meet the timeline and deliver exactly what’s needed, when it’s needed. This new operating environment demands tougher scrutiny of who gets selected to supply critical components like pipe supports. Why Vendor Performance Can’t Be an Afterthought Vendor reliability has to be proven, not promised. That means looking beyond product catalogues and checking the operational reality of what a supplier can deliver—and when. Key Performance Checks: Fit-for-Purpose Delivery: Pipe supports must match job specifications and site-specific needs—no workarounds, no delays. Delivery Visibility: Look for clear communication around lead times and delivery milestones. Transparent tracking and timely updates help avoid last-minute issues and keep projects on schedule. Binder appoints a project manager to keep stakeholders informed, coordinate production schedules, and ensure alignment from order to delivery. Manufacturing Standards: Know what standards your vendor holds. All Binder products are manufactured in strict accordance with AS4041:2006 to ensure precision, reliability, and compliance with project requirements. Meeting Project Requirements At Binder, we are committed to complying with the project’s technical requirements, that’s why our focus is on delivering supports that: Match project drawings exactly Suit environmental and load conditions Are built right the first time To support this, we offer: Direct access to technical support during planning and procurement A free online CAD library for smooth integration into design workflows Flexible customisation options A dedicated Project Manager Technical Support throughout the project lifetime. Protecting Multi-Billion Dollar Investments Starts with Delivery Western Australia’s mining pipeline includes $48 billion in planned and active projects. In this context, delayed materials do more than cause short-term disruption—they affect procurement schedules, delay construction progress, and complicate commissioning. The knock-on effects can be hard to recover from. Project managers aren’t in a position to absorb these risks. To manage them, they need to engage suppliers early, establish realistic delivery expectations, and stay closely aligned throughout the project. Tracking key performance indicators helps identify problems before they escalate, while clear contractual terms hold vendors accountable for delivery performance. Binder Rebuilding Confidence in Delivery We know the perception: that long lead times are a blocker. We also know the reality—delayed pipe supports have a direct cost. That’s why we’ve sharpened our approach: Clear production timelines from day one Transparent documentation for every order A local manufacturing model that keeps quality and schedule under control Reliable supply isn’t just about speed. It’s about clarity, traceability, and making sure nothing on site waits for a bracket, clamp, or shoe to arrive. Work With Us If you’re managing risk on a high-value mining project and want delivery certainty—not just delivery promises—talk to us early. We’ll show you exactly how we meet spec, hit timelines, and help you avoid the cost of delay. LET’S GET STARTED – CONTACT US TODAY