Michael Pearson from Downs Sheet Metal

Michael Pearson’s history with making toolboxes goes back to 1987. When a friend asked Michael to make him one, it sparked a business idea that would lead to the establishment of Downs Sheet Metal.

With Michael at the helm, this Dalby-based business manufactures high-quality metal toolboxes for industries including defence. With a team of 22, Downs Sheet Metal is an approved supplier of heavy-duty toolboxes and workshop trolleys for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

In June 2021, Downs Sheet Metal was one of 26 Queensland organisations to exhibit at Land Forces as part of the Queensland Government stand. As the biggest event in Australia’s land defence calendar, this event was the perfect opportunity to showcase the state’s capabilities and shine a spotlight on Queensland businesses in the defence supply chain.

Land Forces saw Michael talk to hundreds of delegates, including representatives from the Department of Defence and ADF.

‘Being able to be part of the Queensland Government stand was the perfect way to promote what we do here at Downs Sheet Metal to new customers that could make a big difference to us,’ Michael said.

‘We’re a small-but-mighty regional manufacturer that provides employment to some genuinely good people on the Darling Downs. Anything we can do to capture a bigger share of the market means more jobs for locals.’

Michael is just one of the faces of defence industries in Queensland. This sector provides thousands of jobs for Queenslanders, so we’re helping it grow even stronger.