What started as a personal quest to support a child’s passion for horse riding has blossomed into a thriving local enterprise for one East Gippsland family.
East Gippsland Steel Panels, now celebrating just over a year of operation, emerged from a common frustration facing many rural families: the high cost of essential farm infrastructure.
According to the owners, Amber and Jed Willmann, the business began when their children became serious about horse riding and required a round yard.
“We were surprised by how expensive the panels were and noticed a real gap in the local market for affordable, quality options,” they said. “From there, we started offering solutions to our community and advertising through Facebook — and the business naturally grew.”
What began as a part-time venture to help neighbours has rapidly evolved.
The business now fields daily phone calls and messages for quotes, bringing in a bulk order usually once a month.
The company specialises in cattle yards and round yards, which have proven to be the most popular items due to their versatility for both general livestock handling and the equestrian community.
For the family behind the brand, the rapid growth means no two days look the same.
While the husband initially spearheaded the operation, the long-term plan is for the family to transition the workload, with the wife and children taking on a more central role.
A key factor in their success has been their service model.
Unlike many suppliers where customers must arrange their own logistics, East Gippsland Steel Panels offers delivery and installation – usually fulfilling orders within a week, or two if stock needs to be ordered in.
“Our delivery and installation service has also been a big drawcard, making the process easy and stress-free for customers,” Amber and Jed noted.
Beyond the business success, the venture is driven by a desire to support the local agricultural community during tough economic times.
“We love being able to work from home, meet fellow farmers, and help people access quality, affordable products — especially at a time when many families are feeling the pressure of rising costs,” Amber and Jed said. “Being able to support our local community while building a family business is incredibly rewarding.”
Residents looking for affordable yard solutions can find East Gippsland Steel Panels on Facebook.
