Beyond Steel: How Fibre Reinforced Polymer Is Redefining Modern Infrastructure – A Conversation with Shane Crookes
When we think of industrial infrastructure – mines, walkways, marine jetties, or wastewater platforms – traditional materials like steel, aluminium, or timber often come to mind. But what if there were a material that was lighter than steel, corrosion-resistant, easier to work with, and longer-lasting?
That material is Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP), and it’s changing the way infrastructure is designed, built, and maintained across Australia.
At Grating FRP Australia, we’ve been at the forefront of this transformation. To explore the evolution and promise of FRP, Jess from Scavenger Supplies sat down with Shane Crookes – Western States Manager at Grating FRP Australia – to learn how he journeyed from engineering and entrepreneurship to pioneering FRP innovation and building a vision for the future.
With nearly a decade in the composites industry and decades of leadership experience, Shane brings a practical yet visionary perspective to why FRP isn’t just an alternative – but often the preferred solution.
From Engineering to Innovation: Meet Shane Crookes
With over 30 years of diverse experience across technical drafting, business ownership, and infrastructure planning, Shane brings a multidisciplinary perspective to every project.
“I started out as an electrical draftsman for a consulting engineering firm,” Shane tells me. “That gave me a solid understanding of systems, materials, and practical design.”
After managing a multi-site franchise business for more than 20 years, Shane transitioned into the composites industry in 2017. When the opportunity at Grating FRP Australia arose, it was a natural fit.
“I love that I can work closely with clients to design a solution that outperforms traditional materials. FRP gives us the freedom to innovate while still delivering robust, reliable outcomes.”
What Is FRP – and Why Are So Many Industries Adopting It?
Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) is a composite material that combines high-strength glass fibres with a resin matrix. The result is a corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and non-conductive material designed to thrive in harsh or high-risk environments.
“Imagine being able to build a platform or walkway that’s as strong as steel, won’t rust, is a third of the weight, and doesn’t require welding,” says Shane. “That’s FRP.”
Used across mining, marine, wastewater, public infrastructure, and recreational projects, FRP is ideal where:
-
Corrosion from salt, chemicals, or moisture is a concern
-
On-site installation access is restricted
-
Lifecycle costs and longevity are key
-
Electrical insulation and slip resistance are essential
Grating FRP Australia provides both moulded and pultruded FRP systems, including grating, stair treads, handrails, structural beams, and custom-fabricated assemblies tailored to project requirements.
A Material Evolving with Technology
The properties of FRP remain its greatest strength, but technological advances in fabrication are accelerating its capabilities.
“Automation – robotic arms, sensor-assisted cutting, and digital moulding – are starting to improve precision,” Shane explains. “While manual production is still dominant, automation is clearly where we’re headed.”
These enhancements promise faster project turnarounds, greater consistency, and scalability- especially valuable in time-sensitive infrastructure builds.
FRP vs Steel: Long-Term Gains
FRP often surpasses traditional metals in cost-efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
“It doesn’t corrode, doesn’t leach into water, and suits sensitive applications like portable water use,” Shane says. “Steel has its place, but the long-term costs of rust, maintenance, and degradation add up.”
Advantages of FRP over traditional materials:
-
Zero corrosion, even in saltwater or acidic/alkaline conditions
-
No need for welding or hot works (safer installs)
-
Lightweight for easy transport and lower load-bearing design
-
Slip-resistant surface embedded during manufacture
-
Non-conductive – perfect for substations and rail corridors
-
Environmentally safe – suitable for use near potable water or marine life
“We’ve supplied FRP to bridges, access platforms, and remote walkways where steel would’ve been heavier, riskier, and more expensive,” Shane adds.
Who’s Using FRP – and Why?
With increasing pressure on infrastructure to be sustainable, cost-effective, and resilient, FRP adoption is growing across diverse sectors:
-
Parks & Wildlife: For elevated boardwalks, lookouts, and footbridges that preserve natural habitats
-
Mining & Resources: Where chemicals, moisture, and dust demand corrosion-proof materials
-
Marine Infrastructure: From jetties and pontoons to undersea scientific testing platforms
-
Industrial Facilities: Including chemical treatment plants, transport depots, and processing sites
“These sectors want safe, lightweight, adaptable materials that don’t compromise on durability or performance,” Shane explains.
As ESG requirements become standard across construction and asset management, FRP enables infrastructure to align with sustainability and governance benchmarks.
Staying Ahead: Quality & Client Confidence
Grating FRP Australia’s market leadership stems from its uncompromising quality control and client-centric approach.
“We audit our mills regularly, ensuring both product integrity and compliance with Australian expectations,” says Shane.
In addition to ongoing R&D partnerships and quality certifications, Shane highlights the importance of industry visibility.
“We’re out in the field – at trade events, innovation training, project meetings – so our clients see us as collaborators, not just suppliers.”
Final Thoughts
From corrosion resistance and safety to custom design and sustainability, FRP is leading a materials revolution – and Shane Crookes is helping drive it forward.
“FRP is about building a better long-term outcome, on so many levels – not just faster project turnarounds and lower initial costs,” Shane concludes. “It’s how we rethink infrastructure for the next generation and ensuring the ongoing expense isn’t on the client’s pocket or the environments ability to thrive.”
Discover more from Grating FRP
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
