Team Insight: Foundation Story + Future of Furnace Solutions with Ben Burchill
For this special 10 Year Anniversary edition of FROM THE FURNACE, hear from Founder and Managing Director, Ben Burchill as he reflects on the journey from bold beginnings and early engagements to becoming the global choice in furnace rebuilds, replacement, and maintenance.
Ten years ago, Ben Burchill saw something missing in the world of furnace demolitions and rebuilds. Beyond the need for better service, there was an undoubtable desire for better team culture and an innovative approach to service delivery.
So, Ben and a small team backed themselves, conceived some bold ideas, and built something new — to eventually disrupt the global landscape!
“My vision was to become the global leader in furnace demolition and to ensure we were always challenging the norm, and innovative in everything we do,” Ben explains.
“I had some bold ideas to make Furnace Solutions efficient, by making everything we did simple.”
Today, a decade on from its inception, that vision underpins a globally recognised Australian business, known for delivering complex furnace shutdowns with accuracy and precision.
Cultural Principles
“Our culture is what sets us apart. We are very transparent in our dealings with all stakeholders, employees, clients, suppliers,” says Ben.
“We share our knowledge, we share our issues, we share our innovation, we share our failures.”
There’s also a gritty determination that runs deep through the team.
“We once thought we should have a slogan ‘getting s##t done’ because we just do, we just make it happen.”
This culture of action and shared responsibility has enabled Furnace Solutions to continually punch above its weight, and outpace the incumbents within the global specialisation, actively growing beyond initial successes within Australia.
Foundational Engagements
The scale and expertise needed to deliver shutdown and demolition projects can make or break new entrants to the market. Early in the go-to-market journey, Furnace Solutions assembled the right team; skilled, motivated, and capable of building a strong reputation from the outset.
“The sinter plant at Nyrstar Port Pirie was critical,” says Ben.
“We managed to achieve something a number of contractors had failed at doing – the safe removal of remaining sinter from a redundant feed system.”
From there, the business leapt to international status with its first overseas project in New Caledonia. At the Koniambo Furnace Demolition project, the company executed its first full furnace demolition. This early global success was made possible by genuine partnerships.
“Our client was very supportive, as were our suppliers. Brokk Australia really pulled out all stops to ensure we could deliver,” Ben said.
The project was not only delivered on time and under budget, but it also proved that Furnace Solutions could execute beyond Australian shores!
The third defining project was SCM17, a landmark project with BHP that continues to underpin Furnace Solutions’ relationship with the mining major today.
“I remember very well the 100-plus night shifts, each starting with a new problem that had to be resolved on the spot to keep the project going,” Ben reflects.
“This was really the turning point, as all these challenges presented the opportunity.”
By the time the next SCM job came around, Furnace Solutions was no longer just providing demolition services, it was leading planning, supervision, and mechanical execution, end to end.
“Challenges and frustrations removed, and a great outcome achieved. I’m very thankful to BHP who entrusted us for such a critical scope.”
The Future of Furnace Solutions
Now ten years in, Ben sees the next phase of the business as its most exciting yet.
There’s growth into new geographies, new markets, and potentially new industries; all backed by the same relentless focus on safety, innovation, and teamwork.
“To the people who’ve helped us become what we are today, hang on to your hats!” Ben says.
“We have even more exciting times ahead!”
He’s quick to credit the effort behind the scenes including the workforce, their families, and the trusted suppliers who have helped carry Furnace Solutions through a decade of high stake project delivery.
“To make a business like ours function, it takes a huge effort from a lot of people. Primarily our employees, who are the true business, they are our backbone. They do the hard yards, they make the sacrifices, being away from their families to support our clients’ remote operations. And to the families that allow them to do this, I know firsthand that this is not an easy gig.”
To the vendors, subcontractors, and most of all, the clients who’ve placed their trust in the team; Ben’s message is clear: “We are extremely appreciative of this trust and hope that we can continue our relationships well into the future.”
Here’s to many more decades of #DoingWhatWeSay!
The Furnace Solutions 10 Year Anniversary celebrations are only just getting warming up!
Stay tuned for more reflections, announcements, and celebrations FROM THE FURNACE throughout 2025.
Ben Burchill, Founder & Managing Director
Ben Burchill brings over three decades of expertise in the metals processing and refining maintenance industry. With a solid blue-collar foundation as a Refractory Bricklayer and later as a Brokk operator, Burchill's hands-on experience and technical knowledge have been pivotal in his leadership role. His extensive background in the field has enabled him to navigate complex challenges and spearhead innovative solutions within the industry.
Under his guidance, Furnace Solutions has evolved, delivering exceptional services and cutting-edge technologies to clients worldwide. Burchill's dedication to excellence and passion for the industry continue to drive Furnace Solutions towards continued success and growth.