Founded in 2008, Metalyset can execute complex welds on a wide range of specialist materials, from carbon steel to titanium. The Spanish company’s expertise is in high demand on complex jobs around the world, including major renewable energy projects.
In 2025, the company decided to set up a new business in Perth, Western Australia. This will include a training facility for advanced welding techniques. The school will benefit multiple business sectors in Western Australia, such as shipbuilding and engineering.
‘This is a win–win for everyone,’ says Jose Moreno, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Metalyset. ‘It gives us a chance to establish ourselves in Australia and train young people.’
Practical skills build a global enterprise
Moreno began his working life as a welder. He set up Metalyset in 2008 because he saw how better welding techniques could improve value for clients.
‘We began to train very highly skilled welders for our projects,’ says Moreno. ‘These projects include piping for desalination plants, and metal structures in oil and gas facilities.
‘What makes us different is our range and approach. We can weld all types of materials, including super-duplex. This is a form of stainless steel that is highly corrosion-resistant, and which is used for osmosis systems in desalination plants.
‘Also, our go-to-market includes thorough pre-project analysis. This means we finish on time.’
Metalyset began to expand globally in 2015. First stop was Saudi Arabia, with its oil and gas industry. In 2020, Metalyset established a base in Hong Kong.
Australia’s renewables transition offers opportunities
Moreno’s first contact with Australia was during a tender for work on a major utilities plant. After 2 visits, Moreno decided Australia was a natural base for commercial expansion in the Asia-Pacific region.
‘I like the commercial culture,’ he says. ‘Australia is a prosperous country and businesses pay on time. Australia’s transition to renewables means there are good opportunities for us.’
Western Australia caught Moreno’s attention. The state’s energy and resources sector creates demand in specialist subsectors. Also, Perth is a centre for naval shipbuilding.
‘We saw opportunities to increase the quality of metalworking in piping installations in energy infrastructure,’ says Moreno. ‘But our investment would be more than a regular workshop. We wanted to invest in skills as well.’
Welding school to upskill local industry
Metalyset had started its own welding school in Spain in 2021. The company planned to replicate that training model in Australia.
‘A training school means we can train our own, specialist welders,’ says Moreno. ‘We made contact with a TAFE institute in Perth. Our idea was to develop a course in collaboration with a TAFE.
‘Our school will be co-located with our workshop. We will have 20 welding booths and deliver practical, one-on-one training. The courses will be highly personalised, and we will train students to a very high level of expertise.’
Metalyset is partnering with a TAFE institute to upskill Australia’s advanced manufacturing workforce with specialist welding skills.
How Austrade helped
Moreno says Austrade advisors helped at multiple steps in the investment process.
‘Austrade advisors based in Spain gave us valuable market intelligence,’ he says. ‘They also provided introductions to the Western Australian Government and Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD). DTWD connected us to South Metropolitan TAFE.
‘Advisors helped us understand business culture in Australia before we committed to the investment. After we made the decision, Austrade connected us to migration agents.’
Investment builds global competitive advantage
Metalyset’s investment aligns with Australia’s strategic push to rebuild sovereign manufacturing and strengthen its industrial workforce, according to Miguel Rios, Trade and Investment Director (Spain), Austrade.
‘Australia is creating one of the most attractive industrial ecosystems in the region,’ he says. ‘The national strategy is backed by long-term funding initiatives. These include the A$22.7 billion Future Made in Australia initiative, the A$15 billion National Reconstruction Fund, and the A$392 million Industry Growth Program.’
He points out these programs offer substantial support through grants, tax incentives and co-investment opportunities in advanced manufacturing, clean energy and critical technologies. They are also relevant to skills training initiatives – such as Metalyset’s.
‘The A$3.7 billion National Skills Agreement ensures access to a highly trained and industry-aligned workforce,’ he adds. ‘It boosts investment in vocational education and technical training across states and territories.
‘For Spanish companies, this combination of strong policy support, skilled labour and long-term industrial vision presents a compelling opportunity to establish a competitive and sustainable presence in Australia.’
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