Subbies support Metricon

SUBCONTRACTORS have taken the unusual step of defending a major builder, backing Metricon Homes in the face of insolvency rumours.

Australia’s largest low-rise builder has categorically denied it is facing collapse, as staff mourn the sudden death of company founder and CEO.

Mario Biasin died unexpectedly on Monday, after suffering mental health issues.

The company has been forced to repeatedly deny it is in financial trouble.

It does not have any recorded breaches of minimum financial reporting, nor is there any evidence of wind-up or other court action against Metricon in Queensland.

John Goddard, of advocacy group Subbies United, is used to going after big builders at the mere suggestion it could leave his members in the lurch.

But in this case, he said, it would be “a self-fulfilling prophecy caused mainly by bad publicity” if Metricon did go into administration.

Mr Goddard said there was no evidence of unpaid subcontractors and no whispers the company had sought pre-insolvency advice.

“I have not heard of one subcontractor who has not been paid on time by Metricon. Not one,” he said in a note to members.

“Another phenomenon of the times is cancelling people, in this case its cancelling Australia’s biggest builder.”

Long-time Metricon subbie Stefan Styles, of Yatala company Civic Shower Screens, was baffled by the rumours.

“I’ve done work for them for the past seven years and they’ve always paid on time, they’re always good with dispute resolution – they’ve been very good to work for,” he said.

“They haven’t done anything wrong, it could be very detrimental for their business.”

Acting Metricon CEO Peter Langfelder said there was no basis to widely-circulated reports the company had been trying to push for more deposits to help with cash flow.

“There is simply no basis to these rumours. Metricon is a strong viable business without any solvency problem,” he said.

The construction industry is facing challenges on multiple fronts, as rising supply costs meant many contracts are becoming unprofitable before