A new chapter down under

For Hendrik Steytler, a career in the heavy lift and transport industry has been filled with opportunity and continuous learning.

Hendrik joined Alevro in November 2024 as a Senior Project Coordinator and while relatively new to the business, he has already made a strong contribution, drawing on more than a decade of experience gained across complex logistics and transport projects.

He started out in the industry back in 2012 when he joined ALE in South Africa as a Key Accounts Manager, focusing on turnkey solutions for clients in the transport sector. During this time, Hendrik was involved in several significant projects, including securing the transport and installation contract for the Khi Solar One project, a 50MW solar facility for Abengoa.

The project involved transporting equipment more than 840 kilometres and remains one of the defining experiences of his early career.

"It was a complex and rewarding project that really shaped my understanding of large-scale logistics and project coordination," Hendrik said.

After spending around five years in the industry across a variety of roles, Hendrik and his family made the life-changing decision to move from South Africa to Australia in October 2023. Seeking new opportunities and a fresh chapter, joining Alevro felt like a natural next step.

Today, Hendrik said it is the problem-solving element of his role – finding practical, effective solutions for complex challenges – that really drives him. Equally important has been the opportunity to learn from the people around him.

"I've had the privilege of connecting with an incredible team that brings a tremendous wealth of experience to the table," Hendrik said.

"Being able to learn from them every day has been one of the highlights of my time here so far."

Outside of work, Hendrik leads an active lifestyle. Having grown up in a small town north of Cape Town, he developed a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. He is passionate about cycling and running and enjoys pushing himself through ultra-endurance events.

His most impressive achievement to date? Completing a 500-kilometre non-stop off-road cycling event, which he says is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

When he's not training or competing, Hendrik enjoys spending quality time with his wife of 18 years and their family. Together they enjoy exploring new food and wine destinations, something that made Perth an easy place to call home.

Looking ahead, Hendrik is focused on continuing to learn from the experienced people around him and further developing his skills within the business.

He also believes the industry offers unique opportunities for those willing to embrace challenges and learn from the ground up, as not two projects are ever the same.

"Each project comes with its own set of challenges, which keeps things fresh and engaging. If you're someone who thrives on variety and loves a challenge, this is definitely not an industry that will bore you," Hendrik said.

Alongside his professional goals, Hendrik and his family are working towards achieving permanent residency in Australia and building their long-term future here.

"It's an exciting time, both professionally and personally," he said.

"We're still writing our new chapter in this country and building a future here for our family."