Raising the roof: Shed City builds on 60 years of success

Founded by Karen Breen’s father, a skilled builder who wanted to go beyond traditional homes, Shed City has been crafting high-quality steel structures for nearly 60 years.

Now a finalist in the 2024 Australia’s Favourite Family Business competition, Shed City celebrates its decades-long dedication to producing reliable and versatile products for families, communities, and businesses.

Shed City’s story begins with a desire to enhance people’s outdoor living spaces.

“Our father built many houses and flats around the suburbs of Melbourne and wanted to create a business using his skills that expanded on house living areas,” Karen explains. “He started with verandahs, patios, and alfresco areas.”

The birth of a business

As the business grew, so did the Breen family’s involvement, with each member bringing new ideas and skills to the table. “As the family grew, we all worked in the business, growing the business to produce better quality products – not only stronger but more versatile,” Karen adds.

From patios to sheds, carports, garages, farm sheds, and barns, Shed City now offers an extensive range of steel products, all built to last. The business continues to expand on its founder’s vision while staying true to its commitment to quality.

Built to last:  Shed City’s commitment to quality

Asked to describe the business, Karen says, “Shed City is a hardworking family business who strive to produce and provide the best quality steel building products direct to the public and building sector. We are proud of our quality.” Shed City’s reputation is rooted in this dedication to delivering the best for their customers.

The Breen family is particularly proud that Shed City is one of the few remaining full manufacturers in the industry. Unlike companies that outsource key steps, they handle the manufacturing process from start to finish. This control allows Shed City to ensure every product meets their high standards.

Community and connection

For Karen and her family, Shed City is about more than business – it’s about building connections with the people and communities they serve. The Breens love hearing from their customers and seeing how Shed City’s products become a part of their lives. “We get excited and love our customers sending us photos or calling in to chat about how much they love using their product they purchased from us,” Karen shares.

The family also believes in giving back to the community, supporting local groups and initiatives. “We also love helping community groups like Men’s Sheds, Riding for the Disabled, sporting clubs, etc.,” Karen says. Their products provide valuable spaces for these organisations to gather, work, and grow.

Running a family business in a specialised industry like steel manufacturing comes with its challenges, especially as regulations and requirements evolve. Karen says that “keeping up with business requirements and regulations” can be tough. But with each family member contributing their skills and ideas, Shed City manages to meet these challenges head-on.

Australia’s Favourite Family Business

For Karen and the Breen family, being named a finalist in Australia’s Favourite Family Business competition is a significant moment.

“This has been very exciting for us,” Karen says. “As a manufacturing company, particularly steel manufacturing, we are often forgotten by local groups and government. Government often think of the big steel companies and don’t realise how much we contribute.”

With Shed City’s 60th anniversary on the horizon, Karen and her family are more motivated than ever to continue their work and build on their success.

A family legacy forged in steel

Winning the competition would mark a fitting celebration for their long-standing dedication to their craft.

“Getting recognition like this would mean so much to us,” Karen explains. “We have our 60th business anniversary next year, and winning this would add so much to our success!”

As Shed City celebrates decades of service to its customers and community, the Breen family’s commitment to quality, hard work, and strong relationships continues to set them apart. For the Breens, every structure they create reflects their pride, their legacy, and the lasting impact of a family business that has stood the test of time.

Find out more about Shed City

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