About R.E. McMahon
For over six decades, R.E. McMahon has delivered specialist industrial plumbing, fabrication, and infrastructure solutions for some of Australia's most demanding operations.
Established 1966
Licensed Industrial Plumbers
RPZ & TMV Certified
Confined Space & Working at Heights Certified
Projects from $100 to $5M+
The Story Behind R.E. McMahon
R.E. McMahon Pty Ltd has been one of the Illawarra's leading industrial plumbing contractors since 1966. What began as a specialist plumbing operation in Unanderra has grown into a company capable of fabricating, and installing complex plumbing systems across manufacturing, mining, energy, civil infrastructure, aged care, and heavy industry.
The business is family-run. Renzo Garato started here as an apprentice the same place he now leads as Managing Director. His son Matt oversees operations and site management. His daughter Morgan runs finance, compliance, and the operational backbone of the business. That continuity of leadership over decades is not incidental it's what gives clients confidence that the same standards will apply job after job, year after year.
In 60 years of operation, R.E. McMahon has earned a client list that includes BlueScope Steel, BHP/South32, Sydney Water, Orica, Port Kembla Coal Terminal, Wollongong City Council, and NSW Trains. We've held an alliance plumbing contract with BlueScope Steel since 1995 30 years of continuous, trusted supply to one of Australia's most demanding industrial operations.
We get it right the first time, no shortcuts.
Our Values
Safety first, always
We hold a strong moral and legal responsibility to provide safe working environments for our employees, clients, contractors, and the communities we work in. Every project, regardless of value, is planned and executed with safety as the primary consideration.
Quality without compromise
Our aim is maximum client satisfaction through consistent delivery of work that meets or exceeds agreed standards. We take pride in getting it right the first time.
Sustainability
Even on the lowest-risk projects, we treat the surrounding environment as a principal factor. We minimise environmental impact through careful planning and responsible materials management.
Long-term relationships
Our growth has come from repeat clients and referrals. We build relationships on trust, integrity, and making our clients' goals our own. Many of our client partnerships span decades.
Our Mission
"Results Flow On To You"
Since 1966, we've held to the same core principles: do the work properly, stand by it, and prioritise the outcome for the client. We don't cut corners, we don't subcontract away our responsibility, and we don't walk away from a problem.
Our Team
Renzo Garato
Managing Director
With more than four decades of experience in specialised industrial plumbing, Renzo brings unmatched technical expertise and a reputation recognised across the industry. He began his career at R.E. McMahon as an apprentice plumber and has worked through every level of the trade, building a depth of knowledge that continues to guide the business.
Known for his exceptional work ethic, Renzo remains the first to arrive and the last to leave staying actively involved on the tools while overseeing strategic and operational direction. His fair leadership style, strong industry relationships, and decades of hands-on experience have shaped the organisation's culture and earned the trust of clients, partners, and staff alike.
Matt Garato
Plumbing Operations Manager
Matt's journey from apprentice plumber to Operations Manager reflects two decades of dedication, skill, and integrity. He oversees all plumbing personnel and operations setting the benchmark for workmanship, safety, and professionalism across every project.
Matt manages quoting and project management, ensuring jobs are accurately scoped, efficiently coordinated, and delivered to the standard clients expect. His deep knowledge of the business built across decades in the field — makes him a go-to problem solver and a steady presence for both staff and clients.
Morgan Garato
Finance, Operations & Compliance Manager
For over two decades, Morgan has been the operational backbone of R.E. McMahon — evolving from a junior administration role to overseeing every moving part of the organisation. Her expertise spans operations, financials, quality assurance, and workplace health and safety.
Known for precision and efficiency, Morgan ensures the business runs smoothly, safely, and to the highest professional standard. Her work covers financial management, compliance systems, workflow optimisation, and quality control — all delivered with the meticulous attention to detail she's developed over 20 years.
Credentials & Qualifications
Our team collectively holds the following licences and certifications:
Polymer Fusion
HDPE Butt Welding
Electrofusion Welding
Licensed Commercial Plumbing
Gas, Sanitary & Roofing Plumbing
Confined Space Entry
Breathing Apparatus
Asbestos Awareness
First Aid
FRP Laminating
Ticketed MIG & TIG Welding
Project Management
AutoCAD & Design
Electrostatic Pressure Testing
Hydrostatic Pressure Testing
Hazardous Areas Awareness
EWIS Panel Installation, Maintenance & Repair
Heavy Rigid Truck
RPZ Certification
TMV Certification
Our Facilities
We operate from two large factory areas in Unanderra, containing extensive specialist equipment for plastic and metal fabrication. We employ a full-time purchasing manager and storeman to maintain our store and ensure parts are on hand when needed.
You're welcome to inspect our facilities. Contact us to arrange a visit.