Sykes Advanced Manufacturing · Geelong, Australia

Build Bigger.
Move Faster.
Manufacture Smarter.

CNC Machining  ·  Composites  ·  Additive Mfg  ·  Prototyping

When traditional manufacturing hits its limits, Sykes delivers.

We help teams bring complex ideas to life — faster, locally, and at scale — using large-format 3D printing, precision CNC machining and deep composite expertise to deliver complex parts without the cost, delays and constraints of traditional manufacturing.

3,800 mm 13,500 mm MAX SPINDLE: ACTIVE X: +4218.330 mm Y: +1524.110 mm Z: -74.250 mm F: 4800 mm/min WORKPIECE CFRP Tooling Block 5-Axis · R=8mm Ball
13.5m
Largest CNC in Australia
5,000m²
Primary Facility
60+
Years Manufacturing
AUS
100% Australian
About SAM

How Can
We Help?

Sykes Advanced Manufacturing (SAM) is the advanced manufacturing division of Jeff Sykes & Associates — built to help industry deliver complex components faster, more efficiently, and without the constraints of traditional manufacturing.

Backed by nearly 60 years of composite manufacturing expertise, SAM combines large-format 3D printing, precision CNC machining and proven composite production to deliver end-to-end solutions — from concept and design through to full-scale manufacturing.

What began as an internal capability to support high-performance composite production — including tooling for world championship and Olympic-winning programs — has evolved into a fully integrated manufacturing platform supporting customers across marine, aerospace, infrastructure, housing and defence.

Operating from a 5,000m² primary facility with dedicated secondary manufacturing and R&D spaces, Sykes offers a seamless workflow across CAD/CAM design, large-scale additive manufacturing, CNC machining, composite tooling and production, finishing, and final delivery.

The result is a single manufacturing partner capable of reducing tooling cost, compressing lead times, and delivering complex, large-scale components with confidence.

Trusted by
Riviera Whitley Status Houseboats C2 Robotics ACS Composites Boeing DECOi Rowing Australia
Who We Serve

Industries
& Sectors

Aerospace & Defence

Composite structures, precision tooling, and prototype components for aerospace-grade requirements. Full dimensional traceability and quality documentation on every job.

Marine & Boating

Composite patterns and moulds for marine applications — from hulls and decks to complex components — as well as prototype parts for surface and subsurface products. A natural home for Sykes, with over 60 years of experience delivering high-performance marine structures. We proudly support leading Australian manufacturers including Riviera Australia, Whittley Marine Group, and Status Luxury Houseboats.

Housing

Advanced housing systems designed for speed, durability and scalable delivery. Sykes manufactures large-format composite components — including structural floor panels and modular building elements — that improve build efficiency while maintaining high performance in structural, moisture and durability requirements. Engineered for repeatability and rapid installation, these systems support modern methods of construction across residential and modular housing projects.

Architecture & Infrastructure

When standard solutions fall short, Sykes delivers bespoke façade elements, architectural forms, and GRC/FRP moulds at scale. We manufacture complex, large-format components that others can't — supporting both design-driven projects and practical civil infrastructure needs. This includes durable, corrosion-resistant plastic parts such as headwalls, pipe systems and custom assemblies.

What We Do

Core
Capabilities

Sykes AM can produce parts in excess of 18m × 3m, with an annual capacity exceeding 250 parts. All capabilities are delivered in-house — one team, one facility, full accountability.

01
Large-Format CNC Machining

Subtractive machining at a scale most manufacturers can't match. Our 5-axis CNC capability enables complex curved geometries, tight tolerances, and exceptional surface finish across foam, timber, composites, tooling boards and epoxy pastes.

Australia's largest 5-Axis CNC: 13.5m × 3.1m × 1.7m 3-Axis flatbed routers for 2D pattern making & part trimming Digital CAD/CAM capability natively using Siemens NX Materials: foam, timber, CFRP block, aluminium, steel
5-AxisFoam & TimberAluminiumCFRP
02
Composite Tooling & Mould Making

Extensive composites experience across all major forms and systems. SAM is a custom pattern maker, mould maker, and OEM composite manufacturer with a proven track record producing complex laminate structures for the world's most demanding applications.

Wet lay-up, vacuum infusion, prepreg — all major systems Epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester thermoset resins Carbon, Kevlar/Aramid, Glass, Flax fibres Nomex honeycomb, PVC, PU, PS and PET core materials Post-curing up to 12m × 3m at 100°C; Autoclave 9m × 2.4m, 3.5 Bar, 200°C
Carbon FibreFibreglassInfusionPrepregAutoclave
03
Large-Format Additive Manufacturing

Large-format 3D printing enables the production of full-scale components without the cost and lead time of traditional tooling. By combining additive manufacturing with CNC machining, we deliver complex geometries quickly, accurately, and ready for end use or further processing.

Large-format thermoplastic 3D printing up to 6.5m × 4m × 2m Integrated print + 5-axis CNC machining workflow Suitable for tooling, patterns, moulds, mandrels and sacrificial cores Rapid production of prototypes, jigs and production fixtures End-use products and infrastructure components for outdoor, industrial and public applications Materials include glass-filled polymers for structural performance
Large FormatAdditive + SubtractiveToolingMandrels
04
Prototyping, R&D & Design Services

From concept sketch to validated physical component — SAM supports design teams through the full development cycle. We offer laser scanning of physical objects to create digital twins, structural FEA analysis, weight optimisation, and rapid iteration to de-risk your development programme.

Prototype design development & manufacture Laser scanning — convert physical objects to digital twins FEA / structural analysis & weight optimisation Fabric/prepreg pattern cutting (Pathfinder) & stocking services Gel coating & 2-Pak painting — automotive grade finish
Laser ScanningFEADigital TwinsPainting
Facility & Equipment

World-Class
Equipment

5-Axis CNC — Main Machine

Australia's largest 5-axis CNC machine, capable of complex multi-surface machining in a single setup.

13.5m × 3.1m × 1.7m working envelope
Additive + Subtractive Combo

Large-format thermoplastic 3D printer with integrated 5-axis CNC — additive and subtractive manufacturing in one system.

6.5m × 4m × 2m envelope
Autoclave

Full autoclave curing capability for aerospace and high-performance composite parts requiring controlled pressure and temperature.

9m × 2.4m at 3.5 Bar & 200°C
High-Temperature Ovens

Multiple large-format post-curing ovens for thermoset composite components. Full range of sizes for any part dimension.

Up to 12m long at 200°C
Spray Booths & Painting

Three large spray booths delivering automotive grade finish. Separated paint mixing rooms and Torret spray-down booths.

Gel coat & 2-Pak to any colour
Metal Shop & Support

In-house metalshop specialising in TIG/MIG welding of aluminium, steel, and titanium with high production capacity. Woodworking capability for jigs and production.

Al · Steel · Titanium welding
How We Work

From Brief
to Built

01
Enquiry & Brief

Send us drawings, models, or a sketch. We review requirements, materials, tolerances, and timeline before committing to anything.

02
Quote & Planning

A transparent, itemised quote with accurate lead times. No scope creep — we define clearly before we start.

03
Engineering

CAD/CAM optimisation, toolpath generation (Siemens NX), material and process selection — all in-house.

04
Manufacturing

In-house production across machining, composites, and additive — with quality checks at every stage of the build.

05
Delivery

Final inspection, surface finish, and delivery or collection from Geelong. We stand behind our work after handover.

Why Sykes AM

Built on
Heritage.
Driven by
Results.

QUALITY SCALE SPEED PRECISION VALUE EXPERTISE
Our Work

Recent
Projects

A selection of recent work across marine, aerospace, housing, and infrastructure. Each project represents the full Sykes AM capability — from concept and tooling through to finished component.

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Ready to
Start?

Whether you have detailed engineering drawings or just a concept, we're ready to talk. Get in touch to discuss your project — no obligation.

Contact Sykes AM

nickb@sykes.com.au  ·  Geelong, Victoria, Australia  ·  Enquiries responded to within 1 business day