Steel Recon Industries just celebrated its 50th Anniversary in style
When you think of Malaysian success stories, names like Proton, Petronas, or Top Glove might come to mind. But did you know there’s another homegrown hero blazing through global markets? Steel Recon Industries (SRI), the unsung hero of firefighting equipment, just hit the big 50 with a gala as fiery as their vision: To protect lives by leading the fight against fire.
The amazing history of SRI
Back in the 60s, Malaysia had a fire problem—literally. Firefighting equipment had to be imported, burning holes in pockets (pun intended). Enter Dato’ Ong Yow Siang, whose semangat Malaysia pushed him to found SRI in 1974. The company had it’s humble beginnings in an Old Klang Road shop lot to their first manufacturing facility in Subang Jaya.
SRI began its journey, initially focusing on the reconditioning and repair of firefighting equipment. The early years were undoubtedly challenging. Four years into their venture, progress was minimal. They had to find the correct partners to learn from as the fire fighting industry was in its infancy back then. Resources for knowledge and supporting industries were scarce.
“However, fortune smiled upon us in the 1980s as Malaysia’s industrialisation program gained momentum, drawing foreign investments and fueling growth as the dedication and skill of our people became the backbone of both large and small industries. This environment enabled us to harness the local expertise required to manufacture a comprehensive range of firefighting products.”
Dato’ Ong Yow Siang, Founder and Managing Director of Steel Recon Industries
“Our trajectory shifted dramatically in 1984, thanks to a bold decision to participate in a prestigious exhibition in England—a move that would prove pivotal for our future. This exhibition opened new avenues, leading to our first export to Singapore a year later.”
Dato’ Ong Yow Siang
A RM50,000 gesture and 50 Years of dedication
Through all the ups and downs over the past 50 years, SRI has currently cemented itself in the industry. As part of their 50th anniversary celebration, SRI was all about giving back to the people who helped them grow and be the company they are today. Sitting among the honoured guests, is their very first customer, Larry Chan who received a special token of appreciation.
A significant moment of the evening was the presentation of an RM50,000 cheque to Persatuan Kebajikan Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelemat Malaysia by Dato’ Ong Yow Siang to YAS Dato’ Ts. Nor Hisham Bin Mohammad, Director-General, Fire & Rescue Department, symbolising SRI’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and community impact.
The dinner also honoured 34 employees whose service spanned 10 to 50 years. The first long-service award of the night was presented to Mr Tan Jee Yee, Works Director, who has been with the company for an exceptional 50 years.
“SRI has been more than a workplace—it’s a place where I’ve grown both professionally and personally. I started working here as a teenager, and now, in my sixties, I continue to contribute to the company with pride. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of raising my own family, watching my children grow, and now even having grandchildren, all while being part of an organisation that values its people as its greatest asset. It’s truly fulfilling to be part of a company that feels like family and continues to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Mr Tan Jee Yee
Beyond its employees, SRI expressed emotional gratitude to its valued business partners and customers, whose trust and collaboration have helped shape the company’s success. SRI products are widely utilised in critical applications worldwide, including as airports, petrochemical plants, manufacturing facilities, airplane hangars, stadiums, and hotels.
The gala dinner featured exciting performances, including a high-energy set by Malaysian rock legend Amy Search and a soulful act by the Shang Sisters, leaving the audience wowed.
As Malaysia’s OG firefighting equipment manufacturer (and the first to go international), SRI isn’t just sitting back and enjoying their success. They’re already looking ahead to the next 50 years, innovating and expanding into new markets.
So, here’s to SRI—a company that proves that with semangat Malaysia and a lot of hard work, anything is possible. Cheers to another 50 years of fighting the good fight!
