Building solutions firm Parkd (ASX: PKD) has signed an exclusive five-year licence agreement with leading steel company Fielders.

The agreement will see the expanded use of Parkd’s metal decking support bracket (MDSB) and metal deck support system (MDSS).

Each product provides a simple support element, while MDSB offers a unique structural system utilising that incorporates the use of existing well-known construction techniques on-site.

Exclusive agreement

The exclusive licence agreement with Fielders Steel Roofing – a division of BlueScope Steel (ASX: BSL) – is for the licensing of the MDSB and MDSS intellectual property (IP) rights owned by Parkd.

It follows more than two years of significant undertakings by Parkd’s engineers and technical division on testing, certifying and proving the performance of its technology.

These activities included the delivery of two proof-of-concept projects, which utilised approximately 6,000 MDSB units and 7,000 square metres of Fielders’ high-performing structural formwork SlimDek 210 product.

Strict performance criteria

Parkd managing director Peter McUtchen said the steps taken ensured MDSB met the strict performance criteria of the agreement.

MDSB will now be offered alongside SlimDek 210 to execute commercial opportunities as a complete engineered solution.

“Parkd recognised the potential its […] system could present to the broader construction market,” Mr McUtchen said.

“This small yet critical invention is the key to […] meaningfully improve safety, productivity, costs and particularly the sustainability goals of the government and private sectors.”

Five-year licence

Fielders now has an exclusive five-year licence for the manufacture, marketing, distribution and sale of MDSB and MDSS in Australia.

Parkd has also granted Fielders the exclusive first right to negotiate additional international licences in the US, New Zealand, Indonesia, Japan, India and Canada.

The companies have agreed to a royalty fee on a per-metre and per-unit basis.

Sector’s changing needs

“Fielders is a responsible leader in the development and supply of sustainable steel solutions for the construction industry and we work hard to anticipate and meet the sector’s changing needs through safer and more efficient methods of construction,” national sales, marketing and innovation manager Matt Lloyde said.

“Our relationship with Parkd is just one example of this in action.”

Parkd and Fielders will now commence the preparation of appropriate promotional materials and a marketing strategy, anticipated to be completed in the second half of FY25.

The companies will begin exploring commercial opportunities as a package for projects from FY26.