Saunders International Ltd Managing Director and CEO Mark Benson talked with Proactive at the AIM's Small and Midcap Conference about the company’s strong momentum, recent project wins and the strategic expansion into defense and infrastructure sectors. Benson highlighted Saunders’ transformation from a tank constructor to a multi-disciplined, end-to-end engineering and construction provider. “We’ve diversified and become a multi-disciplined business… Now some of the projects we can do end-to-end,” he said, referencing the company’s work on the **Western Sydney Airport**, where it completed all elements from fuel tank construction to apron pipeline delivery. He also noted Saunders’ acquisition strategy as a driver of growth, enabling delivery of complex infrastructure through internal capabilities. Notable acquisitions include piping, civil infrastructure, and automation companies, helping the company expand its offering and grow organically and through M&A. Benson discussed the company’s extensive work in the defense sector, including the **Larrakeyah Defense Precinct** in Darwin, where Saunders handled the complete marine diesel infrastructure — from delivery to ship fueling — a capability he said sets the company apart. “Typically it’s done through 3 to 6 contractors. Now we can do that end to end.” The company now sees a $2.3 billion pipeline of directly addressable opportunities, with up to $4.8 billion in total defense-related fuel infrastructure upgrades anticipated across the next decade. Saunders is actively tendering for $580 million of that. Benson said Saunders’ unique value in defense projects includes not just technical delivery but risk reduction for government clients. “In defense, it’s not all about price. Sometimes price evaluation is only 30%. It’s about de-risking the project for the Commonwealth.” Visit Proactive’s YouTube channel for more company interviews, and don’t forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications to stay updated. #SaundersInternational #ASXStocks #InfrastructureDevelopment #DefenseContracts #WesternSydneyAirport #Larrakeyah #EngineeringProjects #FuelInfrastructure #MarkBenson #ASXConference #ProactiveInvestors #ConstructionNews #ProjectPipeline