From Catalonia to Australia: How SPIN AU Powers 50% of Western Australia's potable water through Industrial Automation

Meet Josep Maria Net, Managing Director of SPIN AU and Business Ambassador between Catalonia and Australia 

Josep Maria Net, Managing Director of SPIN AU, has been leading the Australian branch of SPIN, a Catalan company specializing in industrial control systems, for over 12 years. Recognized by the Catalan government as a business ambassador between Catalonia and Australia, he plays a key role in strengthening business ties between the two regions. 

His journey with SPIN began in 2001 in Barcelona, where he helped the company grow. In 2012, the opportunity to expand to Australia came when SPIN was invited to collaborate on a desalination plant project. At the time, SPIN already had offices in the UK and Malaysia, but rather than completing the project and leaving, they saw potential in the Australian market and decided to establish a permanent presence. 

SPIN AU was born, and today, under Josep Maria Net Camús 's leadership, the team has grown to 28 people. SPIN AU plays a critical role in managing the automation of the two main desalination plants in Western Australia, which supply 50% of the state’s potable water. Australia, particularly Western Australia, provided exciting opportunities with its booming mining industry and demand for innovative technological solutions. The country’s openness to new ideas and technologies has made it the perfect environment for SPIN to thrive.

SPIN Group - 40 years being 4.0 has over 40 years of experience creating control systems. How has the company grown in Australia since establishing SPIN AU? 

Our journey in Australia began with a major project in the water sector, specifically in desalination, which is critical in a country like Australia that faces extreme climate conditions. Since then, we’ve grown steadily. Today, Australia represents nearly a third of SPIN’s total revenue worldwide. 

We’ve built a strong reputation here, especially in the water and energy sectors. Our success has been driven by our ability to offer custom-made software solutions for industrial automation, tailored to the specific needs of each client. This flexibility and commitment to quality have been key to our growth in this market. 

What are some of the main challenges you’ve faced in Australia, and how did you overcome them? 

The biggest challenge was breaking into new sectors outside of water. Australia’s economy is heavily reliant on mining, energy, and water, but it lacks a strong manufacturing base, which limits opportunities in some industries. However, we’ve managed to establish a foothold in the water sector, thanks to our partnership with the Water Corporation, and we’re now working on expanding into mining and energy. 

Another challenge has been cultural. While Australia is very open to international companies, it’s also important to prove yourself with local experience and references. This can be a barrier when trying to enter new sectors, but we’ve been persistent, and little by little, we’re making progress. 

Could you highlight a recent project SPIN has implemented in Australia? 

One of our key projects has been providing support to the desalination plants in Western Australia. These plants provide around 50% of the drinking water to the Perth metropolitan area, which is vital given the country’s dry climate. We’ve been involved in maintaining and upgrading the automation systems of these plants, ensuring they run efficiently and reliably. 

We’ve also recently started projects in Queensland, where we’re supporting water management systems as well. Queensland is a state that’s growing rapidly, especially with the upcoming 2032 Olympic Games, which presents many opportunities for future projects.  

How do you see the demand for innovative technological solutions in the water sector in Australia? 

Australia is at the forefront of needing innovative solutions to manage water, especially with the impacts of climate change. The country is investing heavily in technologies that can secure water supplies for the future, and automation plays a huge role in that. 

For example, the desalination plants we work with are highly automated to ensure they operate efficiently with minimal human intervention. This not only reduces costs but also helps meet the increasing demand for water. The opportunities for innovation in this sector are immense, especially for companies that can offer smart, sustainable solutions.  

What opportunities do you see for Catalan companies in the Australian water sector? 

Australia is a country that values innovation, especially in industries like water management, where efficiency and sustainability are key. I believe there are great opportunities for Catalan companies with expertise in water technologies, such as instrumentation, analytics, and environmental engineering, to enter the market here. 

SPIN’s success in Australia demonstrates that there is room for growth, particularly for companies that can offer solutions that improve efficiency and reduce costs. 

As a business ambassador between Catalonia and Australia, why do you think Catalonia should be a key choice for Australian companies looking for European suppliers? 

Catalonia has always been known for its talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. Companies in Catalonia are highly competitive in terms of technology and efficiency, which is something that Australian companies value. 

Moreover, Barcelona has a fantastic reputation as a hub for technology and innovation, with many global companies setting up bases there. I believe that Australian companies looking to expand into Europe can benefit greatly from the expertise and networks that Catalonia offers. 

What do you think are the main cultural differences when doing business in Australia compared to Catalonia? 

There are a few key differences to consider when doing business in Australia. First, having a local presence is very important here—it shows commitment and builds trust. Another factor is that employees have a lot of leverage due to the lack of labour force, which means employers need to provide more flexibility, such as working from home and part-time jobs, to retain talent. 

Additionally, there are types of employment that don’t exist in Catalonia, such as FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) work arrangements, which are common in the mining industry. Finally, in Australia, the most important component of a deal is not necessarily the price, but the value it offers. They call it "value for money," and it’s a concept that is taken very seriously. 

Lastly, for Catalan companies considering expanding internationally, what value can Australia offer? 

Australia is a land of opportunities. It’s a large country with a small population, which means there is a constant need for new technologies, expertise, and innovation to keep up with the country’s growth. It’s a country that welcomes international businesses, especially those that can offer solutions to local challenges. 

For companies that are ready to take the leap, Australia offers a dynamic and rewarding environment to grow and succeed.