Lindsay and Terese Krautz started Albury Stainless Steel in 1987 in Kiewa Street before buying bigger Nurigong Street premises in the late 1990s.

Mr Krautz has worked 46 years in the steel fabrication industry, doing his sheet metal apprenticeship locally with Clemson Hot Water.

During three decades of their business, Mr and Mrs Krautz have guided 23 apprentices in the trade and encouraged them to develop their skills.

“It makes your life easier, the more they know, the better you are,” Mr Krautz said.

“I would class them as all magnificent tradesmen, some are in business for themselves now.”

Their sons Harley and Jordan (deceased) and nephew Matthew have been among those apprentices, joining the company over three consecutive years.

“They did not have a choice,” their boss said.

“They were all playing up, so they can all get down here and learn a trade.”

“It was pretty stressful for Linds for quite a while, I think,” Matthew Krautz said with a laugh, but he and Harley agreed the arrangement had turned out just fine.

All six present employees have been offered work elsewhere after Albury Stainless Steel’s closure. Mr and Mrs Krautz have been overwhelmed by the good wishes received since announcing their decision, which comes with some sadness.

“I’m from the old school,” Mr Krautz said. “I do all my drawings by hand, 3D, and now they’re calling on workshop drawings to be all CAD (computer-aided drafting) drawings. I just think it’s time for me to go.”