🎉Congratulations Walter Frate, Senior Project Engineer - Celebrating 20 Years With Otraco
This year marks 20 years with Otraco International for Senior Project Engineer Walter Frate, marking a career that's been dedicated to improving safety, innovation and operational performance in mining operations across Australia.
Recognising Walter's achievements, Tony Cutler, Technical Manager – Operations, said Walter’s successful career with Otraco is testament to his excellent technical and engineering skills.
"Walter has been the mainstay of Otraco's Technical and Engineering team over many years - most notably with his ownership of the design and fabrication of Otraco's suite of specialised tooling. Congratulations on this exceptional milestone, Walt."
Early Career in Brazil
Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Walter holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Engineering) and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame Australia in Fremantle, Western Australia.
Walter began his professional career in Brazil as a Purchasing Engineer with Autometal, a manufacturer of automotive components produced through metal extrusion and plastic injection processes. In this role he was primarily responsible for sourcing and procuring raw materials for the company’s plastic injection division.
He later joined Fiat as a Service Coordinator, where he quickly progressed to Service Manager, overseeing workshop operations and technical teams before migrating to Australia.
Walter’s Career with Otraco
Walter entered the Australian mining industry in 2005, joining Roche Mining as a Reliability Engineer supporting heavy mobile equipment operations. During this time Roche Mining was acquired by Downer Mining, where Walter continued working in equipment reliability and maintenance before joining Otraco International in 2007 as a Project Engineer.
Walter has since progressed through several technical leadership roles supporting major mining operations across Australia. Throughout his career he has been recognised for developing practical engineering solutions that improve safety and operational efficiency in tyre management.
One notable innovation is the award winning 70/70 Bead Breaking Platform, designed to improve safety and efficiency during tyre stripping activities. The solution was recognised through the Bridgestone Mining Solutions Australia awards program, receiving a safety award for its contribution to improving workplace safety.
Walter is also the inventor of Otraco Sealing Clamps, which have become one of the company’s most widely used tooling solutions in mining operations across Australia and internationally. In addition, he has contributed to the design and development of a range of specialised engineering tools and continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing tyre management safety, reliability and operational efficiency.
2026
Looking ahead, Walter remains focused on developing engineering solutions that combine practical field experience with data analytics and digital tools to improve fleet performance and safety outcomes across the mining industry.
Congratulations Walter on reaching the milestone of 20 years with Otraco!
Contact Walter
To contact Walter email Walter.Frate@otraco.com or call the head office on 1800 OTRACO.
