- Cook Government awards $341,000 to Gemco Rail to
boost local manufacturing
- Funds to upgrade rail manufacturing equipment at
Gemco Rail's Forrestfield facility
- Upgrades will assist in delivering 40 iron ore
rail wagons
As part of the Cook Government's
vision to boost railcar manufacturing in Western Australia, more than $340,000
is being invested into revitalising a local railcar manufacturing plant.
Minister Assisting the
State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Stephen Dawson said the
funding had been awarded to Gemco Rail through the Government's Local
Manufacturing Investment Fund (LMIF).
Gemco Rail will use the funding
to upgrade and modernise its Forrestfield-based
railcar manufacturing plant and equipment. The upgrade will assist Gemco
Rail to deliver 40 iron ore rail wagons to BHP and position itself for long-term
industry involvement.
Gemco Rail was awarded
LMIF funding of $6.9 million in May 2023 to assist in establishing a rail manufacturing
and maintenance facility in Karratha. This facility is currently being
outfitted.
The $15 million LMIF was
established by the State Government as part of its 2021 election commitment. More
than $13.5 million of LMIF funding has been used to support WA companies to increase
their competitiveness and provide efficient and effective service within the
local manufacturing sector.
By providing a boost to WA's
rail wagon repair capability, the Cook Government continues to support the
recently released Western Australia: Advancing the Future of Manufacturing
prospectus.
Comments attributed to Minister
Assisting the State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Stephen
Dawson:
"The Cook Government is
focused on building our local manufacturing and maintenance capability to
support the creation of more skilled jobs.
"This support for Gemco
rail manufacturing and maintenance is another great outcome achieved through our
successful Local Manufacturing Investment Fund, which continues to assist and
diversify the WA economy.
"Through the LMIF, the
Cook Government is investing in keeping important industries such as railcar
manufacturing operating here locally, as well as supporting other local
companies throughout the State.
"Having a fully upgraded
railcar facility will enable WA to keep up with a rapidly changing industry and
ensure our products remain first class."
