- Gemco Rail delivers first iron ore railcar wagon built in the Pilbara for Rio Tinto
- Milestone supported through government's $6.9 million Local Manufacturing Investment Fund
- Fund supports government's priority of creating jobs by making more things in WA
The Cook Government's priority of securing Western Australia's nation-leading economy by making more things is on track with Gemco Rail completing its first Pilbara-made iron ore railcar to Rio Tinto.
The milestone - supported by a $6.9 million investment through the government's Local Manufacturing Investment Fund (LMIF) - is an important one for local manufacturing in WA.
Gemco will now build 59 cars for Rio Tinto at its Karratha facility, which is expected to create new opportunities for local manufacturing, generate jobs, and expand local training pathways in the Pilbara.
It comes after Gemco built 40 railcars for Rio Tinto at its Forrestfield facility earlier this year.
The government is continuing to further its Made in WA plan through initiatives like the LMIF, which is strengthening WA's industrial capability by supporting businesses to adopt new technologies, diversify their operations, and attract new investment so the State remains competitive in a changing global market.
To date, nearly $14 million in funding has been allocated to local businesses through the fund.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"My government's priority is diversifying Western Australia's nation-leading economy by supporting initiatives that help our State become a place that makes more things here.
"Our government brought railcar manufacturing back to Perth, and we're proud to see businesses like Rio Tinto and Gemco Rail getting behind our State's industry, building more things here and creating WA jobs.
"I'd like to congratulate Rio Tinto and Gemco Rail on today's milestone, which has brought Made in WA-railcars to the heart of our country's economic engine room."
As stated by Pilbara and Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"The opening of Gemco's new Karratha facility is another example of WA's world-class manufacturing capability.
"We are backing new industries and local manufacturing because it means stronger local supply chains and more quality jobs for WA.
"This investment is helping to strengthen regional manufacturing and ensuring companies like Gemco can continue to grow their footprint in the Pilbara.
"By building this capability, we're supporting industry today and laying the foundations for a resilient, competitive and sustainable manufacturing sector for decades to come."
As stated by Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Matthew Holcz:
"We're thrilled to be working with our partners to bring iron ore rail car manufacturing to the Pilbara for the first time.
"Our WA operations haul more than 300 million tonnes of iron ore across almost 2,000 kilometres of rail tracks every year.
"Local manufacturing strengthens not only our business, but it also empowers local communities, supports regional jobs and creates new economic opportunities in the Pilbara."
As stated by Gemco Rail chief executive officer Dean Draper:
"We are pleased to deliver on our commitment with the expansion of our operations into the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
"Establishing a manufacturing presence in Karratha strengthens our ability to work closely with customers, enhances supply chain resilience, and supports regional industry while creating employment opportunities.
"The Gemco team remains focused on supporting our customers and building capability within our local workforce to deliver high-quality, sustainable rail solutions."
