- 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.
As stated by 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."
