In a boost to local employment, jobs associated with the supply of steel for the Gawler Rail Electrification Project have remained in South Australia, despite the collapse of SA Structural earlier this year.
Local company Genis Steel is now delivering essential steel structures for GREP with installation occurring during the April school holidays and was able to take on some of the staff who lost their jobs when SA Structural shut down.
The $715 million Gawler Rail Electrification Project, funded by the Australian and South Australian governments, requires the installation of structures to support the overhead wiring.
Local steel fabricator Genis Steel, located in the ex-Holden facility at the Lionsgate Business Park, completed the fabrication of the 36 major steel structures and 150 smaller steel beams required to support overhead wiring in the Adelaide Yard.
This includes 12 large portal structures, which are up to 30 metres wide and weigh up to 10 tonnes, which were installed over the Gawler and Outer Harbor lines during the recent rail closures.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Corey Wingard, said he is pleased the project continues to progress after the closure of SA Structural and that jobs have remained in the state.
"Following the closure of SA Structural earlier this year, the project team worked closely with the local market which was able to respond to the fabrication challenge, supporting the project timelines and keeping the project spend in South Australia," Minister Wingard said.
"Not only has the supply of these essential steel structures remained in SA, but Genis has also been able to employ some of the affected workers from SA Structural.
"Thanks to these structures being manufactured locally, our focus remains on opening the electrified line by the end of the year.
"The project team and construction workers really have done a tremendous job in the face of the challenges presented by the global COVID-19 pandemic."
Genis Steel Managing Director Vince Manuele said this contract has allowed the business to expand to 41 staff.
"Being awarded the first package to provide the Gawler Rail Electrification Project with approximately 500 tonnes of steel has been a great win for the business," Mr Manuele said.
"It's an opportunity to expand our new business in SA and develop strong relationships by supporting local projects.
"In addition to employing some ex-SA Structural employees, we have been able to maintain the existing relationship with SA-based Korvest Galvanisers, the galvaniser that was contracted through SA Structural."
In total, Genis Steel will deliver a package of 246 steel structures, the equivalent of approximately 500 tonnes of steel, and consists of a combination of masts, twin track cantilevers and portals.
A second package of steel supply was awarded to Ferretti International, who are also fabricating steel structures in South Australia, to support the overhead wiring on the Gawler line.
