The Western Australian government has invested over $340,000 into a local railcar manufacturing plant in a bid to kickstart the industry’s presence in the state.
The funding has been awarded to Gemco Rail through the government’s Local Manufacturing Investment Fund (LMIF) and will be used to assist the upgrading and modernisation of Gemco’s Forrestfield-based railcar manufacturing plant.
The funding is expected to be used to help Gemco fulfil 40 iron ore railcars to BHP.
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Over $13.5 million of LMIF funding has been used to support WA companies and boost the state’s manufacturing sector. Minister Assisting the State and Industry Development Jobs and Trade Minister Stephen Dawson says continued investment in companies like Gemco will ensure the state’s railcar sector can keep up with industry changes.
“The support for Gemco rail manufacturing and maintenance is another great outcome achieved through our successful LMIF,” the Minister says.
“Having a fully upgraded railcar facility will enable WA to keep up with a rapidly changing industry and ensure our products remain first class.”
Gemco was previously awarded $6.9 million of LMIF funding in May 2023 to assist in the establishment of a rail manufacturing and maintenance facility in Karratha. The facility is currently being outfitted.
The $15 million LMIF fund was established by the state government in 2021.
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