Logistics, Ports & Terminals

ARTC signs $80M contract for local manufacturing

Freight transport improvements at Port Botany are one step closer, with major firms shortlisted to design and build the Botany Rail Duplication and Cabramatta Loop projects.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has signed an $80 million contract for the local manufacture of Inland Rail turnouts at Vossloh Cogifer’s Australian facilities.

Vossloh Cogifer Australia is part of the customised modules division in the Vossloh Group. The company is headquartered in Castlemaine in central Victoria, employs around 70 workers in Australia, and specialises in the manufacture and maintenance of switch systems.

Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack said the deal is further evidence of the benefits of the Inland Rail project.

“Over the next five years, Vossloh will need 32 additional people to support the design and manufacture of more than 200 turnouts primarily in Castlemaine in central Victoria,” McCormack said.

“It is but one example of the opportunities for manufacturers in Australia to supply a number of products for Inland Rail, providing much needed employment that will grow and sustain business. And it is providing the confidence to hire more staff.

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“The unprecedented economic shock from COVID-19 is something that has affected us all. As we recover, Australia needs people in jobs with our industries open and ready for business.”

Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said the Federal Government’s investment in Inland Rail would continue to deliver significant opportunities for Australian businesses and create more jobs for Australians.

“Inland Rail continues to drive economic activity throughout the construction phase and the local manufacture of this critical part of rail infrastructure reinforces the positive flow-on effects of this project right through our economy,” Birmingham said.

“Inland Rail is backing businesses and jobs for Australians including across regional Victoria at a time when we need them most.”

Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Minister Mark Coulton praised the use of manufacturers in Australia to supply Inland Rail.

“Manufacturers from all over the country are supplying Inland Rail as we complete the 1700-kilometre backbone of our national freight network,” Coulton said.

“Construction of Inland Rail is delivering significant benefits to businesses and people in regional Australia – but Inland Rail will deliver much more, it will deliver the long-term boost that regional Australia deserves.”

Vossloh AG Chief Executive Officer Oliver Schuster said the contract was the biggest order in the history of the company in Australia.

“It highlights our strong market position and the increasing importance of the Australian market,” he said.

“We are delighted that our long-standing customer ARTC has once again placed its trust in us and that we can contribute to the biggest rail infrastructure project for freight transport in Australia.”

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