The construction of Boeing’s new manufacturing facility in Toowoomba officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, 26 March.
Wagner Corporation will undertake construction work on the new 9,000 sqm facility located at the Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct, where Boeing will manufacture its uncrewed MQ-28 Ghost Bat aircraft.
The new facility marks the first time in more than 50 years a military combat aircraft has been designed, developed, and manufactured in Australia.
The potential ability to co-locate alongside suppliers attracted Boeing to Wellcamp Business Park, according to Wagner Corporation Chairman John Wagner.
“We have world-class supply chain operators already located on-site, with construction of this new facility set to be a catalyst for significant further investment from companies wanting to be part of this growth sector,” Wagner said.
“It has already attracted substantial investment from State and Federal Governments, and will likely bring further investment from higher education, small-to-medium enterprises and start-up companies looking to co-locate and collaborate.”
“This will cement Toowoomba and Wellcamp Business Park as a nucleus for aerospace and defence advanced manufacturing, creating global export opportunities for Australia’s supply chain.”
Work on the new facility will create jobs for more than 200 people and will indirectly employ hundreds more. Construction is expected to be completed in 2025, with the facility estimated to employ 100 skilled workers once operational.
Wagner said developing advanced manufacturing capabilities in Queensland would create new, high-skilled jobs, local supply opportunities, and defence industry stimulus.
“The Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct, anchored by Boeing’s facility, will introduce new industries and technologies such as advanced robotics, creating new capabilities and employment opportunities that benefit Toowoomba, Queensland and Australia as a whole,” he said.
“The opportunity to be part of revolutionary development and manufacturing will draw some of the brightest minds and recognised experts to our region.”
The Aerospace and Defence Precinct is part of Wagner Corporation’s 430-hectare masterplanned Wellcamp Business Park.
Collocated with the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, the precinct is expected to be one of the most sustainable and energy-efficient globally, with wide-ranging capabilities from assembly and maintenance to research and development.
