Multinational engineering and electronics company Siemens is set to build a maintenance and repair facility in Tonsley, South Australia, further cementing the business site’s role in the future of manufacturing in the State.
According to the media release Siemens will invest $5 million in the development, which does not include their equipment yet. The facility will be operational in October 2014 and will initially employ about 25 people.
Siemens, which has been in Australia for more than 140 years, signed a memorandum of understanding with the South Australian Government last year, committing its support to the redevelopment of Tonsley, which would establish the site as a model for other sustainable technology precincts.
“We’re in the business of creating technology for a sustainable future and it’s a natural progression of our commitment to doing business in South Australia,” said Siemens vice-president of energy David Pryke.
“Technology precincts offer tremendous potential for innovation and collaboration – essential ingredients for successful business on a global stage.”
South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill says Siemens’ investment represents a significant vote of confidence in the State.
“Tonsley will be the hub of the State Government’s efforts to transform South Australia’s manufacturing sector and build world-class industry capabilities,” says Mr. Weatherill. “It will help prepare the next generation of South Australian scientists, researchers, designers and manufacturers.”
“Siemens will be an integral part of the hub.”
Aside from Siemens, IT Company Tier 5, Flinders University, and TAFE SA are also establishing their presence in Tonsley.
Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade Minister Tom Kenyon said Tonsley will allow high-tech products, systems and services to be designed, tested and commercialized at a faster pace.
“Other companies that make the move to Tonsley will join a cluster of high-value manufacturers working in sectors, such as clean technology, mining and energy, green construction and medical technologies,” Mr. Kenyon said.
Tonsley, which is a former Mitsubishi site, is a 32,000m2 parcel of commercial and industrial land that sits at the focal point of the South Australian Government’s efforts to transform the State’s manufacturing sector and build world-class industry capabilities, as outlined in the Manufacturing Works strategy.
Manufacturing Works is a 10-year strategy that “aims to drive the transition of manufacturing to high value-added activities that compete on value for money, not solely on cost.”
The role of Tonsley is closely aligned with this initiative as the 61 hectare site will attract manufacturers determined to offer value-based goods and services, rather than compete on cost alone, and sell solutions instead of push products, according to the Tonsley website.
