Austin Engineering Limited has been selected by the Western Australian government for a grant of up to $5 million to support its advanced manufacturing initiative at its Perth-based operations in Kewdale.
As part of Austin’s ongoing worldwide advanced manufacturing plan, the funding will assist in increased automation and production efficiency in its Perth-based manufacturing plants.
The program was started by the company in 2021 as part of the Austin 2.0 strategy to modernise the company through improved capacity and efficiency across its significant mining equipment manufacturing facilities.
The initiative has also included upgrades to its manufacturing equipment and processes in Perth, utilising the most recent technology and innovation to streamline and increase production while improving quality.
The production program has so far enabled an increase in output and an expansion of the product line with Austin’s rollout of its High-Performance Truck Tray (HPT), an ultra-lightweight truck tray that can handle more ore tonnes annually due to its reduced weight and higher volume efficiency.
David Singleton, Austin CEO and managing director, expressed his gratitude to the WA government’s decision to finance the company through the Investment Attraction Fund (IAF).
“The grant will allow us to continue investment into advanced manufacturing and technology in our WA operations, to create more local jobs and deliver world-class designed and engineered products to our mining customers,” Mr Singleton noted.
Currently, the ASX-listed company offers equipment condition monitoring software on its excavator bucket line, and it is being upgraded for use on truck trays for more accurate monitoring of repair and replacement requirements.
The grant funding has been allocated under the government’s IAF, which was announced in March 2022.
The IAF aims to increase investment, jobs, and economic diversity in Western Australia by increasing demand for local goods and services and securing trade in new sectors and markets.
The grant’s terms, including the timing of any funding, will not be known until a final agreement is reached.
