THE WESTERN Australian state government has awarded railcar manufacturer Gemco Rail more than $340,000 to help build 40 iron ore rail wagons.
The funds will be used to upgrade rail manufacturing equipment at Gemco Rail’s Forrestfield facility.
Upgrades will assist in delivering 40 iron ore rail wagons for BHP.
In a media release issued on 29 October, minister assisting the trade minister Stephen Dawson said the funding had been awarded to Gemco Rail through the government’s Local Manufacturing Investment Fund (LMIF) as part of the state government’s bid to revitalise local railcar manufacturing.
Gemco aims to position itself for long-term industry involvement in WA.
It was awarded LMIF funding of $6.9 million in May 2023 to assist in establishing a rail manufacturing and maintenance facility in Karratha which is currently being outfitted.
The $15 million LMIF was established by the state government as part of its 2021 election commitment. More than $13.5 million of LMIF funding has been used to support WA companies to increase their competitiveness and provide efficient and effective service within the local manufacturing sector.
