WA's resources services sector has been given a boost with MTU Detroit Diesel opening its new $30 million facility while Lowrie Construction expands its base.
WA's resources services sector has been given a boost with MTU Detroit Diesel opening its new $30 million facility while Lowrie Construction expands its base.
The expansions come at a time when uncertainty blankets the resources sector following the federal government's proposal to impose a resources super profit tax.
Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore today opened MTU's new 31,000 square metre purpose-built facility in Hazelmere that includes a large engine remanufacturing centre, a key feature of the new building.
"In the past, some of the larger engines used by our mining, marine and defence customers have been sent to other facilities for remanufacturing," MTU Detroit Diesel Australia chairman and chief executive Doug Seneshen said.
"Our new facility gives us the capability to do everything from Western Australia - which means faster turnaround times and reduced costs for our customers.
"We've experienced significant growth in mining, oil and gas, power generation, marine, defence and on highway markets in WA and this new building represents our commitment to providing unparalleled service and support to our customers here."
The new facility also contains 22 drive-through truck bays for highway customers, who can take advantage of the sleeping and showering facilities.
Meantime, Lowrie expanded its manufacturing facilities in Maddington due to increasing demand for switch and control rooms from the mining and liquefied natural gas sectors.
The company said today it had increased its fabrication facilities by 10 per cent by moving into an additional 2,500 square metre factory.
The expansion takes the company's entire manufacturing operations to 26,300sqm across three sites, including Madrid Place and Cobalt Way, both in Maddington.
"Strong demand across our product range provided the catalyst for us to increase our fabrication facilities," general managerAdrian Poyner said.
"Our new site will primarily undertake component fabrication to support the main workshop facility that will now have an opportunity to increase base frame production output by 20 per cent.
"This new facility will be fully operational by mid May.
"Additional base frame capacity will be further developed at the new site, specifically to build smaller switch rooms, communication rooms and operators cabins.
"We expect this to increase base frame output by an additional 10 per cent.
"Lowrie Constructions continues to make excellent progress in its core markets, and is busy developing its client base in the oil and gas sector, along with a number of overseas resource related projects."
Lowrie Constructions - part of the Adelaide-based Paragon private equity firm - was formed in 1991 to primarily provide remote area housing for Aboriginal communities in WA's North West.
It quickly diversified and won its first contract to supply a switch room for a mining company the same year.
Lowrie has since manufactured about 430 buildings for the mining sector in WA, including about 300 switch rooms and 30 control rooms.
