Bendigo manufacturer Hofmann Engineering has won a contract to build bogie frames for the largest order of new trains in Victoria’s history, creating 30 new jobs.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan and Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan today visited the Bendigo workshop where 900 bogie frames will be built for the high capacity metro trains project.
The bogie frames are for Victoria’s 65, bigger, better metropolitan trains and will be made from 87 per cent Victorian materials.
Once constructed, the bogie frames will be transported to Newport for additional components including wheels, suspension, motors and gearboxes.
The assembled bogies will be attached to carriages before being transported to the Pakenham East Depot for testing and commissioning.
Local staff will be able to build their skills, working with the largest rolling stock manufacturer in the world, CRRC, part of the Evolution Rail consortium who will design and build the new trains for Victoria.
The partnership will enable Hofmann Engineering and other businesses to diversify and compete for further highly-skilled work on other transport and infrastructure projects, keeping and creating jobs here in Victoria.
The new bigger, better trains will enter service from mid-2019 on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines and eventually run through the Metro Tunnel to Sunbury.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“Bogie frames haven’t been built in Bendigo since the 1980s. We’re building world class trains and trams and we’re building them right here in Victoria.”
“Our bigger, better, next generation trains will move more people and create more than 1,100 jobs for Victorians.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan
“By working with one of the world’s leading rolling stock manufacturers, Hofmann Engineering will have an opportunity to drive a new wave of local manufacturing.”
“We see a long term future in Victoria's rolling stock industry, and that's why we're building our trains and trams right here.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“By investing in jobs right here in Bendigo, we ensure the community continues to grow and thrive for future generations.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020