A Bunbury-based manufacturer will expand its workforce and pursue new opportunities in the clean energy sector after securing more than $2 million under a state government program aimed at boosting local wind energy capability.
RCR Advanced Technologies, part of the half-century-old RCR Mining Technologies, has been named the second recipient under the WA government’s $8 million Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program, delivered in partnership with the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC).
The company will receive $2,047,900 in co-investment funding for a $5.3 million project that will pilot the production of transition flanges, a key wind turbine component that connects towers to foundations and which is currently manufactured overseas.
RCR’s initiative is expected to create up to 48 new jobs and generate $36 million in revenue over the next five years.
Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the project reflected the state government’s commitment to building a locally competitive renewable manufacturing sector.
“RCR Advanced Technologies is harnessing its strong track record in manufacturing by expanding its capabilities and creating new jobs to deliver critical components for the growing wind energy sector,” Sanderson said.
“Through the Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program, we’re enabling local companies to scale up, invest in advanced equipment, and secure their place in global clean energy supply chains.
“This project demonstrates the WA government’s commitment to building a competitive, future-focused manufacturing base that drives decarbonisation and creates quality jobs for Western Australians.”
South West Minister and Bunbury MLA Don Punch said the investment would benefit both industry and the local community.
“By supporting local companies like RCR Advanced Technologies, through the Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program, we are not only investing in the business but also in the local community,” Punch said.
“The project will help RCR to modernise and expand its capabilities while also creating dozens of new jobs and generate more than $30 million in revenue.”
RCR plans to modernise and expand its Bunbury workshop, invest in state-of-the-art machinery, and upgrade its quality processes to meet international turbine developer standards.
The company will also upskill its workforce to support future work refurbishing wind turbine components such as gearboxes and drive shafts.
RCR Advanced Technologies Manager Neville Kelly said the initiative would have lasting benefits.
“This will have a significant impact in the region we operate in and offers opportunities for us, our workforce, and the region to adapt,” Kelly said.
“RCR is in a prime position to upskill local workers and provide employment related to modern energy sources, while leveraging our mining sector heritage in engineering projects to meet burgeoning demand from the onshore wind energy supply chain in Western Australia.”
The project will also strengthen RCR’s collaboration with original equipment manufacturers such as Vestas and support the development of major renewable projects across the state.
Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre WA State Director Ellen McGarrity said RCR’s participation highlighted the opportunities available through the co-investment program.
“Through this program, AMGC aims to highlight the real opportunities in growing manufacturing capability.
“RCR is leveraging its expertise in heavy, precision-engineered equipment to deliver a locally unmatched solution for a new customer base,” McGarrity said.
“RCR is extending their heritage, reducing delivery times, and helping address demands from industry and the State for the clean energy this era will be powered by.”
RCR joins Australian Winders as the second successful applicant under the Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program, which offers up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs to help companies expand into the wind energy supply chain.
More than $2.5 million has now been committed under the program.