The Western Australian government is advancing WA’s position in renewable energy by supporting local manufacturers to capitalise on the booming wind energy sector through an $8 million partnership program.
The first recipient of this program is Bayswater-based Australian Winders, which will receive $488,204 in co-investment funding to support a $976,408 project aimed at enhancing automation, training, and quality management to meet rising demand in the wind energy market.
Australian Winders, the only manufacturer of large coil components in Australia, will initially focus on providing local repair and maintenance of wind turbine coils.
As the company scales up, it plans to manufacture new coils for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and wind farm operators, replacing a product currently imported entirely from overseas.
This project is expected to generate about 25 new jobs and approximately $17.8 million in additional revenue over the next five years.
The Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program, delivered in partnership with the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), offers up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs, contingent on industry partners matching this funding.
This approach fosters strong collaboration and supports manufacturers at different stages of development through two funding streams focused on market entry and market growth.
Premier Roger Cook stated: “Becoming a renewable energy powerhouse and making more things here are key parts of my government’s strategy for WA to remain the strongest economy in the nation.
“By manufacturing wind turbine infrastructure in Western Australia, we’ll not only help in the fight against climate change, but we will also create jobs and opportunities for Western Australians.
“This partnership with Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre will help my government to seize these opportunities and cement WA’s role at the forefront of the global energy transition.”
Energy and Decarbonisation and Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson commented: “Supporting local businesses like Australian Winders strengthens our economy, creates skilled jobs, and ensures WA is well positioned to play a key role in the clean energy transition.
“The Cook government is committed to developing a strong, sovereign manufacturing base that supports our transition to renewable energy.
“The Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment program is a practical example of how we’re partnering with industry to grow local capability and create new economic opportunities.
“Through our collaboration with the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, we’re connecting local manufacturers with the expertise and support they need to succeed in the wind energy supply chain.”
Tony O’Brien, managing director of Australian Winders, said: “This co-investment will position us to meet rising demand in the wind energy sector, secure new contracts, and strengthen our role as a key domestic supplier.
“This expansion will not only allow Australian Winders to grow within our existing markets but also create the capacity needed to explore new opportunities.”
Dr Jens Goennemann, managing director of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, added: “Australian Winders is a great example of the latent manufacturing potential we have in Australia.
“With the right support and focus, we can help companies and this nation manufacture increasingly complex goods by leveraging the skills we already have.
“Through this project, Australian Winders will first offer local repair and maintenance of wind turbine coils, then as they skill up, they will be able to manufacture new coils for OEMs and wind farm operators, replacing an entirely imported product.”
This initiative forms part of the state government’s broader Made in WA plan to build sovereign manufacturing capabilities and support the state’s economic strength through the renewable energy transition, while also creating skilled employment opportunities for Western Australians.
