An industry-first initiative to construct 140 ‘flat pack’ iron ore cars over the next four years in Perth will develop capability and boost Western Australia’s manufacturing sector, through a collaboration between BHP, UGL, QRRS and supported by the State Government. In an initial trial, BHP has shipped ore car components from QRRS’s factory in China to UGL’s Bassendean facility as ‘flat packs’, where the UGL team has assembled, welded and commissioned the cars before delivering them to BHP’s Pilbara operations. For over a decade, iron ore cars have traditionally been built offshore. On average, BHP orders several hundred each year. To date, five iron ore cars have been completed and delivered to the Pilbara. A further 15 are due to be built and delivered by February 2023. At least 12 UGL jobs have been sustained through the project. Following the trial’s early success, BHP has committed to constructing an additional 120 cars over the next four years in WA, with the potential to create and sustain dozens more local jobs. BHP is continuing to build local content through manufacturing and maintenance opportunities to ensure the local ore car supply chain is sustainable and competitive.
An industry-first initiative to construct 140 ‘flat pack’ iron ore cars over the next four years in Perth will develop capability and boost Western Australia’s manufacturing sector, through a collaboration between BHP, UGL, QRRS and supported by the State Government. In an initial trial, BHP has shipped ore car components from QRRS’s factory in China to UGL’s Bassendean facility as ‘flat packs’, where the UGL team has assembled, welded and commissioned the cars before delivering them to BHP’s Pilbara operations. For over a decade, iron ore cars have traditionally been built offshore. On average, BHP orders several hundred each year. To date, five iron ore cars have been completed and delivered to the Pilbara. A further 15 are due to be built and delivered by February 2023. At least 12 UGL jobs have been sustained through the project. Following the trial’s early success, BHP has committed to constructing an additional 120 cars over the next four years in WA, with the potential to create and sustain dozens more local jobs. BHP is continuing to build local content through manufacturing and maintenance opportunities to ensure the local ore car supply chain is sustainable and competitive.
