Australian Winders gets $488,204 boost through WA Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program to lift automation and capacity

The Western Australian government’s $8 million Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program, administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, has made its first co-investment, awarding $488,204 to Australian Winders.

According to a statement from AMGC on Wednesday, the project has a $976,408 total value and will see Australian Winders upgrade its facilities and skills to be able to supply wind farm operators with a locally-made coil components.

Australian Winders was established in 2008 and serviced major projects. The COVID era prompted it to begin manufacture for the then-isolated WA market.

The project will build on that, and according to the release will help upgrade the company’s coil line “with new equipment, including robotic taping heads, hydraulic hot presses, and automated testing systems, allowing the company to boost the speed and quality of coil looping, spreading, and wire insulation to meet international standards.”

Managing Director Tony O’Brien said with manufacturing currently at maximum output, “we have been unable to take on new contracts or pursue growth opportunities. 

“By increasing production capacity and automating key processes, this co-investment via the WA Government will remove existing bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and reduce lead times.

“As a result, we will be positioned to meet rising demand in the wind energy sector, secure new contracts, and strengthen our role as a key domestic supplier.”

The project is expected to lead to 25 new jobs and $17.8 million in new revenues over five years.

“Australian Winders is a great example of the latent manufacturing potential we have in Australia,” added Dr Jens Goennemann, AMGC Managing Director.

“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 is a highly worthwhile effort to back as the program’s first co-investment.”

Picture: supplied

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