Siemens products to be manufactured in Adelaide in world first

Siemens and its national distribution partner APS Industrial (APS) today announced the opening of a new facility in Adelaide to manufacture and assemble a range of critical technology, including Siemens’ air circuit breakers (ACBs).

The new development will inject over 150 technology jobs into the local industry over the next 10 years, as well as cutting current ACBs product availability lead times by as much as 50 percent.

It is unprecedented for these Siemens electrical products to be manufactured by a third party, with the new facility billed as a deepening of the company’s relationship with Adelaide which began in 1872 with the establishment of the Overland Telegraph.

Announcing the deal Siemens Australia and New Zealand CEO Peter Halliday said: “This is the first time in the world that these Siemens products will be assembled and certified outside of a Siemens factory, giving the same quality assurances.

“This demonstrates the trust and ability of our national distribution partner APS Industrial.

“APS will adapt and assemble Siemens ACBs and peripheral equipment right here in Adelaide, which is good for jobs, good for industry and good for the economy.”

The ACBs are a critical component of energy transition across industries, helping provide safe power supply, protecting valuable equipment at manufacturing sites, built environments, mine sites, commercial buildings and other infrastructure requiring a safe and secure source of electricity.

The facility will enable APS to accelerate the delivery of ACBs to switchboard builders and electrical contractors who install and serve the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Speaking at the launch event in Adelaide, APS CEO David Hegarty said one of the biggest challenges to the growth of industry over the past few years had been global supply chain issues.

Hegarty said: “The establishment of this new facility will reduce the reliance of global supply chains for a product that is critical to many applications and industries.

“…This is a significant investment for all of us – APS, Siemens and for local industry.

“Five years ago, APS was formed as Siemens’ master distributor in Australia and since then, we have grown significantly in size and scale as we’ve helped electrify and digitalise industries.

South Australian Deputy Premier Dr Susan Close welcomed the local investment saying Siemens and the state shared a long history that goes back over 150 years.

Close said: “As South Australia continues to grow, we need like-minded partners like Siemens and APS that help build our sovereign capability and protect critical infrastructure and industry.

“This investment and commitment to future jobs further cements the technological prowess and capabilities of our state.”

The new facility is located in Clarence Gardens close to Adelaide’s CBD.

Picture: (L-R) David Hegarty, Managing Director APS Industrial and Peter Halliday, CEO Siemens Australia