Solar-powered, locally-made sanitiser units installed in WA

Ten touchless, solar-powered hand sanitiser units made by Matrix Composites and Engineering have been installed at Perth and Mandurah locations for a six-month trial.

The $1.5 million project was announced early this year, with Matrix responsible for maintaining and refilling the “Solsan” units during the trial. Reaching this phase was the result of the first Market-Led Proposal completed under the WA government’s policy, said finance minister Tony Butti.

“This is a great example of local ingenuity and manufacturing, which will help keep Western Australians safe in busy places like train stations and entertainment venues,” he added.

Each dispenser holds 30 litres of sanitiser and is 4G-enabled. An alert is sent by the machine if it is running near empty. 

Units at metropolitan locations also display the work of Whadjuk Noongar artist, Kevin Bynder, “representing the Noongar six seasons.”

According to the statement from the WA government, six jobs were created at Matrix as a result of the project, with community feedback from the trial informing future commercial models of Solsan.

A further 210 jobs would then be created if the trial leads to commercialisation.

The units are installed in Perth at Optus Stadium, RAC Arena, Perth Children’s Hospital, and Boola Bardip, as well as the Geraldton Museum and the Mandurah Train Station.

Matrix was established in 1999 and describes itself as a developer and manufacturer of advanced material solutions for civil and infrastructure, resources, oil and gas, defence, and transportation sectors. Its factory is at the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson.

More information on Solsan can be seen here.

Pictures: Matrix Composites and Engineering

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