Downer’s Hexham workshop has successfully completed its 2,000th Motor Control Centre (MCC) skid for Santos, marking a milestone in the company’s ongoing support for local manufacturing in the Hunter.

The skids were manufactured Downer’s state-of-the-art production facilities in Hexham, where the teams delivered the initial fit-out, cabling, and testing. The skids are then transported to Richlands for their final fit-out and quality assurance, before being transported to Santos sites throughout Queensland.

Murray Richards, Executive General Manager Industrial & Power Generation for Downer’s Energy & Utilities business said the milestone highlighted Downer’s local manufacturing capability and its dedication to technical excellence, whilst keeping critical skills in the Hunter.

“Downer’s commitment to local manufacturing and workforce development has been a cornerstone of this project.”

“Through the project, we are also proud to contribute to the local economy by creating jobs and investing in skills development, particularly via our apprenticeship programs,” Murray said.

Across the Hexham and Richlands workshops, approximately 25 people are directly employed to support the manufacture and assembly of the equipment, including more than 20 apprentices over the course of the project, gaining invaluable experience in the field.

In addition to direct employment, Downer has expanded its impact by engaging Aruma, a registered NDIS disability services provider, as a supplier for key manufacturing components.

Since April 2023, Aruma’s team has supplied Downer with essential materials such as preformed cable and terminal mounting strips, further embedding the project within the local community and ensuring seamless execution.

“Downer is proud to play a leading role in ensuring that we continue to make things in the Hunter, partnering with clients to maintain critical assets and provide vital utilities services that keep local communities connected,” he said.

 IMAGE | The delivery of the 2,000th MCC skid was celebrated in a joint event at Downer’s Richlands facility, bringing together teams from Santos, Downer and other suppliers.