A moving Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony was conducted by Alfred Barker at the Wedgefield site before guests, including local dignitaries, clients and members of the local Indigenous and non-Indigenous community, were addressed by Mayor of Port Hedland Peter Carter and Civmec CEO Pat Tallon.

Following this, a Ground Breaking Ceremony was held, with turning of the first sod signifying the commencement of construction of Civmec’s latest facility.

“The land we’re standing on – 50,000 square metres – will feature a workshop and office facility of approximately 5,000 square metres. Put into perspective, that’s the footprint of four Olympic-size swimming pools or it could house over 550 SUV vehicles undercover,” said Pat Tallon.

The permanent facility not only demonstrates a commitment to clients and support of regional mining operations in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, but it also represents a commitment to the community of Port Hedland – the local people and the businesses of the Port Hedland township.

The development is expected to create many job opportunities for local people both now and in the future, including apprentices, graduates and trainees, as well as bring new skilled workers and their families into the town.

Set to serve as a centre of excellence for maintenance support, the new facility will enable a diverse range of specialised fabrication and maintenance services to be carried out in Port Hedland, including structural repairs, modifications and rotable item maintenance. Operations will be supported by Civmec’s world-class facility in Henderson, delivering innovation that will provide clients with even greater schedule and cost efficiencies.

Mayor Carter remarked, “Civmec is a great Australian success story so let’s work to add to the success here in Port Hedland. We welcome Civmec into our town as we know they will continue to work with and support Port Hedland and the region through their innovative and sustainable partnering approach. That is what this development is all about – supporting one another so the whole community benefits.”

The facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2023.

Click here to learn more about the Port Hedland facility.

Click here to watch ground breaking event video.