$80M contract signed for local manufacturing of Inland Rail turnouts

The Australian Rail Track (ARTC) corporation has signed an $80 million contract for the manufacture of turnouts for Inland Rail with a local company.

Vossloh Cogifer Australia has won the contract and will design and create 200 turnouts from its factory in Castlemaine, Victoria.

Chief Executive Officer of Vossloh AG Oliver Schuster welcomed the opportunity to be involved in the delivery of Inland Rail.

“This order is the biggest in the history of Vossloh in Australia. It highlights our strong market position and the increasing importance of the Australian market,” he said.

“We are delighted that our long-standing customer ARTC has once again placed its trust in us and that we can contribute to the biggest rail infrastructure project for freight transport in Australia.”

Vossloh Cogifer Australia is part of the Vossloh Group with its headquarters in Castlemaine Victoria.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this was further evidence of the significant economic benefits the 1,700 kilometre Inland Rail connecting Melbourne to Brisbane.

“The Australian Government’s investment in Inland Rail is delivering a world-class freight backbone that will stimulate economic growth, build supply chain resilience and enhance market access,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“But local industries and suppliers will benefit right now as shown by the signing of this major contract.”

Vossloh Cogifer will need to hire 32 people over the next five years to produce the turnouts.

The award for the contract was decided following a competitive tender process.