Community Partnership and Inclusivity

27/06/2024

Downer's Hexham Manufacturing facility recently opened its doors to a group of supported employees from Aruma, marking a significant step in their ongoing community engagement and commitment to fostering opportunities for all.

Employing 100 people from across the region, our Hexham facility has been a cornerstone in the Newcastle area for over 40 years, offering comprehensive manufacturing solutions such as switchboard and switch rooms, skid fabrication, structural steel fabrication, fitting, and machining.

Since 2019, Downer has delivered over 1,900 Motor Control Centre (MCC) skids for a major oil and gas client in Queensland, alongside a diverse range of electrical and mechanical products to various industries across the nation.

In 2023, Downer engaged Aruma, a registered NDIS disability services provider as a supplier for manufacturing components. This componentry goes into the manufacture of switchboards and other important electrical equipment that ensures the safe and efficient running of industrial and gas gathering facilities around Australia.

Aruma, one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit NDIS disability service providers, supports 5,500 individuals with disabilities. Their Warabrook social enterprise, active since 1996, employs 20 supported employees and seven staff members, specialising in metal fabrication and component manufacturing for companies nationwide.

Since April 2023, Aruma's team has supplied Downer with significant quantities of preformed cable, terminal mounting strips, and other critical components, ensuring seamless project execution.

Last week's visit gave Aruma’s supported employees a unique insight into how their contributions integrate into Downer’s manufacturing process, highlighting the powerful impact of inclusive employment practices on community and industry.

Aruma employees at Warabrook, manufacturing cabling

"Downer’s collaboration with Aruma is a testament to our dedication to enabling communities to thrive," said Aaron Wylie, General Manager – Future Energy Solutions. "We are excited to welcome the Aruma team and showcase how their valuable contributions integrate into our manufacturing operations."

"Engaging with diverse businesses like Aruma isn’t merely symbolic - it has a real, tangible impact on our operations. Their high-quality work enhances our project delivery, benefiting both our business and the end customers we serve,” he added.

“Our Supported Employees take immense pride in their work. Seeing how their efforts support the local community will further ignite their passion. I’m sure it will be a day for our history books,” said Aruma Production Coordinator, Brent Robards.

“Employment is empowering, and we’re really happy with the work Aruma does. Being able to contribute and partner with that is a no-brainer for us and an amazing opportunity,” concluded Liam Parker, Manager – Manufacturing at Downer.

Downer proudly champions these opportunities, reinforcing our commitment to building meaningful and enduring relationships with the communities we serve.

Aruma employees see their handiwork in Hexham