NSW Premier officially opens Downer’s Electronic Test & Repair Centre

01/07/2024

NSW Premier officially opens Downer’s Electronic Test & Repair Centre – keeping critical skills onshore and local. Downer was proud to host NSW Government representatives including Premier, Chris Minns, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, and local member, Sonia Hornery, at its Cardiff Rail Facility on Thursday 27 June.

During the visit, the representatives alongside Downer Chief Executive Officer, Peter Tompkins, officially opened the Electronic Test and Repair Centre (ETRC).

The ETRC conducts critical repair and overhaul services for electronic components used across Sydney Trains’ fleets, while supporting the ongoing development of highly skilled, local jobs in the Hunter region. 

Speaking to NBN News who were there on the day, Peter is quoted as saying, “Enabled us to take components off our rolling stock, test it and repair it and put it back on the train, instead of taking these components and sending them to places like Japan and Korea.” Watch the full piece here: NSW Premier tours Lake Macquarie – NBN News

Over the next two years, Downer’s highly skilled technicians will dedicate more than 45,000 hours performing maintenance on the specialty electronic components. These components provide power and electrical control on the train, which drives the motor and powers systems such as lighting, air conditioning, and doors. By replacing circuit elements and performing repairs where needed, the Downer team is able to divert what would otherwise be considered e-waste from landfill. 

Speaking more broadly about the Premier’s visit, Peter said, “we are honoured to have the Premier of NSW here to tour the Cardiff facility and officially open our Electronic Test and Repair Centre.

“With the New South Government committing to both overhauling and replacing the Tangara Fleet, Downer is proud to be able to show what the Hunter and Western Sydney regions can do to manufacture and maintain rollingstock that serves the people of New South Wales.”

Our Cardiff site has stood for nearly 100 years, supporting local industry and manufacturing. Sydney’s Millenium and Waratah fleets were manufactured at the facility, with the latter being the largest fleet of passenger trains in Australia. Today, Cardiff provides a critical link in maintaining the majority of Sydney’s train fleet, providing heavy overhaul, repair and modification capability.

After cutting the ribbon on the ETRC, the Premier continued touring the facility before meeting with the local suppliers from the Hunter and Western Sydney who help maintain the fleets.