Cardiff

Downer EDI Rail will leverage the skills and experience of the NSW Hunter Region for the PPP train manufacture, utilising the expertise of its workforce and local suppliers and contractors, many of whom contributed to the success of the Millennium Train project.

Downer EDI Rail is undertaking a $22 million upgrade to its testing and commissioning facilities at Cardiff to facilitate the PPP Project manufacture.

The manufacture and assembly of the crew cabs and final assembly, fit-out, test and commissioning of the carriages will take place at Cardiff. Components of the train which will be installed at Cardiff include the air-conditioning, seats and the train's computer and electrical systems.

The project will deliver a $200 million economic boost to the Hunter economy and cement the region as the train manufacturing centre of NSW.

Downer EDI Rail will meet the NSW Government's 20% Local Industry participation requirements as part of the PPP project.

The project will support training and skills development with one new apprentice employed on the project for every nine tradespeople to meet the State Government’s requirements. Downer EDI Rail has established a Strategic Training Alliance with HunterNet Group Training Company to find suitable apprentices.

Ramp-up of personnel will begin in June 2008, in readiness for the delivery of the first pre-production vehicles. It is expected that the workforce will continue at the same level at Cardiff until the project starts winding down in April 2013.