Cardiff

Downer EDI Rail will leverage the skills and experience of the NSW Hunter Region for the Waratah train manufacture, utilising the expertise of its workforce and local suppliers and contractors.

Approximately 300 jobs will be created in the Hunter during the final assembly and testing and commissioning of the train carriages when flow-on effects to local business are included. This includes approximately 190 mechanical and electrical tradespeople and 30 apprentices to be employed for the peak of the train manufacture at the Downer EDI Rail Cardiff manufacturing facility.

The final manufacture, assembly, fit-out and commissioning of the trains will take place in Downer EDI Rail’s Cardiff manufacturing facility. Components of the train which will be installed at Cardiff include the crew cabs, 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 positions the region as the train manufacturing centre of NSW.

Downer EDI Rail will meet the NSW Government's 20% Local Industry Participation specified under the PPP project.

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

Ramp-up of personnel began in June 2008, in readiness for the delivery of the pre-production test vehicle.

Downer EDI Rail undertook a $22 million upgrade to its manufacturing, testing and commissioning facilities at Cardiff to facilitate the Waratah fleet manufacture. This upgrade was officially opened in May 2009.