A Bunbury-based company will expand its workforce and explore new manufacturing opportunities in the wind energy sector after receiving more than $2 million in funding.
RCR Advanced Technologies is the second recipient of the $8 million Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program. The project aims to build local capability in producing wind energy components and support the state’s transition to clean energy.
The $5.3 million project will pilot the production of transition flanges. These parts connect turbine towers to foundations and are currently made overseas. RCR is working with turbine makers to build the flanges locally, reducing shipping costs and improving supply chain reliability.
Funding will help RCR modernise its workshop, buy new machinery, and improve quality control to meet large wind energy developers’ standards. The company will also train workers to refurbish turbine parts like gearboxes and drive shafts.
RCR brings strong experience from the mining sector and plans to strengthen ties with global equipment manufacturers such as Vestas. The project is expected to create up to 48 new jobs and generate $36 million in revenue over five years.
The Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program supports local manufacturers by providing up to 50% of eligible project costs. Industry partners must match the funding, ensuring collaboration. The program supports manufacturers at different stages through two funding streams focused on market entry and growth.
RCR joins Australian Winders as a key recipient, with the program investing over $2.5 million so far in Western Australia’s wind energy manufacturing. The state has several large wind farms planned, some over one gigawatt in size.
More details are available at https://www.amgc.org.au/wind-energy-program