Wagner Corporation’s $550 million Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane, has taken a major step forward as a global hub for advanced manufacturing with the groundbreaking ceremony for Boeing’s new production facility.
The sod was turned today on the 9,000sqm facility that will anchor the precinct, where Boeing will manufacture its uncrewed MQ-28 Ghost Bat aircraft, marking the first time in more than 50 years that a military combat aircraft has been designed, developed and manufactured in Australia.
Wagner Corporation chairman John Wagner, who was joined by Scott Carpendale, Vice President of Boeing Global Services – Government Services Asia Pacific region, and Queensland Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick, said the potential ability to co-locate alongside suppliers attracted Boeing to Wellcamp Business Park.
“We have world-class supply chain operators already located on-site, with construction of this new facility set to be a catalyst for significant further investment from companies wanting to be part of this growth sector,” Mr Wagner said.
He added that the development of advanced manufacturing capabilities in Queensland would create new, highly-skilled jobs, local supply opportunities and defence industry stimulus.
“The Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct, anchored by Boeing’s facility, will introduce new industries and technologies such as advanced robotics, creating new capabilities and employment opportunities that benefit Toowoomba, Queensland and Australia as a whole,” Mr Wagner said.
Construction of the facility will employ more than 200 people directly and hundreds more indirectly, with completion anticipated in 2025. Once operational, the facility is estimated to employ a 100-strong skilled workforce.
The Aerospace and Defence Precinct forms part of Wagner Corporation’s 430-hectare masterplanned Wellcamp Business Park, offering high, medium and low impact serviced industrial land. The precinct, collocated with the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, is set to be one of the most sustainable and energy efficient globally, boasting capabilities spanning assembly, maintenance, research and development.
While earthworks begin, Wagner Corporation is continuing to work with Boeing Australia to finalise the production facility design and architectural features.
