We are excited to announce the official opening of our B5 workshop—a state-of-the-art facility that expands our capabilities, integrates advanced technology, and creates new job opportunities for South Australians.
This expansion marks a new era for Bowhill Engineering, allowing us to take on larger, more complex projects while staying committed to innovation and sustainable manufacturing practices.
The grand opening event on February 6, 2025, brought together industry leaders and local businesses to celebrate this major achievement. The expansion has also gained widespread media attention, with coverage in Weld Australia, Murray Valley Standard, and Murray Bridge News, reinforcing the significance of this investment for South Australia’s manufacturing sector.
A Game-Changer For Bowhill Engineering
The B5 workshop is a major upgrade designed to support large-scale projects with greater efficiency and precision.
- Workshop size: 70 metres long, 20 metres wide, and 23 metres high
- New lifting capability: A 16-metre crane with a 100-tonne lifting capacity, improving safety and productivity
- Faster workflows: More space for fabrication, reducing production time and increasing efficiency
This B5 workshop expansion was not always part of our original plan. Jeremy Hawkes, Director of Business Development, shared how this opportunity came together unexpectedly:
“Originally, we planned to knock down our B2 workshop and rebuild. Then, a client mentioned they had a surplus building. We stepped it out, and it was almost the exact size we needed—like it was meant to be! We were able to buy the frame, cladding, and crane at a much lower cost.”
This unexpected opportunity allowed us to fast-track development while keeping costs lower, setting up Bowhill Engineering for long-term growth and success.
Driving Regional Growth
With the B5 workshop fully operational, we have taken on our largest contract to date – four times bigger than any previous project.
- While specific details remain confidential, this project is a significant milestone that will
- Establish Bowhill Engineering as the only supplier of this product in the Southern Hemisphere
- Strengthen South Australia manufacturing and supply chain
- Boost regional economic growth and create more engineering job opportunities
To support this high-value project, we have invested $5 million in advanced manufacturing technology, including:
- Three robotic welding stations with 7-axis arms and twin wire welders
- A 59-tonne Okuma MCR-A5CII Double Column Machining Centre for precision machining of large structural steel fabrication components
These technological advancements increase production speed, improve quality, and create new opportunities for skilled workers, keeping Bowhill Engineering at the forefront of South Australia manufacturing.
Jeremy Hawkes highlighted the scale and impact of this new project:
Creating Jobs And Opportunities For Local Workers
This expansion isn’t just about bigger projects—it’s about creating new engineering job opportunities for people in the South Australia economy.
We currently employ 61 people and have trained more than 30 apprentices who are now fully qualified. Over the next two years, we plan to increase our workforce from 60 to 75. We are hiring for roles in project management, production, boilermaker jobs South Australia, fitting & turning, deliveries, and welding jobs South Australia.
CEO Jodie Hawkes emphasised our commitment to our people and community:
This growth phase means more stable metal fabrication jobs for skilled workers, stronger career pathways, and long-term benefits for regional economic growth.
A Commitment To Sustainability
As we expand, we are also focused on sustainable manufacturing practices to minimise our environmental impact.
Key sustainable manufacturing practices initiatives include:
- 15% reduction in energy use since 2020
- Solar panels installed across multiple facilities
- 77kW solar system with a 25kW battery backup set to go live in 2025
- Exploring biofuel options using recycled cooking oil
By investing in energy efficiency and renewable solutions, we are reducing our carbon footprint, lowering operational costs, and leading the way in sustainable manufacturing practices.
Industry Recognition: Media Coverage Of The B5 Workshop Expansion
The opening of the B5 workshop expansion and our record-breaking project have been widely covered in industry media, highlighting our manufacturing growth, innovation, and impact on regional economic growth.
This high-profile recognition reinforces our role as a key player in South Australia manufacturing, showcasing our commitment to job creation in South Australia, sustainable manufacturing practices, and advanced structural steel fabrication.
Expanding Our Impact: What’s Next For Bowhill Engineering?
The opening of B5 is more than just a workshop expansion—it represents growth, innovation, and a bold step forward for Bowhill Engineering and South Australia’s manufacturing sector.
Now that the B5 workshop is fully operational, we are focusing on the future, with key priorities including:
- Boosting efficiency to fully leverage the capabilities of our new structural steel fabrication facility
- Expanding our workforce to support ongoing and future engineering job opportunities
- Continuing investment in sustainable manufacturing practices to reduce our environmental impact
- Strengthening industry partnerships to secure more high-value contracts
With exciting new projects, more job creation in South Australia, and a stronger industry presence, we are well-positioned for long-term success and regional economic growth.
