Friday, 6th February 2026, marked a significant milestone for Bowhill Engineering as we opened our doors to showcase our new facilities and advanced manufacturing capabilities to industry partners, government representatives, and our regional community.

The day was about more than new equipment. It was about why we’ve invested in it, what it means for our team, and how it positions regional South Australia manufacturing for the future.

Special Guests And Major Announcements

We were honoured to welcome:

  • Honourable Tony Pasin MP – Federal Member for Barker
  • Honourable Tim Whetstone MP – State Member for Chaffey
  • Mid Murray Council Mayor Simone Bailey and the current local Labour Candidate for Hammond
  • Rural City of Murray Bridge Mayor Wayne Thorley

The day followed an extraordinary visit from Premier Peter Malinauskas on Thursday, where we had the privilege of an hour with the Premier, Mayor Simone Bailey, Mid Murray Council CE Ben Scales, and Honourable Emily Bourke MLC – State Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.

The Premier’s announcement that afternoon was incredible – $100 million committed to our region, including a Technical College for Murray Bridge. We love that trades are finally getting the recognition they deserve.

We also want to acknowledge Honourable Blair Boyer MP, Minister for Education, Training & Skills, who visited our site last month.

More Capability. More Impact.

As CEO, Jodie Hawkes shared in her opening address, this day mattered to us – not because we’ve bought new equipment, but because of why we’ve invested in it.

“Over the past few years, we’ve been very deliberate about the kind of business we’re building here at Bowhill,” Jodie explained. “One that can take on complex work, deliver safely and consistently, and create real opportunities for people in regional South Australia.”

SOMETHING BIG IS COMING TO BOWENG

Join our next stage of growth at Bowhill Engineering

Are you a skilled metal fabricator, welder, or boilermaker welder looking for your next opportunity in structural steel engineering?

Do you have a strong work ethic to match our current team and want to be recognised as an indispensable team player?

Not only does Boweng want to grow their team, but we want you as an employee to grow. Your role is important & permanent with a long-term retention in mind.

You’ll be part of a team that’s proud of the work they do in delivering high-end structural steel fabrication and infrastructure projects across South Australia and beyond.

What We Unveiled

Guests stepped inside our new B5 workshop and upgraded B2.2 building to see four major pieces of equipment now in operation.

New B5 Workshop – Three state-of-the-art robotic welding systems supporting our structural steel fabrication capabilities for major infrastructure projects.

Upgraded B2.2 Building – Advanced CNC Machining Centre enhancing precision metal fabrication and complex component manufacturing.

Jeremy Hawkes, Director of Business Development, led guests through the equipment unveiling and facility tours. As Jodie introduced him: “To take us through the unveiling, is my partner in crime, we’ve been together since we were 15 and have worked together for 23 years, he’s the father of our 4 great kids…”

This personal touch reflects how Bowhill Engineering operates – as a family business that’s grown into a regional manufacturing leader while maintaining strong community connections.

Why These Systems Have Names

Each piece of equipment was formally named during the ceremony and that’s intentional.

“Behind every piece of technology are the people who operate it, maintain it, design around it, and depend on it to get home safely at the end of the day,” Jodie said.

The robotic systems and CNC machining centre aren’t about replacing people. They’re about backing our people giving them the tools, precision, and scale to do work that simply wasn’t possible at this capacity before.

Strengthening Major Projects Delivery

This capability strengthens how we deliver major projects, including the Torrens to Darlington Project, and positions Bowhill Engineering as a long-term partner for complex infrastructure, not just now, but well into the future. Our investment directly supports:

  • Safer, Smarter, More Complex Work
    Advanced technology enables us to deliver heavy steel fabrication and boilermaker projects with greater precision, quality, and safety standards.
  • Regional Jobs and Skills Development
    From robotic welding operators to CNC programmers, this investment creates new pathways for our apprentices and skilled tradespeople in the Murraylands.;
  • Long-Term Manufacturing Capability
    Positioning regional South Australia as a competitive force in advanced manufacturing and structural steel engineering.

Real Jobs, Real Skills, Real Impact

This investment is about real jobs, real skills, and real impact for our workforce, our partners, and the communities we’re all part of. Currently employing 67 people, including 15 apprentices across metal fabrication, boilermaking, welding, and engineering roles, we’re committed to:

  • Expanding Our Apprenticeship Programmes
    Creating opportunities for the next generation of fabricators, welders, and manufacturing specialists..
  • Investing in Our PeopleProviding training and development that keeps pace with advancing technology and industry requirements.
  • Supporting Regional DevelopmentWorking alongside government, councils, and community partners to strengthen the Murraylands manufacturing sector.

Want to be part of our next chapter? Visit Our Vacancies Page to explore apprenticeship and career opportunities at Bowhill Engineering.

The Impact Ahead

We’re proud of what’s been built, and we’re even more excited about what it enables. From major infrastructure projects like the Torrens to Darlington to supporting local industry needs, our enhanced capabilities position Bowhill Engineering to deliver complex structural steel work for decades to come.

Thank you to everyone who attended our Open Day, to our special guests for their support, and to our entire team who made this investment possible –  Together, we thrive.