Bowhill Engineering Celebrates Opening of B5 Facility

Bowhill Engineering marked a significant milestone with the official opening of their new Fabrication Hall, designated as B5. The ceremony brought together local dignitaries, staff members, and industry partners to celebrate this expansion of the company’s capabilities.

A New Chapter in Manufacturing

The new B5 facility, measuring 70 metres long by 20 metres wide and reaching a height of 23 metres, represents a major step forward in Bowhill Engineering’s growth strategy. The building, acquired through a fortunate opportunity from a surplus defence project, comes equipped with a 100-tonne crane and will soon feature two additional 30-tonne cranes, significantly enhancing the company’s heavy lifting capabilities.

Major Projects and Future Growth

General Manager Tom Dennis shared details about several ongoing and upcoming projects. Currently, the company is delivering 250 tonnes of steelwork for the Kangaroo Island Ferry access infrastructure and a 75-tonne rail bridge over the Light River. However, the most significant announcement was the company’s successful bid for the Cross Passage Tunnel Segments contract for the Torrens to Darlington Tunnel Project.

This landmark project, involving the production of 660 segments weighing approximately 10 tonnes each, positions Bowhill Engineering as the only supplier of tunnel segments in the Southern Hemisphere. The project will require the production of about 40 segments monthly, with deliveries scheduled from March 2026 through September 2027.

Technology and Innovation

To support this ambitious project, Bowhill Engineering is investing $5 million in advanced manufacturing equipment, including:

Three robotic welding stations with 7-axis arms and twin wire Fronius TPS500i welders
An Okuma MCR-A5CII Double Column Machining Centre, weighing 59 tonnes and capable of precise machining of large components

The company emphasised that this automation will complement rather than replace their workforce, creating opportunities for staff upskilling and improved productivity.

Sustainability Initiatives

Quality Manager Ben Quinn detailed the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, highlighting:

A 15% reduction in energy intensity and 50% reduction in emissions since 2020
Installation of solar systems across multiple facilities
Upcoming installation of a 77kW solar system and 25kW battery backup for the B5 building
Exploration of biofuel options using recycled cooking oil

Workforce Development and Culture

HR Manager Samantha Krollig shared insights into the company’s strong focus on workforce development:

Over 43% of staff are on Workforce Development Plans
14 current apprentices with more than 35 completions historically
Active engagement with local schools for recruitment and development
Implementation of the “Boweng Pulse” program for monthly staff feedback
Recognition as an Australian Business Awards Employer of Choice

The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that coincided with the 80th birthday celebration of founder Brendon Hawkes. As stated in the closing remarks, borrowing from Mahatma Gandhi, “The future depends on what we build today,” the new facility represents not just an expansion of capabilities, but a foundation for innovation, growth, and community benefit.