NSW government secures 600 jobs in the Hunter

25 June 2009

The NSW Government has approved a significant assistance package to Swedish company Sandvik Mining and Construction to consolidate their facilities across NSW and Queensland into a single ‘supersite’ at Heatherbrae near Raymond Terrace.

Premier Nathan Rees said this decision will bring investment of more than $65 million and secure up to 600 jobs with a further 150 jobs expected to be created over the next four years.

“This is a win for Port Stephens and the Hunter region,” Mr Rees said.

“Sandvik is one of the world’s most respected high tech engineering firms providing equipment and tools for the mining and construction industry.

“The company’s multi-million dollar investment over the next five years will result in around 600 direct and 800 indirect jobs.

“This is a massive proposition with the project estimated to contribute up to $625 million to the regional economy in its first five years.”

The supersite will manufacture tools and equipment, and provide aftermarket service and support to the mining and construction industry.

Mr Rees said that the NSW Government had worked hard to secure this Swedish multinational company expanding its operations in high technology engineering.

“Products will include tools for metal cutting in cemented carbide, high speed steel and other hard materials, and products in advanced stainless materials, titanium, special alloys, metallic and ceramic resistant materials,” Mr Rees said.

“The Heatherbrae supersite will also include an engineering centre, a training centre and one of Sandvik’s three warehouse hubs in Australia.

“We will continue to seek out and attract major investments to NSW through the assistance and support of programs run by the NSW Department of State and Regional Development.”

This announcement comes on top of a number of Government initiatives aimed at supporting jobs in the Hunter, including:

• a $3 million boost to the Hunter Advantage Fund to support and create jobs;
• a specialist Defence Industry Advisor appointed to promote NSW and the Hunter as defence industry hubs; and
• $250,000 to identify green job opportunities for the Hunter.