Australian Winders, a Western Australian manufacturer, has secured nearly $1 million in funding through the first round of the Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program, a joint initiative of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) and the Western Australian Government.
The $976,408 project will help the company scale up its capacity to produce coil components for electrical generators and motors, essential in the wind energy sector and beyond.
Half of the funding – $488,204 – comes as a co-investment under the program administered by AMGC.
The initiative is set to strengthen the state’s manufacturing base and boost local participation in renewable energy supply chains, according to a news release.
“This partnership with the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre will help my government to seize these opportunities and cement WA’s role at the forefront of the global energy transition,” said Premier Roger Cook.
“By manufacturing wind turbine infrastructure in Western Australia, we’ll not only help in the fight against climate change, but we will also create jobs and opportunities for Western Australians.”
Australian Winders, the country’s only manufacturer of large coil components, will upgrade its coil line with advanced machinery including robotic taping heads, hydraulic hot presses, and automated testing systems.
The improvements are expected to enhance the quality, speed, and consistency of coil production to meet international standards.
“With Australian Winder’s manufacturing operations already at maximum output, we have been unable to take on new contracts or pursue growth opportunities,” said Managing Director Tony O’Brien.
“By increasing production capacity and automating key processes, this co-investment via the WA Government will remove existing bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and reduce lead times.”
The project is forecast to generate 25 new jobs and upskill around 20 existing roles within a year of completion. It is also projected to bring in $17.8 million in new revenue over five years.
AMGC Managing Director Dr Jens Goennemann highlighted the project as a model of how strategic investment can unlock manufacturing potential.
“Australian Winders is a great example of the latent manufacturing potential we have in Australia. With the right support and focus, we can help companies and this nation manufacture increasingly complex goods by leveraging the skills we already have.”
“Through this project, Australian Winders will first offer local repair and maintenance of wind turbine coils,” Goennemann added. “Then as they skill up, they will be able to manufacture new coils for OEMs and wind farm operators, replacing an entirely imported product.”
Energy, Decarbonisation and Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson noted the wider economic benefits. “Supporting local businesses like Australian Winders strengthens our economy, creates skilled jobs, and ensures WA is well positioned to play a key role in the clean energy transition,” she said.
The Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program offers two funding streams: a Market Entry stream for smaller projects focused on capability building, and a Market Growth stream supporting capital expansion and advanced R&D. Applications are open until the $8 million fund is exhausted.
More information and application details are available at www.amgc.org.au/wind-energy-program.
