Manufacturing is set to play a central role in Western Australia’s clean energy transition, with the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) highlighting a $6.5 million co-investment project aimed at establishing new local capability and supporting job creation across the state’s wind energy sector.
According to AMGC, the Western Australian Government-backed Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program is expected to generate more than 100 jobs and deliver over $100 million in economic impact over five years, as part of efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.
The latest project involves local firm Camco Engineering, which will develop the state’s first wind turbine anchor cage manufacturing capability.
The 14-month initiative includes more than $2 million in government co-investment, alongside $4 million from the company and additional in-kind contributions.
Western Australia’s Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation, Amber-Jade Sanderson, said the investment reflects a broader push to secure reliable and affordable energy while expanding the state’s industrial base.
“This investment will establish a new local manufacturing capability for critical wind energy infrastructure, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening WA’s manufacturing base,” she said.
AMGC stated that anchor cages are a critical component in wind farm construction but are traditionally imported and assembled on-site, limiting opportunities for local industry participation and complicating quality assurance processes.
The new capability will enable Camco to manufacture high-precision components locally, supported by specialised equipment and workforce upskilling.
Camco Engineering chief executive officer Glenn Bailey described the project as a strategic move into the renewable energy sector.
“Our project is an important strategic step in building a truly local capability in wind infrastructure manufacturing,” Bailey said. “With the support of the Western Australian Government and AMGC, we’ll work closely with global wind energy leaders to leverage our advanced manufacturing expertise into the clean energy sector.”
The company is expected to create 26 jobs across design, engineering, logistics, and production, while generating an estimated $46 million in revenue over its first five years of operation.
It also plans to establish a dedicated Wind Power Division and collaborate with a global wind energy original equipment manufacturer and a project developer.
AMGC Western Australia State Director Ellen McGarrity said the initiative would contribute to broader economic and environmental outcomes.
“By establishing local anchor cage manufacturing capability, Camco will deliver a solution that creates real jobs, reduces emissions, and strengthens local supply chains,” she said.
A Western Australian Government report cited in the release forecasts that wind energy could supply more than 50 per cent of the state’s electricity grid by 2035, underscoring the need for expanded local manufacturing capacity to support future projects.
The Camco project is the fourth to receive funding under the $8 million program, which was launched in late 2024 and remains open to applications on a competitive basis.
AMGC noted that, across all funded projects to date, the program is on track to meet its targets for job creation and economic growth, while supporting the development of a more resilient and locally integrated manufacturing sector.
