Expressions of interest open for WA’s new housing-focused manufacturing hub

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Stock image. Image credit: vipman4/stock.adobe.com

The Western Australian Government has opened expressions of interest (EOI) for a new advanced manufacturing facility in Western Australia, aimed at accelerating the delivery of housing and major infrastructure projects across the state.

Through the EOI process, the government is seeking a private sector partner to develop and operate a facility that will deliver advanced design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA) capabilities, as revealed in a news release.  

The government said these technologies are expected to support faster and more cost-efficient construction of medium to high-density affordable housing and major public infrastructure, including hospitals and correctional facilities.

The proposed facility would focus on manufacturing key prefabricated components such as concrete walls, floor slabs, and piers, which would then be assembled on-site. 

To support the initiative, the state is offering up to 10 hectares of land within the Meridian Park Precinct in Neerabup, with alternative state-owned sites also being considered based on logistical suitability.

Premier Roger Cook said the project reflects the government’s commitment to addressing housing demand while supporting local manufacturing growth.

“Western Australia’s economy is the strongest in the nation, but our growing population has put pressure on our state’s housing market,” Cook said. 

“The advanced manufacturing facility is an innovative partnership opportunity with industry to sustainably increase the delivery of quality affordable housing options faster, cheaper and in a safe environment for local workers.”

He added that adopting new construction methods would help “ensure a steady stream of affordable housing is made available for all Western Australians.”

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Rita Saffioti said the initiative has the potential to transform the way housing and infrastructure are delivered in the state.

“By embracing advanced manufacturing, we can reduce costs, speed up delivery, and create hundreds of local jobs while supporting our state’s housing and infrastructure priorities,” Saffioti said.

Housing and Works Minister John Carey said the project aligns with the government’s broader goal of partnering with industry to improve efficiency and affordability in construction.

“By leveraging advanced manufacturing, we can reduce build times, cut costs, and create high-quality homes for Western Australians who need them most,” Carey said.

Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the initiative will also bolster Western Australia’s industrial capability and workforce development.

“An advanced manufacturing facility of this kind will create skilled jobs, build local supply chains, and support the development of new manufacturing expertise in WA,” Sanderson said. “We’re laying the groundwork for a world-class manufacturing hub.”

The EOI process will be administered by the Office of Major Infrastructure Delivery, closing on 19 November 2025 via Tenders WA. 

Shortlisted proponents will advance to the request for proposals phase in December, with a successful proponent expected to be appointed in early 2026. The facility could be operational by late 2027.

More information is available at www.tenders.wa.gov.au.