News

Gemco Rail is proud to announce that wagon manufacturing is now established at our Karratha facility, marking a major step in bringing rollingstock capability into the Pilbara and closer to our customer operations.

This follows the successful delivery of the first 40 iron ore wagons from our Forrestfield facility a program that demonstrated the strength of Gemco Rail’s local manufacturing capability and laid the foundation to transition wagon manufacturing into the Pilbara.

To mark this milestone and the official opening of the Karratha facility, we welcomed the Premier of Western Australia, Roger Cook MLA, the Local Member for the Pilbara, Kevin Michel MLA, representatives from Rio Tinto, and our valued supply partners. Our guests travelled to the Pilbara to celebrate this important next phase in Gemco Rail’s regional expansion.

This achievement reflects a true team effort. From early planning and detailed design through to site establishment, equipment mobilisation and the first bearing off the line, Gemco teams across operations, engineering, production and supply chain worked together to successfully establish rollingstock and rotable capability in the Pilbara, directly supporting Western Australia’s vital mining sector.

With bearing refurbishment activities now well underway and wagon manufacturing established at Karratha, the site is positioned for long-term success. We are excited about the opportunities ahead, including expanding our local team, growing regional capability and strengthening our contribution to the communities in which we operate.

We acknowledge the strong collaboration with Rio Tinto, the technical support of CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock Co. Ltd., and the ongoing support of the Western Australian Government in enabling the development of local manufacturing capability in the Pilbara.

Thank you to everyone involved in delivering this important milestone. Your dedication, teamwork and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in bringing this transition to life and setting the foundation for continued success.

Gemco Rail is pleased to announce its official recognition as a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for All Women, a significant milestone that reflects our long-term commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable rail industry.

WORK180 is a global platform that promotes and supports employers committed to gender equity. WORK180 assesses and showcases organisations that meet high standards in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Their mission is to empower women to make informed career choices by highlighting workplaces that actively support their growth, wellbeing, and success.

This endorsement recognises our ongoing efforts to create a safe and supportive environment where, from the workshop floor to senior leadership, women can thrive. It reflects our commitment to improving gender representation across the rail industry, particularly in technical and trade roles where women have historically been underrepresented.

A more diverse workforce strengthens our ability to deliver innovative, reliable rail solutions. By improving gender equity, we are building teams that better reflect and serve the needs of our customers and communities.

This endorsement is part of our journey. We will continue working to ensure Gemco Rail is a place where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to succeed.

To learn more about our endorsement and explore career opportunities view our Work180 Profile Gemco Rail Pty Ltd | WORK180 Endorsed Employer

Gemco Rail is pleased to announce our official membership in Mai-Wel’s 2025 Employer Ambassador Network — a community-driven initiative dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities.

As a Mai-Wel Ambassador, Gemco Rail is committed to creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities. In collaboration with Mai-Wel we provide valuable job opportunities, fostering a more inclusive and supportive community.

Celebrating the Launch

On November 13th, we attended the official launch event at The Whistler, Maitland. Steve Nicou, Gemco Rail Telarah Workshop and Safety Supervisor, shared insights into our partnership with Mai-Wel and the positive impact it has had on both our workforce and the individuals we employ.
A standout of the event was the premiere of a video interview featuring Hannah, one of our dedicated team members, who shared her inspiring journey at Gemco Rail. Her story highlights how partnerships like this create real opportunities and lasting change.

Looking Ahead

We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in the workplace. Being part of the Mai-Wel Employer Ambassador Network reflects our dedication to fostering a diverse, inclusive environment where all employees feel safe and valued.
For more information about the positive impact Mai-Wel Ehas on our community visit The Mai-Wel Group – Hunter Valley Disability Services

Pictured left -CEO Mai-Wel John Cleary, Gemco Rail – Brianna Reid, General Manager Employment Pathways – Kyllie Tegg, Gemco Rail Service Delivery Manager –  Michael Rae, Hannah Fallon, Mai-Wel Business Development and Partnership Specialist Louise Fernie, Gemco Rail Workshop and Safety Supervisor – Steven Nicou, Mai-Wel Business Development and Partnership Specialist James Holder.

The West Australian sun turned up the heat as the Gemco Rail team welcomed local dignitaries and valued customer representatives to recognise our business capabilities as a local iron ore wagon manufacturer in Western Australia.

We welcomed:

Mr Stephen Price, MLA, Member for Forrestfield
Mr John Ipsen, Executive Director, Western Australian Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation
Mr Peter Cox, Senior Project Officer, Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation; and
representatives from our valued West Australian mining customer.

We were pleased to showcase the work our team are delivering to our valuable customers. Having recently delivered our first tranche of wagons; the team have now turned to the production of our second tranche of wagons. As we reach full production in the coming months, our team will
expand to deliver the iron ore wagons, from our flagship facility Forrestfield.

The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation continues to support Gemco’s operations both in Forrestfield and our soon to be operational Rollingstock and Rotable Facility in Karratha, WA.

Gemco Rail is proud to share that we were awarded Employer of the Year 2023, at the inaugural The Mai-Wel Group awards night.

This award was presented to Gemco Rail for:

– Leading inclusion and diversity in our workforce.
– Identifying barriers to employment and supporting employees to succeed.
– Providing opportunities and support to employees to achieve their goals.

Gemco Rail have been partnering with The Mai-Wel Group to support the LabourForce Solutions division and the WorkForce Australia – Transition to Work Program with plans to continue this partnership into the future.

Geoff Thorn, Gemco’s Executive General Manager said this award is “recognition and a testament to the social connection and standing the team has within the local community.”

We look forward to continuing to support The Mai-Wel Group in providing work placement opportunities in our community.

Pictured Left – Louise Fernie – Business Development and Partnership Specialist – Mai-Wel LabourForce Solutions, James Holder Business Development – Workforce Australia and Brianna Reid from Gemco Rail.

Engenco is pleased to announce that Gemco Rail will bring local iron ore rail car manufacturing and bearing maintenance to the Pilbara region in an industry-first.

Gemco Rail will partner with Rio Tinto, and Qiqihar Railway Rolling Stock (QRRS), supported by the Western Australian State Government to bring local iron ore rail car manufacturing and bearing maintenance to the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Over a six-year period Gemco will build 100 iron ore rail cars for Rio Tinto with the initial tranche of 40 iron wagons to be delivered in 2024 built at Gemco’s Forrestfield facility, while a suitable location in the Pilbara is selected and developed.

Upon commissioning of the new Karratha facility, in an industry-first, Gemco will transition Rio Tinto ore car manufacturing and bearing reconditioning activities to the new facility to support Pilbara operations. Gemco will deliver 10 wagons per year, to replace retired wagons from Rio Tinto’s fleet while continuing to refurbish bearings, from the new facility.

Geoff Thorn, Gemco Rail’s Executive General Manager said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for our team at Gemco Rail to showcase our capabilities for our customer Rio Tinto.”

The partnership with Rio Tinto, QRRS and the State Government could not be possible without the dedication and high standard of work of the entire Gemco Rail team, including our engineering and sales teams.

Thank you all for your commitment to secure this important contract for our business, and for local West Australian manufacturing.

Well done.”

The West Australian Premier Hon Roger Cook, along with the ​​​​​​​Member for Belmont Cassie Rowe MLA, ​​​​​​​Member for the Pilbara Kevin Michel MLA, Senior members of Rio Tinto and a representative from QRRS joined Engenco’s Chief Executive Officer Dean Draper and Gemco Rail’s Executive General Manager, Geoff Thorn on site on Tuesday 13th June to celebrate this industry first.

For the full ASX announcement click here.

Higher Power Industries (HPI) and Gemco Rail (Gemco) have announced the execution of a Strategic Partnership Agreement for the distribution of locomotive parts and components to the Australian and New Zealand markets. This exclusive Agreement designates Gemco Rail as its authorized stockist and distributor of HPI Rail’s overall locomotive product line, leveraging Gemco’s strategic footprint and technical sales support for its ANZ rail customers.

HPI is a world-leading provider of locomotive services for the rail market. HPI also specializes in innovative engineering and modernization solutions for the freight rail transportation markets. Having serviced customers across 5 continents, HPI continues to seek global growth through expanded offerings.

“Our partnership with Gemco Rail, a recognized leading provider of components and services in the ANZ rail market, better aligns our efforts to support our mutual rail customers in Australia and New Zealand”, said HPI’s Gary Walsh, VP of Business Development.

With Gemco’s extensive national footprint and warehousing support in Melbourne, Perth, Newcastle, and Brisbane, Gemco will support sales and distribution of HPI products. This includes creating tailored supply chain solutions, targeting reduced lead times, improving working capital management and increasing supply chain flexibility.

“We are delighted with this agreement to be HPI’s preferred channel to the Australian and New Zealand rail markets. HPI’s broad locomotive product portfolio coupled with Gemco Rail’s customer-focused supply chain solutions positions us well to better serve our ANZ customers” said Geoff Thorn, Gemco Rail’s Executive General Manager.

Higher Power Industries is a global provider of freight and passenger locomotive services, including overhaul, upgrade, renewal parts, engineering and project management. HPI’s unique service offering provides its customers access to industry-renowned technical expertise and customer support, coupled with a direct line of supply of high-quality OEM and OEM-equivalent aftermarket renewal parts.

Gemco Rail is part of ASX listed Engenco Limited. Gemco is a leading independent supplier of rolling stock products & services to the Australian and New Zealand rail industry specialising in the supply, maintenance and overhaul of wagons, locomotives, passenger cars and rolling stock components and track maintenance equipment.