Bullish’ Wulguru Group in expansion milestone

Townsville based Wulguru Group has moved head office into its new Doyle Crt complex in Stuart being the culmination of a $35 million development.

The heavy fabrication workshop and accompanying painting facility were completed at the site in September and the administration component this month in a project reflecting the metal fabrication and engineering company's eye to growth.

"We're bullish about the northern Australian economy and particularly the upcoming western mining projects and the industries that support these projects, such as rail" Wulguru Group commercial director Bob McKay said.

"I think we're well positioned to provide our clients with faster turnarounds and a viable alternative to large international competitors."

The completed complex is Stage 1 of a project to bring the group's general metal fabrication and rail businesses to one location and substantially increase the Groups capacities. Situated on a 17ha site in Stuart, Stage 2 is coming hot on its heels.

"Stage 1 was about 8500sq m of state-of-the-art fabrication space, nearly 2000sq m of paint and blasting facilities and 500 square metres of new corporate head office," Mr McKay said and

"Once we complete Stage 2, we'll incorporate rail maintenance facilities including wagon maintenance, loco maintenance, wheel shops, as well as painting and blasting capabilities for rolling stock."

Mr McKay said Wulguru Group had enhanced its in-house fabrication capabilities with the new workshop.

"We have more than trebled the size of our fabrication space and improved efficiencies with the acquisition of new specialised equipment" he said.

"We have new cutting and processing capabilities, and we have large overhead craneage with greater height under hook.

"So, we have over 9m of clearance under the overhead cranes now with 40-tonne lifting capacities.

"Further, we have direct access to the western highway which allows for the largest of items to be transported direct to our mining clients."

The company received development approval for Stage 2 of the Doyle Crt project late last year and hoped to be operating in it by September 2027, he said.

Expected to cost about $80 million, it will cater to the group's growing rail business, which includes a large component of work for the mining sector.

IQ – Industry Queensland 31/01/2025