• WA-based and family-owned company Technifire awarded $47.5 million vehicle manufacturing contract
  • Up to 300 new firefighting vehicles to be built
  • Contract will continue to assist manufacturing in Collie

Western Australia’s vehicle manufacturing industry has been boosted with the awarding of a new $47.5 million State Government contract to build up to 300 new firefighting vehicles.

The new contract for “1.4 tanker” firefighting appliances was awarded to Perth-based family-operated company Technifire and will ensure volunteer and career firefighters have purpose-built vehicles to respond to bushfires.

Technifire will engage Collie fabricator Piavanini Welding to undertake 40 per cent of the work on the body assembly in the South-West town with the remaining build to be undertaken at Technifire’s Canning Vale headquarters.

A project advisory team of volunteer firefighters and Department of Fire and Emergency Services staff provided input into the design and specifications for the new 1.4 tankers and will be involved throughout the vehicle build and acceptance process.

The new 1.4 tankers will further enhance the primary rapid response of firefighters to bushfires with enhanced rural mobility and high manoeuvrability to access bushfires in different terrains.

Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan:

“This is fantastic news for our firefighters who will have new purpose-built firefighting 1.4 tankers to support their emergency operations and protect local communities.

“With experienced volunteers and DFES staff providing expert design advice, I am confident these new 1.4 tankers will provide the highest level of functionality and safety for our brigades.

“I’m delighted to see our newest emergency services vehicles being designed and manufactured right here in WA and that the McGowan Government has again helped direct more work to the manufacturing industry in Collie through a competitive tender process.”

Media statements – $47.5 million to build up to 300 new WA-built firefighting appliances