Sandvik Mining and Construction is close to completing an integrated state-of-the-art manufacturing, assembly, research and development, distribution and aftermarket service centre near Newcastle, New South Wales, replacing six current operations in the region. The new Hunter Valley Site (HVS) will be the third major integrated facility Sandvik has opened in Australia’s eastern states over the past three and a half years. The new HVS is being constructed on a 16-ha greenfield site at Heatherbrae, just north of Newcastle and will be one of its largest facilities in the world.It integrates six Hunter Region factories and service centres – at Tomago, Mayfield, Caves Beach, Redhead and two at Hexham – into a single operation, serving both Australian and global markets. Construction of the HVS started at the end of 2010, and was scheduled for completion in early November. The HVS is Sandvik Mining and Construction’s latest investment in major purpose-built facilities serving key mining regions in eastern Australia.
In mid-2010, it opened a new multi-million dollar service and support branch in Mackay – replacing three separate facilities – to service the Central Queensland coalfields, and in early 2008, it opened an integrated branch in Mt Isa – also combining three facilities into one – servicing the Queensland Gulf region.
According to the company, this new centre will also help Sandvik achieve two key outcomes: Consolidate the rebranding of its various acquisitions under the Sandvik name, and continue unifying its business segments. The new site will also present increased opportunities to host regular customer open days and supplier days, as well as being a ‘one-stop shop’ able to provide a wide range of products and services.
In addition, the HVS will provide Sandvik Mining and Construction with an increased ability to attract and maintain key personnel, by offering employees a modern, safe working environment, an opportunity to cross-skill across various operations and better future career advancement options.
At start-up, approximately 600 employees and contractors will be working at the HVS. Features of the site include:
- Substantial workshop and related office areas hosting an aftermarket service centre, manufacturing, assembly and distribution centre
- A main office, hosting sales, R&D, management and shared services for the region as well as a customer meeting area with advanced audio/visual technology
- Additional amenities and auxiliary buildings, including an industry-leading training facility for both Sandvik staff and customers
- A modern test track which allows Sandvik to trial and assess new products in prototype, as well as testing new and reconditioned machines before delivery to customers
- A 132 kW solar system – equivalent to 90 average-sized domestic solar systems. This system eliminates the need for conventional roof sheeting and will save around 185 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year, equivalent to taking 109 cars off the road annually
- An advanced digital signage system, with large LCD screens located across the site for key communications on safety, company updates and other information for employees
- A sauna, gym and exercise areas for staff, along with a bike shed, with employees encouraged to cycle to work for improved health and fitness.
