The acquisition of H.R.S. Limited, an established provider of rail and road infrastructure services in the New Zealand market, will allow us to expand our presence in this sector and offer clients a full range of services for infrastructure projects in the region. Major clients include ONTRACK Infrastructure limited (NZ Rail Corporation), Greater Wellington Regional Council and Wellington City Council.

Sach Infrastructure, Victorian based specialists in overhead wiring and electrical traction construction and maintenance, was also acquired in July and integration of this business underpins our strategy to be a full service provider in the rail and tram sectors.

“The acquisition of these two companies strengthens our focus on building our operational expertise and growing our business within Australia and New Zealand. This is an exciting time for the company and we welcome H.R.S. Limited and Sach Infrastructure into the Downer EDI Works Rail team,” said Executive General Manager, Downer EDI Works Rail, Australia and New Zealand, Paul Kyte.

Our current V1 Alliance agreement with the ARTC has been extended until 2011, and includes a geographical extension into New South Wales, between Albury and Macarthur on the Main South Line.

The three year agreement, to provide rail infrastructure maintenance and renewals is worth approximately $75 million and adds two years to the existing V1 Alliance agreement for Victoria only, extending the overall life of the Alliance relationship with ARTC to 12 years.

This extension will facilitate the employment of 30 new staff and the establishment of two depots in New South Wales at Wagga Wagga and Goulburn.

The total track kilometres Downer EDI Works Rail Division is now responsible for has increased from 840km to 1,948km including the 90 kilometre Canberra Line which branches off at Goulburn.

“This extension provides us with an excellent opportunity to expand our capabilities in key rail maintenance areas such as vegetation control, rail husbandry and drainage activities, and opens further opportunities for integration between the Road and Rail businesses” said Paul Kyte.

Downer EDI Works Rail Division provides maintenance and engineering services for rail infrastructure clients across Australia and New Zealand. Details of our capabilities can be found at www.downerediworks.com.au

For further information please contact Paul Kyte on 03 8624 0846
or via e mail at Paul.Kyte@downerediworks.com.au