One Australian manufacturer turning to the renewable energy industry for future growth is RPG Australia.
The company has a history in the steel processing business reaching back 60 years - having supplied heavy steel components to many of Australia’s largest infrastructure projects.
However, when asked about the future, recently appointed Managing Director, Mike Lewis, gets most excited about major infrastructure opportunities in wind, water and solar energy developments.
“We’ve got a foothold in the renewable sector through wind, but we’re also looking to a future in wave energy and solar energy,” he explains.
Article continues below…While negotiations are ongoing, Mr Lewis says that the company has several wind tower supply contracts in the pipeline.
“The industry is growing very quickly, and with our track record, we’re optimistic that we’ll win our share of the supply contracts on offer,” he says. He adds that RPG has already invested tens of millions in wind and has plans to invest further millions in new plants and equipment.
“We’re investing in our rolling and profiling capability which will mean an investment of more than $5 million in the near term,” says Mr Lewis.
“Investment in renewable infrastructure is a bridge to a new era for many of Australia’s processing businesses,” he says.
Looking to the future, Mr Lewis is cautious but optimistic about the proposed emissions trading scheme (ETS).
“The detail is not certain yet, so it’s still a ‘wait and see’ but the ETS will stimulate investment in the renewable sector which is obviously good for RPG Australia.
“With regard to our own emissions, we’re currently reviewing our systems and looking for improvement – but I expect the ETS to be a net positive for RPG Australia,” he concludes.
