Pilbara Dash 9 locomotives revived in WA life-extension programme

UGL Transport has completed a major life-extension programme for five Dash 9 locomotives operating in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, with the work delivered in partnership with long-term alliance partner Wabtec Corporation.

The project was carried out at UGL’s Bassendean facility and is being highlighted as an example of local rail manufacturing and maintenance capability. It aligns with the Western Australian Government’s Made in WA economic plan, which places emphasis on advanced manufacturing, strengthening the state’s industrial base and supporting skilled local jobs.

UGL and Wabtec’s alliance stretches back more than 60 years and covers locomotive manufacturing as well as original equipment manufacturer maintenance services for freight operators and rail agencies across Australia.

The Dash 9 overhaul involved extensive upgrades, including work on engines, bogies, traction motors and wheelsets. Cab interiors and body structures were also refurbished, with the locomotives undergoing detailed testing before being cleared to return to service.

The client praised the standard of work delivered by the UGL and Wabtec teams, describing the programme as a strong example of high-quality rail maintenance undertaken in Western Australia.

The locomotives are now set to resume operations in the Pilbara, continuing to move resources to export markets.

Mike Williams, UGL Transport’s manufacturing and maintenance Senior Operations Manager in WA said:

“This is a Made in Western Australia success. The project team has done an outstanding job extending the lives of these locomotives for one of Australia’s most significant companies. This work directly supports WA’s ambition to expand local manufacturing and maintenance capability - the same ambition driving the State’s local industry and rail manufacturing initiatives. This is a proud Western Australian solution that we delivered alongside our long-term partner Wabtec and delivered by UGL’s employees at our Bassendean facility. We know Western Australian companies and government agencies are continuing to look for solutions that are made in Western Australia. Our locally delivered locomotive life-extension program demonstrates exactly what the State’s Made in WA plan is all about - strengthening local capability, supporting skilled WA jobs, and contributing to a more diversified industrial economy. We are delighted to offer the market a truly Western Australian solution, using deep rail sector and freight maintenance expertise grounded right here in WA.”

Image: UGL