Toowoomba Takes Flight as a World-Class Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Hub

Wagner Corporation’s $550 million Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct is taking off as a global epicentre for advanced manufacturing with the groundbreaking ceremony for Boeing’s new production facility in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane.

The sod was turned today (Tuesday, 26 March) on the 9,000sqm facility that will anchor the aerospace and defence precinct where Boeing will manufacture its uncrewed MQ-28 Ghost Bat aircraft, putting the region on the world stage and unlocking global opportunities in the sector.

It is the first time in more than 50 years a military combat aircraft has been designed, developed and manufactured in Australia.

Wagner Corporation chairman John Wagner, who was joined by Scott Carpendale, Vice President, Boeing Global Services – Government Services Asia Pacific region and Queensland Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Hon Cameron Dick, at today’s ceremony, said the potential ability to co-locate alongside suppliers attracted Boeing to Wellcamp Business Park.

“We have world-class supply chain operators already located on-site, with construction of this new facility set to be a catalyst for significant further investment from companies wanting to be part of this growth sector,” said Wagner Corporation Chairman John Wagner.

“It has already attracted substantial investment from State and Federal Governments, and will likely bring further investment from higher education, small-to-medium enterprises and start-up companies looking to co-locate and collaborate.

“This will cement Toowoomba and Wellcamp Business Park as a nucleus for aerospace and defence advanced manufacturing, creating global export opportunities for Australia’s supply chain.”

Construction will employ more than 200 people directly, and hundreds more indirectly, and is anticipated to be completed in 2025, with the facility estimated to employ a 100-strong skilled workforce, once operational.

Mr Wagner said the development of advanced manufacturing capabilities in Queensland would create new, highly-skilled jobs, local supply opportunities and defence industry stimulus.

“The Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct, anchored by Boeing’s facility, will introduce new industries and technologies such as advanced robotics, creating new capabilities and employment opportunities that benefit Toowoomba, Queensland and Australia as a whole,” he said.

“The opportunity to be part of revolutionary development and manufacturing will draw some of the brightest minds and recognised experts to our region.”

The Aerospace and Defence Precinct forms part of Wagner Corporation’s 430-hectare masterplanned Wellcamp Business Park, offering high, medium and low impact serviced industrial land.

The Precinct, collocated with the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, is set to be one of the most sustainable and energy efficient globally, boasting capabilities spanning assembly, maintenance, research and development.

“No other business hub can offer what we do, giving Wellcamp Business Park an unbeatable edge and attracting Boeing, Qantas and other international and local companies of all sizes who have chosen to operate here,” said Mr Wagner.

“Locating in the precinct is a strategic decision for businesses wanting to take advantage of its unrivalled connections to transport and logistics with our passenger airport and international air cargo hub, alongside Toowoomba’s continued economic growth.”

While earthworks begin, Wagner Corporation is continuing to work with Boeing Australia to finalise the production facility design and architectural features.