BESIX Watpac has officially begun construction on the Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF) adjacent to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Edinburgh base in northern Adelaide, South Australia. This project is one of the largest ever undertaken by Renewal SA, the South Australian Government's urban development agency, and is a key development in enhancing Australia's military infrastructure.
The BESIX Watpac team has taken control of the 16-hectare site, where they will build a state-of-the-art, 2.1-hectare facility specifically designed for the maintenance and modification of 737-sized aircrafts. Construction of the four-bay hangar commenced following a sod-turning and smoking ceremony on 5 September 2024.
Marking a significant milestone for BESIX Watpac in South Australia, its CEO Mark Baker expressed the company’s excitement about partnering with Renewal SA for the first time.
“We are thrilled to collaborate on the DMMF project, leveraging our extensive expertise in aviation and defence construction. This is a pivotal moment for us as we continue to deliver complex infrastructure projects alongside our valued partners,” Mr. Baker said.
The facility, led by BESIX Watpac, will support the maintenance and modification of military aircrafts for the Commonwealth Department of Defence. It will include aircraft hangars, offices, workshops, storage areas, amenities, and plant rooms. The project spans both Renewal SA land and Defence-owned land, with a tow-way linking the hangar to Defence-operated areas for aircraft access.
In a statement, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, The Hon Pat Conroy, highlighted the strategic importance of the project.
“This $200 million, cutting-edge facility will enable us to maintain, repair, and overhaul RAAF aircrafts locally in northern Adelaide, reducing our dependence on overseas maintenance services,” Minister Conroy said.
BESIX Watpac's General Manager for Victoria and South Australia, Al Crosby, emphasised the company's commitment to maximising local opportunities throughout the project.
“Our South Australian team brings specialist knowledge that will be instrumental during the project’s delivery. We’re committed to leaving a lasting legacy in South Australia by engaging local subcontractors and creating opportunities for trainees and apprentices,” Mr. Crosby stated.
The two-year construction phase is expected to create around 450 jobs. Upon completion, Boeing Defence Australia will use the facility to maintain and modify the P-8A Poseidon and E-7A Wedgetail fleets under their Defence contract.
This project reinforces BESIX Watpac’s ongoing commitment to supporting Australia's defence and aviation industries through world-class infrastructure development.
