One of the lessons of global shocks such as COVID-19 and the fuel crisis is that the importance of local capability should not be underestimated.
While the rail industry has traditionally been an “innovation-taker”, the recent wave of construction projects has created opportunities to build local manufacturing capability in Australia.
Rhomberg Sersa Australia is one organisation that has been utilising new, locally-designed technology to solve solutions across the country.
The company first entered the Australian market in 2005, through the acquisition of Track Australia. It later rebranded to Rhomberg Sersa Australia in 2023.
As Australia enters a new phase of transport investment, driven by urban growth, decarbonisation targets and the push for more resilient freight networks, Rhomberg Sersa Australia is positioning itself at the forefront of rail production modernisation.
Edward Humphrey, Rhomberg Sersa Australia’s Executive General Manager – Projects and Growth, said recent projects had created new opportunities for innovation.
“In Australia, we’ve been a strategic delivery partner on major city-shaping projects, including Newcastle Light Rail, Brisbane Cross River Rail and multiple Sydney Metro programs,” he said.
“We also provide critical rail services to network operators such as Sydney Trains, ARTC and Aurizon.
“Globally, the Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group brings extensive experience delivering complex rail infrastructure – including high-speed rail – often through collaborative delivery models alongside major rail operators.”
One of its latest innovations was the development of new concrete placement units, designed to transport and keep concrete flowing within tunnels as part of an all-in-one solution.
“When no off-the-shelf solution existed for delivering slab track within a tunnel, we designed one – then built four,” Humphrey said. “The system spans 200 metres and operates as a production line in the tunnel, combining a hi-rail shuttle, pipeline, pump and finishing platform.
“This approach reduces clean-up while improving quality and on-site safety, keeping the process controlled, efficient and repeatable from pour to finish.
“Using this system, our team delivered 44 kilometres of continuous slab track – using Australian-made steel – in just nine months. This was achieved across complex tunnel environments and viaducts for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project, marking an Australian-first achievement. The scope also included 10 turnouts and three diamond crossovers, demonstrating precision delivery at scale.”
This combination of specialised machinery, in-house design, engineering and construction expertise has become a defining feature and strength of the business model. Rather than relying solely on imported technologies, the company continues to adapt its equipment and systems for Australian operating conditions.
“Australian-led supply plays a critical role in building a more resilient, capable and sustainable rail industry,” Humphrey said.
“By designing, manufacturing, testing and commissioning solutions locally, we can respond faster to project and client needs, reduce reliance on global supply chains and deliver outcomes tailored to Australia’s unique operating conditions.”
This focus has supported the development of the company’s people.
“We invest in building capability through apprenticeships, cadetships, graduate programs and internal career pathways, supported by access to global research and development and international knowledge sharing across the wider group.
“Through our International Work Exchange Programme, our people gain experience on major rail projects across Europe and America, including high-speed rail, and bring that knowledge back to Australia – strengthening our capability and delivering greater value to our clients.
With governments investing in rail to address congestion, freight resilience and emissions, companies that pair innovation with large-scale delivery will be key.
“Success will rely on combining local capability with innovation to deliver projects more safely, efficiently and sustainably. We’re working with clients to develop new solutions across the project lifecycle, with a focus on early phases.”
