Previously capable of handling 110,000 man-hours, the newly expanded facility can comfortably cope with 150,000t, said Neil Jackson, Queensland sales manager. The facility now has 6000 square metres of under-cover workspace. About 1000sq.m will provide a dedicated strip-down, wash-down and reassembly area. A further 500sq.m will provide a hydraulic repair shop.

“The two main benefits are an increase in crane capacity to 40 tonnes and a totally clean, sealed environment for refurbishment of hydraulic equipment and gearboxes,” Jackson said.

The facility has just completed the refurbishment of the second set of Moranbah North longwall equipment, including the AFC, shearer and pumps.

The newly expanded site will be officially opened on November 9, 2001.