More jobs for Whyalla Steelworks as company’s resurrection continues
Around 100 new jobs are set to be created at the Whyalla Steelworks, with more anticipated as administrators commence debt repayments.
Just over a month after the Whyalla Steelworks was forced into administration by the state government, administrators KordaMentha have confirmed immediate approval of 63 new full-time positions at the steelworks and associated mining sites.
Further advertised were five Health, Safety and Risk positions, a new crane operator, two personnel in Supply Logistics and 30 Production Operator roles.
KordaMentha assured that in recruitment, preference would be given to Whyalla locals and residents in the Upper Spencer Gulf Region, in particular former employees and contractors of the OneSteel facility.
KordaMentha also advised that more roles were anticipated to be put on the market, including refiners, melters, caster operators and crane operators.
This announcement comes after federal budget papers confirmed the $2.4 billion federal and state government joint investment package for the long-term future of the Whyalla Steelworks, with a portion of the funding allocated to contractors awaiting payments from GFG Alliance.
Deputy Premier Susan Close said that the government had taken “decisive action in Whyalla” to secure the steelmaking industry, with these job openings marking the first step towards investing in the “long-term prosperity” of the Upper Spencer Gulf region.
“KordaMentha tell us these new jobs are not only much needed, they will help the steelworks to operate more efficiently and productively,” said the Deputy Premier.
“We’re also acting to ensure the skilled workforce in the Upper Spencer Gulf is being trained and retained as government and private investment ramps up in the region.”
State government funding through the Business Creditor Assistance Scheme has provided for the payout of more than $3.5 million to 15 creditors, including Avid Engineering.
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Avid Engineering owner Tony Angel thanked the government for stepping in, allowing the company to return to business as usual.
“Now that work is starting to flow back in, we are looking to the future, growing the business back to what it used to be and looking to re-employ staff,” he said.
“We believe that Whyalla and the steelworks has been battered and bruised and no investment for so long as I have known it, hopefully this is the opportunity for Whyalla and the Steelworks to make a future for the town and for Australia.”
