Advanced materials developer Matrix Composites & Engineering has announced a $2.4 million deal to develop four protype wagons for Pacific National.
Matrix told the ASX on August 6 it had been awarded the contract, and revealed Pacific National was its customer on August 8.
Matrix describes the contract: “to develop and manufacture four prototype composite bulk transport systems”.
The work aims to develop wagons that can handle larger capacities thanks to the unique capabilities of the composite materials developed by Matrix.
The WA-based firm said Pacific National is planning to order 110 units subject to the commercial testing of the prototypes.
Matrix will build the four prototypes at its Henderson facility in WA, and expects to have them ready by the second half of 2019.
“We have been working with our client on the final stage of the design phase and are delighted to have now secured the manufacturing contract to build the prototypes,” Matrix chief executive Aaron Begley said.
“The composite materials being used to manufacture the product are lightweight, rigid, and have fabrication advantages compared to traditional materials such as steel, resulting in structures that significantly increase freight load capacity of bulk transportation.”
Matrix said it is pursuing other opportunities for “lightweight transportation structures,” with discussions commenced with other major bulk transport and freight transport companies looking to upgrade their fleet.