WATCH: Video tour of ‘world’s best’ munitions factory, jobs update

Check out how construction of the $60m plant and subsequent jobs timeline is progressing.

The Rheinmetall Nioa Munitions factory is currently under construction in Maryborough and has already hired the first set of employees.

Co-Chair of Rheinmetall Nioa Robert Nioa told the Chronicle these first 15 full time staff were currently working with the company and it was looking for an additional five staff members for now.

“This is part of the business development works now that we have our first few orders, first few years of orders in the pipeline. Work behind the scenes now is building that pipeline,” Mr Nioa said.

Between 200 to 300 direct jobs will have been supported through the construction of the factory and 100 permanent jobs will remain once the munitions plant is fully operational by 2022.

“The first production from the facility is being exported to Germany, we have a contract to make artillery shells for the German Army. That’s a great achievement,” he said.

“We are building the world‘s best factory of its kind for the making of these artillery shells.”

Mr Nioa also said the Australian Army would be using shells made in Maryborough and expected the facility to grow beyond just providing artillery shells.

“It’s part of natural business growth and we are looking globally at opportunities. I’d love to be year in a year or two announcing the next expansion,” he said.

Originally published as WATCH: Video tour of ‘world’s best’ munitions factory, jobs update