US firm Bechtel sets up office in Melbourne to seek work on project pipeline
The US construction giant behind the Hoover Dam and the English Channel Tunnel is coming down under, with an eye on working on some of Victoria’s biggest projects.
VIC News
Don't miss out on the headlines from VIC News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The US construction giant behind the Hoover Dam and the English Channel Tunnel is setting up shop in Melbourne and wants to build the city’s mega transport projects.
The Herald Sun can reveal Bechtel, the largest construction company in the USA, will move into an office in the city as it looks to partner with the Andrews Government on its $100 billion building pipeline.
The firm will target road and rail projects and is expected to zero-in on the planned airport rail link and the S uburban Rail Loop among other projects.
The company has a proven track record with underground rail and has worked on tunnelling, station building and excavation contracts for the Sydney Metro.
“The Victorian Government has outlined a world class pipeline of infrastructure projects in its Big Build program that we believe we are well placed to help build,” Bechtel Australia Chairman Leigh Clifford said.
“We can add the necessary extra capacity to the Victorian marketplace by accessing our established Australian workforce and drawing on the expertise and experience of our vast global network.
“This pipeline of projects, a positive investment framework and a welcoming environment for new players means we see a bright future in Victoria.”
Mr Clifford was previously a chief executive of Rio Tinto and began leading Bechtel last year after standing down as Qantas Chairman.
The US company was founded in 1898 and was instrumental in building the Hoover Dam, and Washington D.C’s Metro.
MORE NEWS:
IS THIS VICTORIA’S CRAFTIEST CRIM?
POLICE OFFICERS, PROTESTERS INJURED AS RALLY TURNS UGLY
DEADLY DONCASTER BALCONY MAY NOT HAVE MET BUILDING CODE
It is best known in Australia for work in the resources sector but is now ramping up its presence on government mega projects.
It comes less than a week after Premier Daniel Andrews was criticised by federal Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton for signing a formal agreement between Victoria and the controversial Belt and Road initiative.
The deal will see Chinese firms encouraged to establish themselves in the state and become involved in the state’s construction pipeline.
A working group will also develop a co-operation “road map” by the middle of 2020.