Bowhill Engineering, a family owned company in the tiny town of Bowhill, has recently celebrated an amazing accomplishment. They are on a roll, having just won a $32 million contract! With this particular project, the company landed the biggest single contract in its history, a sign of its extraordinary growth and upward trajectory in the engineering world. Jodie Hawkes, chief executive of Bowhill Engineering, said she was thrilled to have won the new contract. She feels it will lead to some really exciting things for the business and the city of New Orleans.
The project will need a staggering 6,600 tonnes of steel, well over twice Bowhill Engineering’s annual steel usage. This hefty demand promises to keep the company on its toes, as well as broaden their capacity to operate. We plan to carry out the contract in two stages. Initial deliveries should start arriving in March 2026, with project completion set for October 2027.
Expansion and Investment
To support this ambitious project, Bowhill Engineering will invest in advanced technology, including a computer numerical control (CNC) machine and three robotic welding systems. On top of that, a brand new fabrication hall turned the main workspace for the project, making plenty of room for creativity and productiveness.
The company is now preparing to address this massive workload. To accomplish it, they envision building out 10 to 15 new positions over the next five years and doubling their staff. Recruitment efforts are already in progress, with Bowhill Engineering currently recruiting to more than double the number of skilled professionals as they work to meet new production demands.
“I feel like we’ve got a huge opportunity right now and we really need to leverage it.” – Jodie Hawkes
This $3 million expansion is a key move for Bowhill Engineering. Since the 1970s, the firm has developed substantial connections in the local market. Clockwise from above, Jodie Hawkes and her husband, Jeremy, have long devoted their lives to the company. They are passionately dedicated to promoting growth and job creation in their own local communities.
Challenges and Opportunities
Yet, the expansion of Bowhill Engineering itself points to wider challenges facing the county seat of the town. For Mid Murray Mayor Simone Bailey, there was very little growth potential in Bowhill. The community now relies almost entirely on nearby towns such as Mannum and Murray Bridge for all essential services.
“It’s the biggest contract that we’ve won by a golden mile,” – Jodie Hawkes
Shane Mcgrath, a local resident and member of the community, raised concerns about sustainability in housing for potential new workers. He focused on the positive economic impact a wave of new residents would have on local businesses. The challenge of keeping housing affordable has never been greater.
“It would be fantastic to have the opportunity for people to live here, but it’s unsustainable for people to buy a house to move here,” – Shane Mcgrath
McGrath raised the importance of local engagement for community services and leisure centers. He warned that without strong enough population growth, we won’t fill the key positions we need.
“So many jobs are left to the few, and if those step down or they get to a point where they’re just burnt out, it collapses because we’ve got no one else here,” – Shane Mcgrath
Economic Impact on Surrounding Areas
Bowhill Engineering are embarking on an exciting new journey. This will provide a much-needed economic stimulus to surrounding towns including Mannum and Murray Bridge. With these new workers, a new wave of demand for housing and services has been created. This influx is expected to have a transformative impact on the local economy.
Mayor Bailey emphasized the positive impact this development will have on Bowhill and its surrounding communities. She particularly stressed the need to be drawn in as part of the broader Adelaide regional plan. She’s optimistic that it can dramatically improve the quality of life across the region.
“The growth that Murray Bridge is looking to have… is a huge bonus for Bowhill.” – Simone Bailey
The mayor’s big dream is to improve services to regional hubs in hopes of luring new transplants. It’s a real win-win for all parties concerned.
