Fleetwood announced as modular building partner for state-significant BHP smelter projects
BHP has announced the appointment of Fleetwood to provide modular accommodation and supporting infrastructure for its Smelter Campaign Maintenance (SCM27) and Smelter Refinery Expansion (SRE) projects in South Australia.
To mark the announcement, Fleetwood hosted a media event at its Adelaide manufacturing facility. The day included a guided tour of the site, a press conference, and the chance for guests to meet Fleetwood workers.
The event featured remarks from Fleetwood Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Bruce Nicholson, BHP Copper SA Asset President Anna Wiley, and South Australia Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis MP, South Australia Assistant Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, Defence and Space Industries Michael Brown MP and representatives from Ahrens and MPS, who were also awarded contracts, attended the event.
Announcement details
Fleetwood will design, manufacture, and deliver modular accommodation facilities to BHP’s Olympic Dam mine in South Australia’s far north. The total program will provide:
- Up to 1080 rooms; and
- 20 laundries for a planned 1,600-strong construction workforce.
Fleetwood has commenced manufacture at its South Australian facility, and the first modules will commence delivery to Olympic Dam in late 2025.
This appointment underscores Fleetwood’s scale, expertise, and proven track record, making it a trusted partner for some of the country’s largest projects.
Anna Wiley, BHP Copper SA Asset President, said:
“Fleetwood brings strong expertise and experience to deliver this accommodation in support of our smelter maintenance project. We are very pleased to strengthen our partnerships with local SA and Australian businesses, creating local jobs and delivering value to communities.”
Jobs for South Australians
As a result of this project, Fleetwood, South Australia, will more than double its staff to 35, including 6 apprentices, creating jobs for South Australians. Local SA subcontractors engaged to complete the works will also increase to at least 15 and there will be additional opportunities for local suppliers boosting the state economy.
Modern modular momentum
Fleetwood CEO Bruce Nicholson said the partnership demonstrates the growing role of modular in large-scale infrastructure:
“This announcement highlights the power of modern modular construction and its ability to deliver high-quality infrastructure significantly faster than traditional methods.”
Modern modular buildings are a far cry from the temporary “boxes” of the past. They deliver permanent and relocatable facilities that meet or exceed the National Construction Code, Australian Building Codes, and Liveable Housing Design Standards.
They offer superior durability, design flexibility, sustainability, lower waste, and greater certainty than traditional builds.
