Discover how Comsteel’s local manufacturing, rail expertise and Newcastle upgrades support reliable, resilient networks. Meet the team at AusRAIL 2026.
Key Facts
- Local manufacture of railway wheels and axles supports shorter lead times, supply certainty and responsive customer support across Australia and New Zealand.
- Newcastle facility upgrades, including an axle machining centre and wheel balancing machine, are designed to improve manufacturing precision, efficiency and quality.
- Engineering expertise, technical capability and relevant accreditations support modern passenger fleets operating to European standards.
As Australia’s rail sector modernises, operators are balancing reliability, performance, sustainability and supply chain resilience. Ahead of AusRAIL 2026 in Brisbane, Andrew Hemsworth, Key Account Manager at Comsteel, outlines the challenges facing the industry and the role local manufacturing can play in supporting safe, dependable rail networks.
Supporting Australian rail
Comsteel is Australia’s only manufacturer of railway wheels and axles. For more than 100 years, it has supplied wheel and axle solutions for freight, passenger, heavy haul and light rail networks across Australia and New Zealand.
From its manufacturing facility in Newcastle, Comsteel provides a sovereign manufacturing capability that supports the safe, reliable and efficient movement of critical rail infrastructure. The business employs more than 100 skilled people and maintains relationships with local suppliers, contractors and service providers.
Responding to industry pressures
Rail operators are managing rising costs and tight budgets while maintaining safety, reliability and asset availability. These pressures are increasing demand for trusted suppliers that can support asset performance, minimise downtime and provide technical expertise when required.
Local production can contribute to this resilience through shorter lead times, supply certainty and responsive customer support. Comsteel also invests in apprenticeships and skills development programs that contribute to Australia’s engineering and manufacturing capability.
Investing in manufacturing capability
Fleet modernisation and changing customer expectations are driving investment in manufacturing technologies and processes. Recent upgrades at Comsteel’s Newcastle facility include a new axle machining centre and a wheel balancing machine designed to improve manufacturing precision, efficiency and quality.
These investments support Comsteel’s ongoing focus on manufacturing excellence and long-term customer support. The company continues to develop its capabilities, product offering and engineering expertise to support the next generation of rail assets. It also maintains the accreditations and technical capability required to support modern passenger fleets operating to European standards.
Collaboration at AusRAIL
AusRAIL brings together operators, maintainers, suppliers and decision-makers from across the rail industry. For Comsteel, the event provides an opportunity to connect with customers, share industry insights and discuss challenges affecting rail performance.
Collaboration and knowledge sharing remain important as the sector responds to increased investment in passenger rail, fleet modernisation, digitalisation, reliability and sustainability. Comsteel representatives will be available at the event to discuss wheelset performance, asset management, maintenance challenges and future projects.
Preparing for the future
According to Andrew Hemsworth, customers are seeking greater whole-of-life value from their assets, with growing attention on reducing waste, optimising maintenance intervals and improving asset utilisation. These priorities are encouraging operators and suppliers to develop more sustainable approaches to asset management.
Comsteel combines locally manufactured wheels and axles with technical expertise and ongoing investment in capability. At AusRAIL 2026, the company will engage with rail professionals about practical approaches that support operational performance and the future needs of rail networks across Australia and New Zealand.