The APP Group awarded Manufacturing Partner contract for NSW Government's Manufacturing for Schools program

Dozens of new and upgraded public school and preschool facilities will be built under an innovative new program that employs modern methods of construction to deliver high quality, sustainable schools in a shorter timeframe while saving taxpayers millions of dollars.

The Manufacturing for Schools program incorporates a range of cutting-edge construction techniques including digital technologies, off-site manufacturing and on-site assembly of prefabricated elements to deliver high quality school buildings faster and at a lower cost than with traditional construction methods.

The program brings together industry professionals via a Manufacturing Partner responsible for connecting the supply chain to deliver the ‘kit of parts’ for new and upgraded schools across the state’s growth areas. A contract has been awarded to The APP Group for the manufacturing partnership.

Brett Hocking, Chief Executive Manufacturing Solutions, The APP Group, shared, “The APP Group is pleased to partner with the NSW Government as the Manufacturing Partner for the Manufacturing for Schools program. We look forward to working with industry to bring forward innovation, modern construction methodologies, and digitalisation to enhance the way school infrastructure is delivered in NSW.  

“The APP Group has drawn upon its multi-disciplinary partner network and assembled a consortium of collaborators to support the Manufacturing for Schools program,” said Mr Hocking.

The APP Group's collaboration partners include Lipman, Ark, MBM, WSP, Woods Bagot, Bennett and Trimble, Richard Crookes Constructions, and Roberts Co.

The Manufacturing for Schools program is expected to deliver cost savings of up to 20 per cent and slash construction time by up to 30 per cent.

At Oran Park Public School, a Stage 2 upgrade that opened for students to use on Day 1, Term 1, 2024, was installed on site in eight weeks. From design to completion, the project took a total of 13 months.

The construction approach prioritises students and growing school communities, especially in high growth areas such as North-Western and South-Western Sydney.

There are plans currently under way to deliver more than 30 new and upgraded schools under the Manufacturing for Schools program, including new primary schools at Sydney Olympic Park and Box Hill/The Gables, and high schools at Jordan Springs, Gregory Hills/Gledswood Hills, Schofields/Tallawong, Leppington and Medowie. 

The program is also being deployed to rebuild schools on the North Coast that were devastated by floods, and deliver the majority of 100 public preschools across NSW at locations recently announced.

In addition to faster build times and reduced costs, the new program will reduce carbon emissions, material waste and water waste on sites in comparison with traditional construction methods. 

Manufacturing in a controlled factory environment, combined with the shorter build times, also ensures less noise and overall disruption to student learning for projects on existing school sites.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car, said, "The Manufacturing for Schools program represents the future – a major shift in our approach to designing, building, and delivering new schools and facilities for students and families in NSW.

"This is an economical, sustainable, and speedy solution that will deliver school facilities meeting the needs of our growing population, while getting better bang for taxpayers' buck. In challenging times like natural disasters, the program's speed and efficiency will ensure a swift rebuilding process, allowing us to reinstate the schooling routine for affected students and families promptly.

"I am proud we are leading the way with industry partners to deliver a new era of school building through this innovative program. This future-focused strategy for sustainable and modern school building will ensure we can support teachers and students to achieve outstanding learning outcomes.”

Originally published by NSW Government.