INFRASTRUCTURE
MEETING SWITCHBOARD DEMAND IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
South Australia is experiencing increasing demand for critical electrical infrastructure at a time of skilled labour shortages and extended lead times.
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his state of affairs prompted Progress Switchboards, an Australian switchboard manufacturer, to expand its operations into SA, where the company intends to help contractors manage projects in key sectors including defence, education, health care and commercial construction. “There is significant infrastructure growth underway in South Australia, which is driving strong demand for electrical contractors,” said Jay Wright, Sales Director at Progress Switchboards. “As a result, many local switchboard manufacturers are operating at capacity, and lead times are being pushed out.” “The Progress Group’s model of retaining design, engineering and manufacturing in‑house allows us to offer competitive lead times while maintaining a strong commitment to Australian‑made products — particularly important at a time when manufacturing is increasingly being sent offshore,” Wright explained.
Company history
Founded in Tasmania in 2005 by Austin Fagan, Progress Switchboards first expanded interstate in 2020 with the establishment of its Western Australian operation. Under the leadership of General Manager Conor O’Shea, the WA business built a reputation for compliant, high‑quality, locally manufactured and design-verified switchboards. “The success of our Western Australian operation gave us a proven blueprint for expanding into South Australia,” Wright said. “We
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THERE IS SIGNIFICANT INFRASTRUCTURE GROWTH UNDERWAY IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA, WHICH IS DRIVING STRONG DEMAND FOR ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS. — JAY WRIGHT
understand what it takes to deliver local service while maintaining national consistency in quality and compliance.” Initially, Progress Switchboards will leverage engineering and manufacturing resources from its Tasmanian and Western Australian facilities. However, plans are already underway to establish full in‑state manufacturing capability in South Australia, including sheet metal fabrication and powder coating, within the next 12 to 18 months.
Bringing a modular solution to South Australia
Following successful uptake in Western Australia, Progress Switchboards will be introducing VeCab modular switchboard technology to SA. “We are now the only authorised VeCab assembler in South Australia, allowing us to offer a modular, reliable and efficient solution to local projects,” Wright said. “One of VeCab’s major strengths is the depth of testing and certification it offers, including compatibility with leading brands such
JUNE 2026 - ECD [ELECTRICAL+COMMS+DATA] 17