Local business wins $48m firefighting contract

A family-owned business in Canning Vale has been contracted to build up to 300 firefighting vehicles, as part of the state government’s bushfire response.

The $47.5 million contract was awarded to Technifire, which will engage Collie-based fabricator Piavanini Welding to undertake a portion of the works. It is the first time both family businesses have partnered for a project.

Technifire, which has nine staff, is owned by brothers Ray and Robert Birighitti. 

Project manager Jason O'Keefe told Business News the contract was one of the largest awarded to Technifire. "It certainly secures the business and injects significant funds into Collie as well," he said.

Technifire and Piavanini will build '1.4 tankers', which the state government says will provide enhanced rural mobility and high manoeuvrability for firefighters and volunteers to access bushfires in different terrains.

A project advisory team from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) provided input into the design and specifications for the new vehicles, the state government said. The team will also be involved throughout the vehicle build and acceptance process.

“This is fantastic news for our firefighters who will have new purpose-built firefighting 1.4 tankers to support their emergency operations and protect local communities,” Emergency Services Minister Fran Logan said.

“With experienced volunteers and DFES staff providing expert design advice, I am confident these new 1.4 tankers will provide the highest level of functionality and safety for our brigades.”