Australia is a powerhouse within the international mining industry. The country is the largest global producer of bauxite, iron ore and lithium and is also among the top producers of coal, aluminium, copper, gold, manganese, nickel, silver, uranium and zinc.

It’s no wonder, then, that Liebherr-Australia Pty. Ltd (Liebherr-Australia) has been a mainstay of Liebherr Mining for many years. The sales and service company was first established in 1981 and today has 17 locations across both Australia and New Zealand – one of Australia’s closest geographic neighbours. The company is currently experiencing astronomical growth that’s expected to continue until the end of the decade, meaning that Liebherr- Australia is ramping up its workforce, overall infrastructure and expertise in new technologies to accommodate its rapidly expanding fleet.

How will Liebherr-Australia accommodate this growth while still providing exceptional service to customers across Australia? Trent Wehr, managing director, mining, Liebherr-Australia, took the time to share his thoughts.

Australia is a global leader within the mining industry. What is it that sets the Australian mining industry apart from others round the world?

The Australian mining industry stands out on the global stage due to its unique combination of vast mineral resources, advanced technologies and a strong commitment to sustainability. Our ability to operate in some of the world's most challenging environments while maintaining high safety and environmental standards is a testament to the innovation and resilience of the sector. What truly sets us apart, however, is our focus on collaboration between industry leaders, local communities and technology partners, which drives continuous improvement and ensures the industry's long-term success.

What have been some of the biggest changes within the Australian mining industry that you’ve seen since you first began working with Liebherr-Australia?

When I first started with Liebherr-Australia over 15 years ago, the focus was primarily on operational efficiency and basic automation. Today, we are embracing cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, automation and data analytics to drive productivity and enhance safety. One of the most notable shifts has been the industry's growing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, with a stronger emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency through measures such as alternative fuels and, more recently, battery technology. The way we collaborate across sectors and innovate to solve challenges has evolved immensely, and it's exciting to see how these advancements will shape the future of mining in Australia.

The incredible growth of Liebherr’s footprint within Australia in recent years has been exciting to see! Can you describe what’s been happening?

Over the past few years, we’ve seen not only new customers come on board but also our existing partners, like BHP and Glencore, significantly expand their fleets. This speaks to the trust they place in our equipment and services. One of the most memorable milestones has been the record-breaking deal with Fortescue, which reflects the strong demand for Liebherr's world-class machinery and our commitment to supporting customers at every stage of their operations. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to delivering the exceptional service and innovation that has always been at the core of Liebherr’s success.

How has this remarkable growth impacted Liebherr- Australia’s day-to-day operations and will there be more changes to come in the future?

Liebherr-Australia’s growth over the past few years has had a significant impact on our daily work. As demand for our products and services continues to rise, we’ve adapted by enhancing our operational capabilities and the skillset of our workforce to ensure we can meet these evolving needs. For example, we’re moving towards 24/7 operations in our warehouses to improve efficiency and reduce lead times for our customers. Additionally, we’re actively expanding our facilities and investing in new technologies to ensure we have the infrastructure to support future growth. These changes are just the beginning. As we continue to grow, we will adapt and innovate to stay ahead of the curve and continue providing the exceptional service our customers rely on.

With such a high number of new machine deliveries into the Australian market in the next few years, how will Liebherr-Australia continue to provide exceptional support to both its new and existing customer base?

Liebherr-Australia remains deeply committed to providing exceptional support to both our new and existing customers. Customer support has always been our top priority, and we’ve built our reputation on delivering not just high-quality equipment but also unparalleled service. The positive feedback we consistently receive from our customers is a testament to this commitment. As we continue to expand our fleet and presence across the country, we will ensure that our support infrastructure – from parts supply to maintenance and training – evolves alongside the growing demands of the industry, so our customers can be confident in us every step of the way.

Handling this influx of machines will also require a substantial increase in the number of people needed to support them. Is there a plan to expand Liebherr- Australia’s workforce?

With the significant increase in machines being deployed across mine sites in Australia, it's clear that we’ll need a substantial expansion of our workforce to support them. We’ve already put a comprehensive plan in place to ensure we can meet this demand. Our Australian workforce is set to almost double in the coming years, and we are particularly focused on the future by more than tripling the number of mining apprentices we intend to bring on board by 2030. This is part of our long-term strategy to not only support our growing customer base but also to invest in the next generation of skilled professionals who will help drive the industry forward. Our commitment to local talent, job creation and evolving the skillset of our existing workforce will ensure we can continue to deliver the exceptional service Liebherr is renowned for.

There are a range of new and exciting technologies that will be coming to Liebherr-Australia in the next few years, such as the autonomous, battery-electric T 264 as well as Liebherr’s Autonomous Haulage Solution, Fleet Management System and Machine Guidance System. How is Liebherr-Australia ensuring that its current and future workforce has the capacity to handle these new innovations?

We know that ensuring our workforce is fully equipped and trained to handle these innovations and changes will be key to their, and our, success. That’s why we’re focused on bringing in new talent with expertise in these areas while also upskilling our current employees to work with these advanced systems. Additionally, we’ll be offering comprehensive training programs to ensure our teams are not only capable of operating these new technologies but are also empowered to lead the industry forward. This ongoing investment in our people will ensure Liebherr- Australia continues to deliver the highest level of service and support for our customers as we enter this exciting new chapter.

Is there anything else you would like to highlight about the Australian mining industry or Liebherr-Australia?

The next few years are set to be incredibly exciting for Liebherr-Australia and the broader mining industry. As we continue our exponential growth across all areas of our mining business – from expanding our fleet to embracing new technologies and enhancing our support capabilities – there’s a lot to look forward to. I encourage the mining industry in Australia to stay tuned and watch Liebherr closely. We are committed to delivering exceptional value and service, and with our continued investment in people, technology and infrastructure, we’ll be leading the way through these transformative times.

As a family-owned company, Liebherr values long-term relationships, not only with our customers but with our employees. We are dedicated to creating a work environment where our team members feel supported, valued and motivated to grow alongside the company. We want our employees to stay with us and experience our exciting future growth first-hand, knowing they will be a vital part of Liebherr’s legacy and ongoing success.

Published March 2025