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.

This 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

Progress Switchboards Sales Director Jay Wright, left, with General Manager Conor O’Shea, right.

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 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 as Terasaki, ABB, Siemens and Schneider. This gives customers flexibility and confidence that their switchboards are fully compliant to Australian standards.”

The benefits of NESMA membership

As a member of NESMA — the National Electrical Switchboard Manufacturers Association — Progress Switchboards received additional guidance for its South Australian expansion.

“Before establishing operations in South Australia, we spoke with NESMA SA President Anthony Spadavecchia, who provided valuable insight and advice on expanding into the state,” Wright said.

“NESMA membership positions us in a higher bracket of board builders — one that prioritises quality, safety, compliance and local manufacturing,” he added.

“It also keeps us closely connected to industry developments and best practice.”

Challenges and opportunities

Like many manufacturers across Australia, Progress Switchboards sees skilled labour shortages as the industry’s biggest challenge.

“It’s not unique to South Australia, and it’s not unique to us — it’s a national issue that NESMA members regularly discuss,” Wright said.

“One advantage of operating across multiple states is our ability to move skilled workers internally. This allows team members to relocate and experience new parts of Australia while maintaining secure employment.”

Early momentum in South Australia has been strong, with Progress Switchboards already securing projects across the education, defence, commercial and health sectors.

“This early traction reflects the demand for locally manufactured, high‑quality switchboards delivered by experienced, qualified teams,” Wright observed.

“With strong leadership, a growing state economy, and the support of NESMA, Progress Switchboards is well positioned to contribute to South Australia’s next wave of infrastructure development.”

Top image caption: Progress Switchboards Sales Director Jay Wright.