Australian switchboard manufacturer Progress Switchboards has expanded into South Australia to support increasing demand for critical electrical infrastructure, while helping contractors manage extended lead times across key sectors including defence, education, health, and commercial construction.
“There is significant infrastructure growth underway in South Australia, which is driving strong demand for electrical contractors,” says 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.”
Progress Switchboards identified these conditions as the right opportunity to establish a presence in South Australia, supplying locally manufactured and assembled switchboards ranging from small low‑voltage distribution boards through to large site main switchboards.
“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 explains.
Proven expansion model
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 quickly built a reputation for compliant, high‑quality, locally manufactured, design verified switchboards that clients could rely on.
“The success of our Western Australian operation gave us a proven blueprint for expanding into South Australia,” says Wright. “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 Tasmania 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 modular innovation to South Australia
As part of its South Australian expansion, Progress Switchboards is also introducing VeCab™ modular switchboard technology to the State, following successful uptake in Western Australia.
“We are now the only authorised VeCab assembler in South Australia, allowing us to offer a modular, reliable, and efficient solution to local projects,” says Wright.
“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.”
NESMA membership builds trust
Progress Switchboards’ membership with NESMA plays a critical role in reinforcing confidence with customers.
“NESMA membership positions us in a higher bracket of board builders – one that prioritises quality, safety, compliance, and local manufacturing,” Wright says. “It also keeps us closely connected to industry developments and best practice.”
“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.”
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 says.
“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 concludes. “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.”
