Private capital-backed infrastructure contractor Pensar is to establish a permanent presence in Tasmania.
The company will set up a state headquarters in Hobart to support work across the island state which it expects to increase substantially.
With the state’s agricultural and tourism sectors driving economic growth, TasWater plans to spend $1.9 billion on infrastructure over the next five years while TasPorts plans to spend $250 million on port expansion at Devonport.
Over the past four years, Pensar has worked with TasWater on refurbishing ageing reservoirs and installing new UV disinfection systems at water treatment plants. Additional similar projects are planned.
Pensar currently employs around 300 people across Australia and has delivered infrastructure projects such as the $100 million Wamuran Irrigation scheme in Queensland.
Pensar is part of UK-based RSK which employs more than 15,000 people through more than 200 environmental, engineering and technical services businesses globally.
In June 2024, a consortium led by US-based private capital firms Searchlight and Ares Management made a £500 million ($1 billion) equity investment in RSK. Ares also committed to provide a £300 million debt facility.
The consortium is backing RSK’s long-term strategy to become a world leader in providing sustainable water and other infrastructure through organic growth and acquisitions.
Image: Pensar specialises in constructing and refurbishing water infrastructure.