Interfleet supported Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) throughout the procurement process for iron ore cars manufactured in China. Led from Australia, but also utilising Interfleet resources based in China, Interfleet project managed the design review, manufacture, testing, commissioning and delivery of the ore cars on behalf of FMG. Services were provided by Interfleet with respect to Project Management, Technical Management and Quality Assurance including:

• Tender evaluation;
• Engineering review of the preferred tenderer’s design;
• Formal design submission review;
• Supplier quality plan review;
• Technical review of all type and routine test procedures and reports;
• Review of maintenance and operating documentation;
• Day to day management of the supplier;
• Progress reporting against agreed plans and schedules;
• Management of ore car acceptance and commissioning.

Interfleet’s on-site resident engineering services included:

• Contract readiness audits at the supplier’s production facility;
• Surveillance of production activities to verify compliance to contract, technical specifications and best practices;
• Monitoring production and management of defects identification and rectification;
• Investigation of alternative technical solutions;
• Witnessing of type and routine tests;
• Final factory acceptance inspection of the ore cars.

By bringing together and managing the right mix of expert resources, internally and from the client organisation, Interfleet were able to address all technical and procurement challenges on this assignment resulting in delivery of the 260 iron cars on time and to budget. Interfleet provided FMG with the comfort that critical project milestones would be met allowing FMG to concentrate on its daily operations.