INVESTMENT of A$5m to increase the capacity of EDI Rail's manufacturing and testing facilities at Maryborough in Queensland was announced by Stephen Gillies, Managing Director of Downer EDI, on December 21.The nine-month programme includes rolling stock testing and commissioning facilities, weighing equipment and associated trackwork. 'These additions will provide a 50% increase in the testing and commissioning capacity, and enable improved efficiencies in production throughput', said Gillies.The announcement followed the state government's decision to proceed with an A$260m order for 20 three-car EMUs which will be built by EDI Rail and joint venture partner Bombardier Transportation for Brisbane's Citytrain network. The joint venture is also finalising a deal with the Western Australian government's Public Transport Authority to excercise options for 15 more three-car EMUs for Perth, which will be assembled at Maryborough. Gillies said Downer EDI is investing to underpin organic growth, and provide capacity to meet possible orders from discussions in New Zealand.The investment at Maryborough followed the announcement of December 8 of an A$20m upgrade on EDI Rail's facilities in Cardiff, following financial close of the New South Wales government's A$8bn PPP contract for 626 double-deck EMU cars (RG 12.06 p761). n