Global First For Multiplex with Multiple M2480D Tower Cranes Installed On Western Sydney Data Centre Site

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Multiplex has installed the world's highest-capacity luffing tower crane at NEXTDC's S4 Sydney data centre, with three Favelle Favco M2480D cranes set to power delivery of one of the digital infrastructure group's largest Australian projects.

Located at 16 Johnston Crescent in Horsley Park, the 30,743 square metre development has been designed by HDR and Greenbox Architects. Scheduled for completion in mid-2027, the facility will support hyperscale cloud infrastructure.

It marks the latest milestone in Multiplex and NEXTDC’s six‑year collaboration, spanning a portfolio of major data centres across Perth, Brisbane and Sydney.

According to Multiplex, this is the first time in the company's 60-plus-year history that it has engaged tower cranes of this size and capacity on any project globally. The M2480D offers standard lifting capacities of up to 330 tonnes, reflecting the scale and complexity of the build.

Multiplex NSW Regional Managing Director David Ghannoum said the crane strategy was driven by high-volume materials handling, program sequencing and the increasing use of modular and precast construction methodologies.

"There is unprecedented demand for materials handling on site in response to tight program sequencing, combined with the adoption of prefabricated construction methods. By having three high-capacity cranes, we will optimise logistics and avoid potential bottlenecks on site," Ghannoum said.

S4 Sydney uses extensive modular and precast construction components, including prefabricated plantrooms, switchrooms, services pathways, lift cores, columns, tanks and facade elements.

The three cranes are configured in a two-fall arrangement with a 30-metre fly extension, enabling each crane to lift 22 tonnes at a 102-metre radius - a notable combination of lifting capacity and reach for a project of this type.

Multiplex said the deployment would support more efficient site logistics, reduce the risk of program delays and strengthen its ability to deliver complex, large-scale projects in the fast-growing digital infrastructure sector.

Safety has also been a key consideration in the crane strategy, with Multiplex implementing Roborigger and The Buddie System to support stringent lifting controls and safe crane operations across the site.

Roborigger, an innovative automated lifting device, allows control of crane loads wirelessly from a safe distance. It is being used alongside The Buddie System, a wireless instant safety alert device that enables instant alerts to crane operators to stop if something goes wrong.

Marr Contracting, leading crane design and delivery firm, says that data centres present unique construction challenges, requiring cutting-edge crane technology.

“Over the past 10 years, we’ve been working with clients in Australia to rethink how the right cranage solution can change the way the world builds this critical digital infrastructure. By using fewer, higher capacity cranes in the right locations we’ve helped to remove complexity, unlock multiple work fronts and dramatically accelerate delivery through modularised construction,” said Simon Marr, Managing Director of Marr Contracting.

Multiplex's scope at S4 Sydney also includes delivering high-voltage switchrooms and facilitating a 330kV electrical substation.

S4 Sydney is the third NSW data centre Multiplex has delivered for NEXTDC. Multiplex is constructing additional NEXTDC projects in Brisbane and Perth.