Historical information

The Albion Explosives Factory was a major WWII-era munitions site in Sunshine, Victoria, operating from 1939 to 1986. Its legacy includes the Black Powder Mill, now a heritage landmark.

War Time History
- Established in 1939–40 in response to the looming threat of war in Europe.
- Located in North Albion, opposite the ICIANZ chemical plant, which also helped design and operate the facility.
- Initially known as Munitions Annexe No. 5, it became the Albion Explosives Factory, producing cordite, TNT, nitroglycerine, nitric acid, and other propellants for small arms and artillery.
- By 1942–45, it was one of Australia’s three primary military explosives factories, employing thousands and contributing significantly to the war effort.

Post War Time History
- Continued production of explosives and fertilizers for commercial use after WWII.
- Expanded in 1947–49 with the addition of the RDX plant north of Furlong Road.
- Introduced new technologies like synthetic ammonia, DNT, and continuous TNT production through the 1950s–60s.

Closure and Environmental Remediation
- Closed in 1986, followed by extensive decontamination and cleanup.
- The site was heavily contaminated with TNT, DNT, nitrates, ammonia, and metals, requiring years of environmental audits and remediation.
- Eventually redeveloped into a housing estate and shopping complex, transforming the industrial site into a suburban community.