The 100-ton gantry crane, made in Glasgow, was installed in the original workshops, but has not been used for several years.
It has recently been exposed by demolition activity that will clear the site for a new mechanical workshop at Hillside.
KiwiRail construction delivery chief operating officer Robert Gibbes said parts of the crane would be salvaged and reused.
Good progress was being made on the Hillside redevelopment project, he said.
‘‘The new workshops will include gantry cranes, heavy lift jacks, and electric shunt engines,’’ Mr Gibbes said.
Construction of the new mechanical workshop was due to begin early to mid next year, he said.
KiwiRail is seeking a main contractor for its construction.
Mr Gibbes said detailed design was in its final stages.
The Government announced in May Hillside would get $85 million for new facilities to assemble wagons.
That followed an injection of almost $20 million from the Provincial Growth Fund in 2019.
Demolition of the old workshops started last year.
The redevelopment project is expected to be completed by late 2023.
