In 1988, Westrail placed an order for 15 CM25-8 Dash 8 locomotives for bulk grain and general freight haulage with A Goninan & Co. A 16th was later ordered followed by a 17th funded by AMC Mineral Sands.
In 1997, the class was fitted with Locotrol equipment to allow them to operate in top and tail formation.
All 17 Locomotives, with the class redesignated as the 2500 class. In Early 2014, all were included in the sale of Australian Railroad Group's Western Australian operation to Aurizon. All 17 in service.