The man was working on a ‘‘mine dump-truck body’’ for ResCo Engineering Services when the incident happened at 3.40pm, Hunter Valley Police Sergeant Darrin Bojkowski said.

Nearby workers said it was believed the man was crushed, while initial police reports said a piece of equipment fell on the victim.

Sergeant Bojkowski said precisely what happened was subject to an investigation.

The victim’s body remained inside the Strathmore Road factory last night while a crime scene was established and detectives and forensic police investigated.

Police said WorkCover would be called in.

Several ResCo employees remained on the scene last night.

One ResCo official said that no comment would be made because the incident was now under ‘‘legal privilege’’. ‘‘Any comment will be made by special counsel,’’ the official said.

The factory is in the heart of coalmining country in a peaceful bush setting.

ResCo’s slogan on the front of its factory said: ‘‘From the coal face to the coal-loader’’.

The company’s website said it provided ‘‘expert management and maintenance services’’ of mining plant and equipment.

ResCo Engineering Services began operating in 1994 and had since ‘‘undergone a rapid expansion’’, the website said.