Strong Support for Manufacturing in Victoria

27 Jul 11

Victorian Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva and the Member for Kilsyth David Hodgett yesterday visited four companies in Melbourne's eastern suburbs which play a strategic role within Victoria's automotive industry.

Minister Dalla-Riva visited Denso Automotive Systems Australia, Assemco Pty Ltd, Hychill Australia and PACCAR Australia. These companies underline the importance of the automotive industry in the eastern region and give focus to the Victorian Coalition Government's commitment to growing the manufacturing sector in Victoria.

Mr Dalla-Riva outlined a series of initiatives that flowed from strong government support for Australian Automotive Week, which was held in Melbourne earlier this month.

"This included a technology showcase at the Motor Show and the hosting of 67 prospective overseas buyers to highlight the state's industry strengths, opening up a series of important opportunities for local automotive suppliers," Mr Dalla-Riva said.

"The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to strengthening the manufacturing industry which provides more than $30 billion in gross state product, employs more than 300,000 people and continues to be Victoria's leading export sector.

"Our approach is about backing local innovation, creating more jobs and supporting the sector in dealing with challenges like the strong Australian dollar, increased international competition and accelerating technological change.

"Manufacturers, such as Denso, Assemco, Hychill and PACCAR, are constantly working to improve efficiency and productivity, develop new products and markets and utilise new technology to meet these challenges," Mr Dalla-Riva said.

Mr Hodgett said the manufacturing sector is very important to the region as it employs local people, which have flow-on effects for the whole community.

"It is important to meet regularly with the local sector and discuss the challenges they face and I applaud the Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade for taking the opportunity to meet these companies and listen to their concerns," Mr Hodgett said.

Denso is a global automotive component manufacturer which employs 410 staff and makes automotive engine cooling systems, air conditioning, air intake systems and fuel pumps.

Assemco operates from four factories, employs 40 staff and offers manufacturing and component assembly facilities together with logistics, purchasing and order tracking services.

Hychill employs 10 staff and exports to Asia and has developed automotive air-conditioning hydrocarbon refrigerants, which the company maintains are environmentally safe, energy efficient and chemically inert.

PACCAR Australia employs 850 staff and has designed and manufactured more than 45,000 Kenworth Trucks at its Bayswater plant since 1971 and also imports DAF trucks.