Victoria revs up links with German auto companies
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01 July 2009
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The expertise of the Victorian automotive manufacturing industry will be on the radar in Germany this week as the Minister for Industry and Trade, Martin Pakula, arrives for a series of meetings with key automotive manufacturers.
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“German investment makes a significant contribution to Victoria’s economy. Companies like Robert Bosch, Hella and Continental play a major role in our local automotive manufacturing industry,” he said.
The Minister will convey the Victorian Government’s confidence in the resilience of Victoria’s automotive manufacturing industry.
“I will also discuss the ways in which our Government is supporting the industry through a range of programs and initiatives, such as our $6.7 million Victorian Automotive Manufacturing Action Plan (VAMAP),” he said.
In Stuttgart, Minister Pakula will meet with Robert Bosch Board Member Mr Uwe Raschke, who is responsible for Bosch’s Asia-Pacific region. The visit will include a site tour and meeting with Board members to discuss the ongoing operation of Robert Bosch Australia. Bosch’s regional headquarters is located in Clayton, where 1200 people are employed.
Robert Bosch Australia is currently bidding for the right to manufacture two new high tech automotive products at Clayton that require significant investment.
In Lippstadt, Minister Pakula will meet with representatives of Hella, an auto component manufacturer that employs 400 Victorians at Mentone.
“Hella Australia’s Mentone facility is an integral part of the company’s global production network. I look forward to congratulating Hella on its recent induction into the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame.
“The company has also recently expanded its local operation with a $12 million state-of-the-art production line. Hella’s investment is a great show of confidence in Victorian automotive manufacturing and along with other recent developments – such as the inclusion of Holden in the ‘new GM’ – points to a strong future for the local industry,” Mr Pakula said.
In Babenhausen, Minister Pakula will meet with Mr Gerhard Wesner, Manager of Instrumentation and Displays Business Unit at Continental Automotive (formerly Siemens VDO).
Continental Australia designs, develops and produces a variety of vehicle systems and employs 300 people across two sites in Bundoora and Campbellfield.
In 2007, Continental (then Siemens VDO) opened a new $91 million state-of-the-art manufacturing, design and development facility at Bundoora. The plant produces a range of instrumentation and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) products for the automotive industry. The Government provided financial assistance to secure the project for Victoria.
“The global financial crisis has had an impact on these companies, and the Brumby Government is maintaining a close, collaborative approach to minimise the repercussions on their Victorian operations,” he said.
“Victoria is the engine room of Australia’s automotive industry. Maintaining a strong automotive industry in Victoria is critically important for protecting local jobs.”
Minister Pakula is visiting Germany and Singapore on his way back from participating in the G’day UK Australian promotional event in London. |
