Volvo Group Australia celebrates 50 years of Australian manufacturing

Volvo Group Australia marked five decades of manufacturing trucks in Australia this month with a special celebration at its Wacol manufacturing facility. Since June 1972, they have manufactured more than 70,000 Volvo and Mack trucks at the site.

One of Australia’s leading automotive manufacturers, Volvo Group Australia, contributes over $400m a year to the local economy, employs more than 1500 people and works with over 100 local suppliers.

Volvo Group Australia President and CEO, Martin Merrick, said “Volvo Group Australia’s Wacol production plant is over 50 acres, with around 750 manufacturing staff and 50 dedicated engineers.

We are the only production facility in the world that produces Mack and Volvo trucks side by side, and we do that because the operating conditions here in Australia are so unique. The long distances and hotter temperatures mean that Australian trucks work harder than just about anywhere else in the world. We’re so proud of our production capabilities here in Australia and to be producing Australian Made trucks – just we know our customers are so proud to own them.”

Not just focused on the past, Volvo Trucks Australia have big plans for the next 50 years, committing to build fully electric trucks at its Wacol facility by 2025.

Australian Made Chairman Allyn Beard congratulated Volvo on its manufacturing success and praised its commitment to supporting local industries.

Mr Beard said, “Volvo Group Australia should be proud not just of their quality trucks designed and built for Australian conditions but also of the many jobs they have created. There has never been a more important time to buy Australian Made.”