SA bus manufacturing joint venture to help Holden job losses

The first of four environmentally efficient buses set to be unveiled in Adelaide, could also signal new jobs for Holden’s car manufacturing employees.

The four buses – two low diesel and two electric – are being manufactured in northern Adelaide as part of a trial on the city’s public transport network.

The success of this advanced manufacturing project has now led to an agreement for an additional 50 low carbon emission diesel buses to be manufactured for supply interstate, creating significant opportunities for northern Adelaide suppliers and workers.

The bus build has created jobs for 29 workers in various engineering and operational roles, in a venture between two companies – Precision Components and Bustech.

SA manufacturing and innovation Minister Kyam Maher says: “The agreement to manufacture an additional 50 low carbon emission diesel buses in northern Adelaide is great news for local automotive suppliers as it creates opportunities across other areas of advanced manufacturing.”

Meanwhile, Precision Components director Mat Fitch hopes it will soften the impact of Holden’s closure when it withdraws from manufacturing vehicles in Australia.

“It’s creating a platform for diversification, for transition of jobs, retention of skills and capabilities,” he told the ABC.

“We’re fully aware of what the impact will be but obviously, with the State Government’s support, by creating this platform we are reducing the effects of the closure of Holden and transitioning into new industries,” he adds.

The bus project has received a $2 million grant under the Northern Economic Plan, which the government put into place after Holden announced its Australian future.

Senator for South Australia, Nick Xenophon has previously said that the government should reallocate $1.3 billion in unused funds for the Automotive Transformation Scheme to help re-position businesses.