By Bridget Cook
A DANDENONG business has secured a multi-million dollar investment this week to help boost truck manufacturing in the state.
Victorian Minister for Manufacturing, Export and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva announced the State Government’s investment on Tuesday to secure IVECO’s heavy truck engineering and manufacturing capability in Victoria.
The investment will be used to development a new IVECO road train.
IVECO’s new project will create additional jobs over the next few years as a result of a forecast increase in production volume of up to 50 per cent.
“IVECO is a valued member of Victoria’s manufacturing industry, and this investment is a big boost for the company and truck manufacturing in Victoria,” Mr Dalla-Riva said.
“The Coalition Government recognises the industry’s innovative, quality-drive manufactures, and the role these Victorians play as contributors to our state’s economy.
“Our Government is committed to working collaboratively with the industry to ensure that we remain at the forefront of truck design and manufacture.”
Mr Dalla-Riva made the announcement as he gained hands-on experience at the facility in Dandenong, working on the production line for the day.
“Today’s visit to IVECO is part of an effort to establish ongoing and regular engagement with Victoria’s manufacturing industry and continue to attract global companies such as IVECO to our state,” Mr Dalla-Riva said.
“The experience provided me with a unique insight into Victoria’s manufacturing industry, as well as experiencing first hand the hard work, skills and dedication that sustain our thriving industry.”
The IVECO Dandenong facility is one of only two truck manufacturing plants in Victoria, and one of only three in the country.
The company has been operating in Victoria since 1952 and has produced more than 210,000 trucks.
The plant currently manufacturers about 1000 medium and heavy duty trucks annually and employs about 290 staff.
IVECO Trucks Australia is a subsidiary of Industrial Vehicles Corporation, which is part of the Fiat group.
Fiat is the world’s ninth largest vehicle manufacturer and the largest in Italy.
