By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
ABOUT 70 manufacturing jobs have been ‘‘secured’’ after the state government ordered new V/Line carriages from Bombardier Transportation Australia’s Dandenong South factory.
In a welcome boost for the region’s manufacturing hub, the government will buy 40 VLocity carriages to expand its regional rail fleet.
The carriages are set to roll onto tracks from 2014, adding to 130 VLocity carriages on the network.
The last of 40 carriages is expected to be finished in late 2016.
Bombardier overhauls team leader Mark Scholten, of Blind Bight, has worked at the factory for 10 years. He said the contract should secure his job for nearly another 10.
The fitter-and-turner was pleased for not only his future but for his three apprentices at Bombardier, including Cranbourne’s Cory Brinkley. Both men are married, and with daughters.
‘‘It’s absolutely exciting. It’s good for Bombardier and good for local content suppliers as well,’’ Mr Scholten said.
Bombardier managing director Dan Osborne said the decision reinforced ‘‘the excellent performance’’ of the VLocity fleet.
‘‘These vehicles are designed and built in Australia using local expertise and the local supply chain.”
The factory is also building 50 trams for the government and 22 three-car electric train sets for the South Australian government.
Premier Ted Baillieu, who visited the factory today, hailed the announcement of the $200 million-plus contract as ‘‘great news for manufacturing jobs in Victoria’’.
The Journal today reported recent census figures show less Greater Dandenong residents have manufacturing jobs than a decade ago.
According to 2011 census figures, the number dropped from almost 14,500 to fewer than 12,400 in the decade to 2011.
The sector is still the largest employer of Greater Dandenong residents.
Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder said the VLocity carriages were expected to include about 70 per cent local content.
