Paccar Australia has announced it is again increasing truck production over the coming months, despite what has universally been acknowledged as a very unusual year, marred by significant negative health and economic impact.
The company says it will expand its workforce, with recruitment currently underway for the factory and related departments at the Melbourne-based head office, to support the increase and as a further boost to the local community.
“This is great news for local manufacturing and follows the recent employment of more than 120 people for the Kenworth DAF Bayswater Plant, and many more in Paccar’s supply chains, following the increase in production earlier this year,” said Andrew Hadjikakou, managing director, Paccar Australia.
“Being a proud Australian manufacturer with a predominantly Australian supplier base means we are not suffering some of the constraints of overseas component supply. Australians are patriotic and are showing that supporting Australian manufacturing is important to them.
“The increase in production reflects the work carried out across the business in managing the restrictions and challenges we have faced this year, particularly in Victoria.
“I am proud of the dedication and enthusiasm displayed by all Paccar Australia employees, our dealers and suppliers in ensuring we keep delivering world class Kenworth and DAF trucks while adhering to Government guidelines on social distancing and maintaining health and safety standards.
“As we go into our 50th year of manufacturing Australian-made Kenworth trucks, we also celebrate the assembling of DAF trucks in Australia, having more than doubled the number of DAFs being produced in the plant since 2018. The increase in production provides a positive outlook for the future growth of both brands in Australia,” said Andrew.
“In preparation for this growth, the $40 million Bayswater site expansion is well underway and is on schedule for completion in 2021,” he said.
