PACCAR Australia employs more local manufacturing staff: a growing force and extras on the way

Kenworth Australian Manufacturing Plant in Bayswater

In a boost for Australian manufacturing and the local economy, PACCAR Australia is in the process of recruiting more than 120 people for its Bayswater manufacturing facility. Customer demand for trucks has driven the need for increased truck production in the coming months, resulting in growth in the factory workforce and related engineering and administrative support at its head office in Melbourne.

“The current operating environment globally is uncertain, and especially in Victoria at the moment, but we are immensely proud we are able to employ more people and support economic growth within the local community,” said Andrew Hadjikakou, Managing Director, PACCAR Australia.

Inserting Cummins engine in new Kenworth at the Bayswater Factory

Production Increase

“We have been manufacturing Kenworths in Australia for 49 years and the majority of our suppliers of component parts are small-to-medium businesses, many of whom are local to our factory. When we increase our production, they increase their production. The flow on effect through our local supply chain means many more people are affected than just the people we are employing.

“We hope our customers understand when they buy from us, as an Australian manufacturer, the choice they make positively impacts the lives of many Australians.

“The increase in staff is not only a great boost for the local economy, but it’s great for morale and we look forward to welcoming our new team members as they continue to join the business over the coming weeks.

“Despite the positive news, COVID-19 has not left us unscathed. Our operations team has worked to make manufacturing Kenworths and assembling DAFs at the plant in Melbourne safe for all workers according to the Government’s guidelines on social distancing and maintaining health standards,” Andrew said.

Building Kenworth trucks at Bayswater

PACCAR Australia is a subsidiary of PACCAR Inc, a Six Sigma company, and a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of light, medium and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, DAF and Peterbilt brands. PACCAR also designs and manufactures advanced diesel engines, provides financial services and information technology, and distributes truck parts related to its principal business.