3/4/2010
NEWS BRIEFS
Public Funds Spur Fastener Job Growth Down Under

OzPress tool room manager Damien Ferguson shows Victoria Premier John Brumby his station.

OzPress tool room manager Damien Ferguson shows Victoria Premier John Brumby his station.

On a visit to OzPress, an automatic fastener and small car component manufacturer in Australia, Victoria premier John Brumby said government support would help retain and create jobs, the Courier of Australia reports.

OzPress has secured a long-term deal to supply parts for Toyota’s new Camry Hybrid and as well as other gas-powered cars.

The state government provided $330,000 towards the plant’s $1 million upgrade, which would help OzPress increase its workforce more than 60% to 30 employees.

“We’ve got to be investing, we’ve got to have a great workforce culture and we’ve got to have government policies to help,’ Brumby told the Courier.

The upgraded OzPress plant includes a new robotics system, installation of a 200 tonne press, automatic bin changing machine and an automatic rotary projection welding machine.

OzPress managing director Mark Dwyer said the upgrade allows OzPress to quote at a lower cost level, demonstrating to Toyota its ability to reduce costs.

“Our government is taking action to create local jobs in local communities by supporting local industry in regional Victoria to grow and thrive,’ Brumby added.

OzPress was founded as K&K Fasteners in 1970, changing its name to OzPress Pty Ltd. in 2005. Customers include Toyota, Hella, Trico, Dana Automotive and Cooper Standard Automotive. ©2010 GlobalFastenerNews.com

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Related Links:

• OzPress