The Prime Minister, John Howard, today commemorated the completion of a $532 million upgrade to the Holden Vehicle Operations (HVO) plant in Elizabeth, South Australia.

The investment makes the Elizabeth plant one of the most state-of-the-art automotive manufacturing operations in the world.

The Prime Minister revealed a plaque to commemorate the significant upgrade and toured Holden’s General Assembly, which reflects the most substantial improvements to the plant in terms of efficiency, ergonomics, environmental standards and employee safety.

Speaking at the plant today, GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, said the major upgrades ensured Holden and South Australia continued to contribute to the global automotive industry.

“These works have revolutionised the way we make cars. Holden can now manufacture cars on par with any automotive facility in the world,” Mr Mooney said.

“In 1948 we celebrated the launch of Australia’s first locally manufactured car with Prime Minister Ben Chifley, and today we are honoured to commemorate this occasion with Prime Minister John Howard."

“The milestone today also reflects Holden’s continued evolution as part of the world’s largest automotive company, General Motors.”

Mr Mooney and the Prime Minister were also joined by the Hon Kevin Foley MHA, Deputy Premier and Treasurer of South Australia, senior representatives of the Federal and State Governments, GM Holden employees and industry union delegates to commemorate the new plant.

The $532 million invested in Holden Vehicle Operations (HVO) plant since 2000 enabled Holden to prepare for manufacturing the all-new VE Commodore range as well as the remaining VZ variants.

GM Holden Executive Director of Manufacturing, Rod Keane, said he considered the upgrades to be the greatest technological achievement for the HVO manufacturing facility in its four decades of operation.

Mr Keane said the transformation could not have been achieved without the commitment and determination of Holden staff.

“While we have had a number of notable upgrades previously, it is the work completed in the past five years that provides Holden with the basis for competitive sustainability,” Mr Keane said.

“This is the biggest and most dramatic change to plant efficiency I have seen in more than 30 years of working in automotive manufacturing."

“We have our employees to thank for this achievement, both in making this challenging project a successful reality and then in re-skilling to use the newly installed equipment."

“Throughout this upgrade, many staff worked after hours and much of the work was completed during down-time."

“Additionally, employees undertook more than 50,000 hours of training to master the full potential of this world-leading technology. Today is a testament to their hard work and dedication.”

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