Doubt has again surfaced over the future of Holden manufacturing in Elizabeth, North of Adelaide as Holden’s General manager Mike Devereux, prepares to announce to the 2,500 strong workforce of a decision to rationalise the factory’s operations.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union says the speculation is that the Adelaide plant will reduce manufacturing from 450 cars per day to 400, but no permanent full-time workers are expected to lose their jobs. However, as many as 200 casual positions may go in the rationalisation process. Holden has blamed the high Australian dollar value for changes.
The South Australian and Federal Governments are considering assistance measures, aimed at securing the Elizabeth plant’s operations for at least another decade and ensuring the car maker’s long-term manufacturing future in Australia. He said the South Australian and Federal Governments would pay a “substantial amount” of approximately $200M to GM to keep its factories in Australia, but that may still not be enough to stop the corporate giant from downsizing.
