The Andrews Labor Government has helped a Sunshine West engine repair business create highly-skilled jobs for former automotive workers.
Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan today met workers at Cornell Diesel and toured the company’s new state-of-the-art servicing facility.
Cornell last year received a grant from the Labor Government’s Local Industry Fund for Transition (LIFT) program to build a new 4,000 square metre workshop.
Now up and running, the facility is helping the company meet growing demand for specialist repair services for diesel-powered vehicles.
Cornell will recruit 35 new staff with the majority of positions suitable for former auto workers. Four ex-automotive workers have already commenced work.
For more than 40 years, Cornell has specialised in remanufacturing, diagnosis, repair and parts sales for diesel engine systems.
The company is a service agent for major manufacturers including Bosch, Denso, Delphi, Siemens VDO and Yanmar. Cornell also repairs diesel engines for CDC Victoria – a bus company servicing communities in Sunshine, Altona and Werribee.
The Government’s LIFT program offers grants of up to $2 million to support business expansion in areas hardest hit by the closure of local car manufacturing.
In Melbourne’s west, LIFT has supported 11 projects that are expected to create 334 new jobs.
For more information about LIFT and expressions of interest visit
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan
“We know Melbourne’s west has been hit hard by the end of local car manufacturing, and these communities need certainty.”
“These grants are helping businesses grow their operations – that’s great news for auto workers looking for a fresh start.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Footscray Marsha Thomson
“Cornell Diesel Systems is a proud local business, and thanks to support from our government, their future couldn’t be brighter.”
“We are thrilled to see automotive workers already securing new jobs with this company and transferring their skills.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020