More Support To Put Companies Into Top Gear

The Andrews Labor Government is helping local companies impacted by the closure of automotive manufacturing transform the way they do business and open up new opportunities.

Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll today visited Holden Special Vehicles in Clayton to announce $662,000 worth of assistance to 16 businesses under the Automotive Supply Chain Transition Program.

Assistance through the program has enabled Holden Special Vehicles, an automotive design and engineering business, to look at diversifying its vehicle lines through expansion into the modification of imported vehicles.

Businesses that are yet to receive support under the program will be able to apply for assistance of up to $16,000 to develop a transition plan and up to $55,000 to implement the changes.

This additional support will further help companies that have already diversified and entered new markets to successfully undertake their transition projects.

Automotive supply chain companies that are yet to apply for the program can submit an application by 2 March 2018.

The program is providing automotive supply chain companies with intensive support to guide them through the transition period after the closure of major car manufacturing.

The Labor Government is getting behind workers, businesses and communities impacted by the closure of automotive manufacturing, with more than $100 million in initiatives to support those hardest hit.

In addition to this program, the Labor Government is also creating jobs in communities most impacted by the closure of automotive manufacturing companies through the Local Industry Fund for Transition initiative.

Automotive supply chain companies interested in the ASCTP can visit business.vic.gov.au/asctp or call Business Victoria on 13 22 15.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll

“The Coalition left manufacturing workers behind, but we believe there is a strong future for the sector.”

“We said we’d support businesses impacted by the closure of automotive manufacturing in Victoria and that’s what we’ve done.”

“Through the Automotive Supply Chain Transition Program, we are helping companies like Holden Special Vehicles identify future markets, plan for transition and ensure their workforce is sustainable”