Australian Supplier Association Warns Of 33,000 Jobs Lost In Wake Of Producer Exits
In light of Toyota Australia’s decision to cease all manufacturing operations in Australia by 2017, the Federation of Automotive Products Manufacturers is warning that as many as 33,000 jobs in the supply chain are at risk of following the automakers out of the country.
Just-Auto reports that the lost jobs include those in design, engineering, prototyping, R&D and assembly. FAPM said it was satisfied with the reasons behind Toyota Australia’s production exit, though president Jim Griffin warned of rough seas ahead:
“We may now not have time enough to transition. Our industry has the skills and know-how to be competitive but we need time and assistance to re-shape our businesses, to get new customers and diversify into new markets.”
FAPM chief executive also added that diversification, exporting and/or importing new business models outside of the dying local automotive industry may be the only way through the storm, even if most of their membership won’t make it out alive when the last Aurion and Commodore leave the assembly line in three years’ time.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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The term "Engineer" seems to be used loosely in OZ, not necessarily a rigorous 4 year college program graduate.
Just sharing experience with Aussie friends who call themselves "engineers" but do not have the education that actually requires. ;-) It is just an observation, not a comeback.
Chaps, I think you all should read the link below, specially the Aussie team. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-11/llewellyn-smith-australian-disease-enters-its-terminal-phase/5251418 There are 2 charts and 1 number in that article that are chilling.
@28cars-later- The article simply means that GM's engineering centers in Europe and Asia, where gas is expensive, had the lead for a large share of the vehicles being released at that snapshot in time. GM froze most product development during market collapse and run thru bankruptcy. The ATS, for example, was under development before I retired in 2008 but the freeze delayed the introduction.