Kenworth anniversary more than a milestone

The Federal Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, has praised Kenworth's contribution to Australian society, while underlining the role the company will play in helping the nation's economic recovery following the recent pandemic-induced recession.

Mr Frydenberg addressed PACCAR Australia staff at its Bayswater North production facility on Friday, March 26, as the company marked 50 years of truck manufacturing in this country.

The occasion was also a celebration of the production of the 70,000th Australian-made Kenworth truck, as well as the 75th anniversary of Kenworth and DAF dealer, Brown and Hurley.

The Treasurer was one of several politicians at the commemorative event, along with Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar, Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Kevin Hogan, and Member for Croydon David Hodgett.

Mr Frydenberg toured the PACCAR facility, visiting several points on the Kenworth production line and chatting with workers, before addressing the 1000-plus PACCAR Australia employees who had gathered in one of the plant's massive warehouses.

Mr Frydenberg underlined the vital role played by the company, not just in road freight but across Australian society as a whole.

"This is a very special day for two wonderful Australian companies," he said.

"We're celebrating 50 years since PACCAR produced its first Australian-made truck, as well as 75 years since Brown and Hurley opened their dealership.

"These companies are stalwarts of the Australian trucking industry. They support jobs. They support manufacturing. And they make it possible for the freight which all Australians rely on to be transported around our vast continent."

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While large-scale manufacturing of passenger cars in Australia may have ceased, Mr Frydenberg said auto manufacturing was very much alive, and indeed thriving.

"If you read the newspapers, you may be forgiven for thinking that we don’t make motor vehicles any more here in Australia," he said.

"But we do make vehicles, we make trucks – and we make them very, very well. So well, in fact, that Australia's new truck industry is worth $3.5 billion, with related activities worth a further $6 billion to the Australian economy."

Mr Frydenberg praised Kenworth's products for their reputation for strength, durability and capability, while also highlighting the crucial role played by road freight throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

"During the pandemic, the freight industry has helped keep our shelves and supermarkets stocked and the economy ticking over despite the lockdown and border closures," he said.

"And it's shown the amazing work of our truck drivers, transport mechanics, forklift operators, heavy vehicle technicians and so many others."

The treasurer said trucks and the Australian truck industry would play a key role in the nation's recovery.

"We're well positioned for a strong comeback," he said.

"We're investing in skills and apprenticeships, tax incentives that are seeing more trucks being produced every week, every year, infrastructure spending to improve our roads, and of course encouraging research and development, which you do so well here at PACCAR.

"And all of this, in the heavy-duty vehicle manufacturing sector, will be vital to Australia's economic recovery, and will create more jobs."

The overwhelming sense of pride in the massive warehouse in which the milestone event took place was palpable, as PACCAR Australia employees paused to reflect on half a century of Kenworth's achievements.

Many have worked at the plant for decades, or come from families that have seen multiple generations help send those 70,000 trucks (and counting) down the line.

"What an incredible sight this is – suppliers, dealers, workers from the production line," said Mr Frydenberg.

"This is a picture of Australia's manufacturing strength, and very much an image of Australia's bright manufacturing future."