FORD SITE REVIVAL
Feds, Vic push for local tank-building jobs
A MULTI-BILLION dollar defence contract will revive Geelong’s former Ford factory if awarded to one of the final two bidders, it has been revealed.
Federal and state MPs will today announce defence supply chain company Marand is in negotiations with Ford to acquire part of the site, to be used if BAE Systems wins the Commonwealth Government’s Land 400 Phase Two project contract.
If BAE is handed the $5 billion contract to build 225 new combat reconnaissance vehicles, Marand will use the Ford site for manufacturing parts.
The announcement comes after BAE Systems confirmed in July it would build the combat vehicles at Melbourne’s old Holden factory if it wins the contract, following costly lobbying for the manufacturing to be based in Geelong.
Corangamite federal Liberal MP Sarah Henderson said Marand’s decision was a terrific win for local manufacturing workers.
“I trust that Ford and Marand can finalise a deal which builds on our city’s unique history as a premiere centre of vehicle manufacturing,” Ms Henderson said.
“In what is very exciting news, BAE Systems has selected Marand to manufacture the AMV35’s turret shell as well as the hull of the vehicle.
“This represents an additional $15 million of work for Marand which will deliver 60 new jobs in total to Geelong if BAE Systems wins the Land 400 tender.”
State Minister for Trade and Investment Philip Dalidakis said BAE’s bid for the Land 400 contract meant billions of dollars in investment and thousands of jobs for Victoria.
“This is a golden opportunity for the Commonwealth to give certainty to our manufacturing sector and support new supply chain jobs in Geelong and right across Victoria,” Mr Dalidakis said.
Mr Dalidakis said Geelong jobs created by a successful BAE bid would be suitable for the region’s former automotive workers.
Marand already manufactures the trailer for the joint strike fighter program in Geelong. The final decision on the Land 400 contract is to be made by the Commonwealth next year.