In October, we saw the very last Australian-made Ford roll off the assembly line at the Broadmeadows plant. What a sombre day for workers but it should also be for all Australians!
The Geelong factory opened in 1925, building both engines and vehicles but changed to engine and metal stamping in 1959 when the Broadmeadows plant was opened. In 1994, the NSW plant closed seeing the production of the locally made Ford Capri cease. In 2007, Ford announced that they would be closing their Geelong plant in 2010, however later cancelled the decision and instead upgraded the plant so that the engines produced would meet strict European standards.
In 2013, Ford again announced it would close its Australian manufacturing operations in 2016 and this time they meant it, after suffering a $141 million loss over the previous financial year. This would also mean the loss of jobs for around 1,200 workers.
In a nice gesture to both Geelong and Broadmeadows communities, the official homes of Ford, they will be auctioning the last saleable cars built at the plants with the proceeds being donated to local schools in both areas. The final vehicles built will not be sold but rather will be put on display.
Dick Johnson, three-time Bathhurst winner and five-time Australian Touring Car champion has expressed his disappointment at the closure of Ford, and other Australian car manufacturers. Talking at Bathurst this year he was quoted as saying “For today to be qualifying for the Bathurst 1000, and to be the last Falcon to roll off the production line, it’s a date we won’t forget that’s for sure, albeit very sad.”
While there is $66 million provided in support for sacked workers, many are still struggling to find alternative employment. This is due to the need for their very specific skill sets in metal casting being almost redundant given that the majority of the automotive industry in Australia is closing, with Holden and Toyota also closing down vehicle production in 2017.
So it’s anyone’s guess what will happen from here in relation to car prices. Some are saying that with no manufacturing in Australia the prices will increase with the expense of importing and others believe that it will open the Australian market up to further competition and our exchange rate will also play into it. Either way, it’s sad to think that our kids wont have the option to buy an Australian built car but rather might be zipping round in a cheap import.