The grand opening of the new Volvo national HQ saw the first Mack Anthem in Australia on the forecourt as the guests made their way into the event. The new facility was officially opened by Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, and Volvo Group Global President and CEO, Martin Lundstedt.
The company’s new $30 million Australian headquarters and Brisbane South dealership accommodates modern offices, a large dealership (selling Volvo, Mack and UD Trucks) and a contemporary workshop on a 33,000 m3 site at the Metroplex Westgate business park.
The Mack Anthem is not destined for Australian roads just yet. The truck on display was one of the first prototypes built for the truck’s launch in the US last year. It has been brought over to give potential customers an idea of the look and feel of the new model. The fact is it does look impressive in the metal, despite looking a little ‘Transformerish’ in many photos.
Volvo also announced further investment to upgrade its Queensland truck factory at Wacol, near Brisbane. Martin said refurbishment of the Wacol truck plant will enable the Group to further increase production, signalling the company’s strong outlook.
“Our increase in market share towards 27 per cent over the past five years, in combination with a strong heavy-duty truck market, makes it necessary to further increase our production capacity,” said Martin. “In the past five years alone, production at our Wacol factory has increased by 40 per cent. Investing in the Wacol factory, not far from our new national headquarters, will help grow our 27 per cent market share and give a boost to around 85 local component suppliers
“Volvo Group Australia has been making trucks in Queensland since 1972 and we are extremely confident in the Australian market, we employ more than 1500 people across the country and have produced more than 60,000 trucks from the Wacol factory.”
Welcoming the announcement, Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Wacol plant was a significant part of the state’s manufacturing base, employing almost 500 people.
“Volvo Group is the only truck manufacturer to be awarded ‘Australian Made’ certification, and we’re particularly proud to call them Queensland-made,” said the Queensland Premier. “Their commitment to the State is a vote of confidence in our future and testament to the State’s economic strength.”
For Volvo Group Australia President, Peter Voorhoeve, this was his last official function before taking leave of Australia and heading to the US to take over as President of Volvo Trucks North America.
“The new headquarters is an energising space which will inspire our people on to greater things.” said Peter. ”The main building’s seven metre glass hangar door and 125 metre atrium were specially engineered to allow heavy vehicles inside, while the central staircase reflects a DNA helix shape linking each level.”
