Manufacturing in South Australia has been given a boost by a recent round of government investment in high-tech projects. 

AMWU SA Secretary, John Camillo, said $2.7 million from the South Australia Innovation and Investment Fund (SAIIF) would provide up to 100 jobs in projects from electrical control manufacturing to Hybrid vehicle engine components.

“This fund has already stimulated investment in innovative, high-tech manufacturing. It has particularly assisted the auto-sector which really struggled with the collapse of Mitsubishi and the onset of the GFC.

“It has brought some of the confidence back and made up lost ground.”

The South Australia Innovation and Investment Fund (SAIIF), established by the Commonwealth and State Government following the decision by Mitsubishi Motors to cease its manufacturing operation in Adelaide, has so far pledged $30 million.

“The fund was an important step in filling the gap left by Mitsubishi. We have and will continue to pressure government to turn Tonsley Park (old Mitsubishi site) into an industrial hub,” Mr Camillo said.

“There’s no doubt that Adelaide needs a strong component supplier. We’re still in the early stages – we’ve got a long way to go to - but at the moment there is steady growth in employment.”

“I’ll be satisfied once we have 1500 jobs to replace what was lost at Mitsubishi.”

The final round of grants for the Green Car Innovation Fund, controversially culled by the Federal Government in January, were also announced last week, with Industry and Innovation Minister, Kim Carr, touring Holden’s Elizabeth plant. 

In total $38 million from the fund has been pledged for Holden to help reduce the fuel consumption and carbon emissions of future Commodore models.

Holden has indicated the money will be used to develop lightweight aluminum body panels and improve aerodynamic performance. It’s long-term aim is to reduce the Commodore’s fuel consumption by more than seven percent.

Mr Camillo estimated the project could bring 250 new engineering jobs to the Elizabeth plant.

“It’s good to see the company move towards making their vehicles become lighter, less fuel dependant. The key issue for Holden is how do they survive in the automotive market today.

“Becoming cleaner and greener needs to be at the forefront of their thinking. With this investment, their move towards ethanol and their investment in the Cruze I think we can see evidence of that.

“For our membership it’s important that they have job security. It shows the company is putting in place plans for the future and is committed them and South Australia.”