Holden to close factory on October 20

Holden has chosen Black Friday to announce the end date for its local manufacturing activities, which will cease on October 20 this year.

The company’s Adelaide-based manufacturing workforce was told the news first, with Holden Executive Director of Manufacturing, Richard Phillips, describing Holden’s overriding priority as giving employees and suppliers advance notice and providing certainty.

"While this confirmation isn’t a surprise for anyone and we’ve been working toward this for nearly four years, we can now confirm the actual date for our people and our suppliers. Putting our people first and foremost has always been our highest priority," Mr Phillips said.

"This October may bring to a close more than 60 years of vehicle manufacturing by Holden at Elizabeth but I know it will be business as usual for our manufacturing workforce until then."

The company plans to produce over 30,000 cars before manufacturing ceases, and retain more than 300 designers and engineers. Some 10,000 others are employed across Holden’s 230-strong, privately owned, national dealer network.

Holden has assembled vehicles for domestic and export markets at the Elizabeth plant since 1963. The company says it has no plans for any further workforce reductions ahead of the October 20 closure date.

All Holden employees leaving the business have access to a suite of transition services and up to $3000 in approved training and $500 for financial advice. The company’s transition support program will continue to prepare job seekers for new careers and support those opting for retirement after the factory closes.

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