Trucks
Trucks
Having produced more than 80,000 trucks at Volvo’s Wacol plant, it’s clear that the Volvo Group is a manufacturer that has not only endured, but thrived in Australia.
It is a little-known fact that Volvo Trucks first established a production facility in 1972, building heavy duty trucks in Wacol, Brisbane, Queensland and still today manufacture FH, FM and FMX Euro 6 models for the Australian and New Zealand region. Take a leap forward to 2025, and that same Wacol facility not only remains in operation, but has expanded to become Australia’s largest vehicle manufacturing powerhouse.
Volvo Trucks recognised very early on the operating challenges that customers faced in Australia – heavier loads, greater distances, a climate ranging from the hot and dusty and Outback, to the ice and snow of the Snowy Mountains. In short, conditions that make trucks work harder than just about anywhere in the world.
Since those first days in 1972, Volvo Trucks Australian engineers have used globally proven platforms and the latest technologies to design and engineer trucks that are tailored for the unique Australian conditions. By listening closely to customers, Volvo Trucks has been able to produce trucks that are locally engineered, to suit Australian conditions along with individual customer requirements.
The brand wears the Australian Made logo with pride in part because of the jobs it supports. The Wacol plant is a significant part of Brisbane’s manufacturing base, employing over 800 people – with more than 550 people employed directly in the production process and a team of 50 dedicated engineers.
But its reach extends well beyond the production floor. To keep the trucks rolling off the assembly line, the Wacol factory supports local manufacturing, having over 100 local component suppliers. The flow-on effects can’t be underestimated – those firms then provide their own employment opportunities and support their local communities. Volvo does this without any government subsidies.
Volvo Trucks commitment is a long-term one.
Volvo’s commitment goes beyond the Wacol plant. Together with private partners, Volvo has invested and continues to invest heavily in the largest dealer and customer service network in Australia and New Zealand.
The future for Volvo Trucks in Australia is about more than plants and dealerships though, it’s about people. Technology is rapidly transforming the workplace and manufacturing is recognised as being in the ‘firing’ line. Volvo Trucks sees this as an opportunity rather than a challenge.
Volvo Trucks has come a long way in the last 5 decades, the company has demonstrated that, despite closures in car manufacturing, automotive manufacturing is alive and well in Australia – Volvo’s success has endured and will continue to do so for many years to come.
It’s in part because of this local production that Volvo Trucks have become the truck of choice for both Australian transport companies and drivers. This, coupled with class leading customer satisfaction, outstanding driver ergonomics and leading safety features makes the Volvo Truck purchase decision an easy one.
What’s more, Volvo Trucks has been awarded certification to carry the iconic ‘Australian Made’ logo. Joining the campaign means that Volvo Trucks is currently the only cab-over truck manufacturer to have been awarded the prestigious Australian Made certification.
The future for Volvo Trucks in Australia is about more than plants and dealerships though, it’s about people. Technology is rapidly transforming the workplace and manufacturing is recognised as being in the ‘firing’ line. Volvo Trucks sees this as an opportunity rather than a challenge. The company embraces a culture of, diversity and inclusion, career development, skill development opportunities, and internal staff progression to create the managers of tomorrow.
