Walkinshaw expands automotive manufacturing to new site

Work has officially begun on a new larger home of the Walkinshaw Automotive Group with a sod turn ceremony, celebrating the construction commencement in the Nexus Dandenong South precinct in Melbourne.

In a partnership with property group Salta, the company is constructing new manufacturing facilities on a 100,000sqm site.

To be completed in Q4 of 2025, the facility includes custom-built warehousing, office space, hardstand, and 700 on-grade carparks.

Walkinshaw, formerly known as Holden Special Vehicles, is involved in the design, engineering, development, and marketing of performance vehicles.

It provides engineering services and remanufactures vehicles from OEM’s including General Motors, Toyota, RAM, Mitsubishi and Volkswagen Australia, as well as manufacturing caravans under the New Age Caravans brand.

The company’s 1,000 staff produce more than 8,000 vehicles a year.

Walkinshaw Group Managing Director and CEO Ryan Walkinshaw said: “Today is a very significant day for the Walkinshaw Automotive Group, and our ongoing commitment to the Australian manufacturing and engineering industries long-term here in Australia.

“Since 2018, Walkinshaw Automotive Group has seen significant growth, which meant the need for us to find a new home that met all of our unique requirements, so we are delighted to partner with Salta to make this a reality.

“This site also continues our journey to carbon neutrality, which is extremely important in our eyes.”

The new facility will have solar power to match the sites utility usage.

Walkinshaw said: “This new, state-of-the-art facility ensures the Walkinshaw Automotive Group continues our expansion, and continues our ability to be industry leaders in engineering and manufacturing, all from under one roof.

“It creates a standalone hub for the business, but with separate, secure locations within to protect each customer and their programmes.

“The consolidation of our manufacturing and engineering facilities will help make us more competitive on a global scale by improving efficiencies and investing in the latest technologies.”

The company said further announcements would follow on the exact make-up of the new site, before officially moving in at the end of 2025.

Further reading:
ReNu Energy and Walkinshaw partner for hydrogen powered trucks

Picture: Walkinshaw Automotive Group