Construction had got underway on a new bus manufacturing facility that will help deliver 128 electric buses as part of the Transport for NSW Zero Emissions Bus program.
The new 6,000 square metre facility in Nowra is being built by Foton, which was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Sydney, and will makes a range of zero-emission commercial vehicles for the Australian market, including battery-electric trucks and buses.
Once completed later this year, the new facility will allow Foton to employ up to 127 workers, up from the 19 currently working at their current temporary facility. The first phase of construction will deliver a new manufacturing shed, while the second and third phases will see the construction of a pre-delivery shed and an office space in 2027.
“After watching so many transport manufacturing jobs go offshore under the former government, it’s great to see Nowra benefiting from the increase in local manufacturing,” said transport minister John Graham.
“The Liberals have been criticising this facility at every opportunity. That is an attack on local jobs and reminds voters that Liberals love sending manufacturing jobs overseas.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.